There's a long tradition of artists doing a self-portrait, would you put yours in the same tradition?
Sure. Besides, the self-portrait can be a very effective form of advertising for an illustrator, while at the same time being a piece of art. Without comparing myself to these gods, but Albrecht Duerer for example, was not really interested in portraits commercially, but made good use of his extraordinary self-portraits to advertise himself as an artist.
Every self-portrait shows only what the artist wants us to see, taking a long literal and figurative look at him/herself.
Self-portraits have been a method of self-exploration since humans first gazed at their own reflection in a pool of water generating their own reflection. As an artist, it is an opportunity to see beyond the image in the mirror and to begin to look into the soul. Whichever tools an artist chooses to manifest their images in, they are all forced to study themselves both physically and emotionally.
I guess this pencil piece reveals personal secrets and a sense of close isolation before shedding an old shell and then, breaking out of it. For me, it was and still is, deeply emotional and revealing.
Self-portraits have been used to test new techniques, make a signature mark, launch into self-study, remember the past, and as a way to release emotion.