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Portfolio Skills and Requirements

Maya King

Maya King

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP Art & Design study guide covers the portfolio, focusing on the Sustained Investigation (SI) and Selected Works sections. It details the elements and principles of design, explaining their importance in creating impactful art. Portfolio requirements, including image specifications and written statements, are outlined for both sections. Finally, it offers exam strategies, practice questions, and emphasizes the importance of synthesis.

AP Art & Design: Your Ultimate Study Guide 🎨

Hey there, future art superstar! Let's get you prepped and confident for the AP Art & Design exam. Remember, it's all about showcasing your amazing work. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. Let’s dive in!

Portfolio Overview: Your 'Test' is Your Art πŸ–ΌοΈ

Unlike traditional exams, AP Art & Design evaluates your artistic journey through a portfolioβ€”a collection of your best work. This portfolio is divided into two crucial parts:

  • Sustained Investigation (SI): A deep dive into a specific artistic question or theme. Think of it as your year-long exploration. 🧐
  • Selected Works: A showcase of your strongest individual pieces. These are your 'greatest hits'. πŸ†

Together, these form your complete AP submission. No matter your chosen medium (2D, 3D, or Drawing), the principles of design are your secret weapons for creating cohesive and impactful art.

Key Concept

Remember, both the Sustained Investigation and Selected Works sections are equally important. Don't neglect either one!

Core Skills: Elements & Principles of Design πŸ› οΈ

These are the building blocks of all art. You need to demonstrate a strong understanding of these in your portfolio. According to the College Board, here are the key elements and principles:

Elements: Point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time Principles: Unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy

Elements of Design

These are the basic visual components. Think of them as the ingredients in your artistic recipe:

  • Point: A single location in space. πŸ“
  • Line: A path connecting two points. 〰️
  • Shape: A two-dimensional enclosed area. ⬛
  • Plane: A flat surface that can be 2D or 3D. 🟫
  • Layer: A level of depth in an image or object. πŸ“‘
  • Form: A three-dimensional object. πŸ“¦
  • Space: The area around, within, or between elements. 🌌
  • Texture: The surface quality of an object. πŸͺ¨
  • Color: The hue, saturation, and value of an object. 🌈
  • Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. πŸŒ‘
  • Opacity: The degree to which light passes through an object. 🌫️
  • Transparency: The degree to which an object allows light to pass through. ηŽ»η’ƒ
  • Time: The duration or sequence of events in a work of art. ⏳

Principles of Design

These principles ...

Question 1 of 12

πŸŽ‰ Ready to ace your AP Art & Design portfolio? Which two sections make up the core of your submission?

Process Journal & Final Artwork

Sustained Investigation & Selected Works

Critique & Artist Statement

Sketchbook & Final Project