AP Portfolios: What makes them different?
Keep this in your notebook for reference!
Drawing Portfolio 2-D Portfolio
Rationale: Rationale:
Demonstrating understanding of fundamental Showing purposeful decision making about
drawing concepts; a wide range of approaches using the Elements of Art and Principles of
and media, drawing from observation, work Design in an integrative way. Demonstrating
with invented or non-objective forms, use of an understanding of design principles as
light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, applied to a 2-D surface:
surface manipulation, composition, the illusion Unity/variety
of depth, and expressive mark making. The Balance/Emphasis/Contrast
work must address drawing issues even if Rhythm
incorporating digital processes. Repetition
Proportion/Scale
Figure/ground relationship
Could include: Could include:
Painting Graphic design
Printmaking Digital imaging
Drawing Photography
Mixed media Fabric design
Endless possibilities of making marks on a Fashion illustration
surface Illustration
Painting
Printmaking
Should show: Should show:
Evidence of conceptual, perceptual, Evidence of conceptual, perceptual,
expressive, and technical range; should show a expressive, and technical range; not just a
range of approaches to techniques, variety of media but combine a range of
compositions, and subject matter conceptual approaches and techniques of
organization
3-D Portfolio
Rationale:
Showing engagement with physical space and
materials. Purposeful decision making about
using the Elements of art and Principles of
Design in an integrative way. Demonstrating
an understanding of the design principles as
they relate to depth and space:
Unity/variety
Balance/Emphasis/Contrast
Rhythm
Repetition
Proportion/Scale
Occupied/ unoccupied space
Could include:
Additive, subtractive and/or fabrication
processes.
Figurative or nonfigurative sculpture
Architectural models
Metal work
Ceramics
3-D fiber arts/fashion
Jewelry and body adornment
Should show:
Evidence of conceptual, perceptual, expressive,
and technical range; should demonstrate
exploration, inventiveness, and the expressive
manipulation of form, as well as knowledge of
composition
Drawing Portfolio
Sustained Investigation
15 images; some may be second views or
details. They should be arranged to show the
development of the concentration idea.
Should be:
 a body of work that grows out of a
coherent plan of action or investigation
 unified by an underlying idea that has
visual and/or conceptual coherence
 based on your individual interest in a
particular visual idea
 focused on a process of investigation,
growth and discovery
 showing the development of a visual
language appropriate for your subject
Ideas:
 A series of expressive landscapes
based on personal experience of a
particular space
 A personal or family history shown
through still-life images
 Abstractions of mechanical objects
that explore mark-making
 Figurative works combining animal
and human subjects
 A series expressing a particular time of
day
 Interpretive self-portraiture and figure
studies that emphasize exaggeration
and distortion
 Childhood moments
 Getaways
 Self-dissection
 Becoming the job
2-D Portfolio
Sustained Investigation:
15 images; some may be second views or
details. They should be arranged to show the
development of the concentration idea.
Should be:
 a body of work that grows out of a
coherent plan of action or investigation
 unified by an underlying idea that has
visual and/or conceptual coherence
 based on your individual interest in a
particular visual idea
 focused on a process of investigation,
growth and discovery
 showing the development of a visual
language appropriate for your subject
Ideas:
 Representational interpretations that
evolve into abstraction
 Exploration of patterns and designs
found in nature
 Design and execution of pages from a
book or graphic novel
 A series of identity products (logo,
letterhead) for imaginary businesses
 Abstractions developed from cells and
other microscopic images
 Fabric design, apparel designs, or
weavings used to express particular
themes
 Interpretive portraiture or figure
studies that emphasize dramatic
composition or abstraction
 Shoes
 All the layers (interior and exterior)
3-D Portfolio
Sustained Investigation:
15 images; some may be second views or
details. They should be arranged to show the
development of the concentration idea.
Should be:
 a body of work that grows out of a
coherent plan of action or investigation
 unified by an underlying idea that has
visual and/or conceptual coherence
 based on your individual interest in a
particular visual idea
 focused on a process of investigation,
growth and discovery
 show the development of a visual
language appropriate for your subject
Ideas:
 Series of 3-dimensional works that
begin with representational
interpretations and evolve into
abstraction
 The use of multiples/modules to create
and disrupt 3-D space
 A series that explores the relationship
between interior and exterior space
 Sculptures expressing social
commentary
 Pieces expressing line and movement
 Home
 Natural forms
 “sharp” dressing
 Tools of a profession
 A series exploring cultural
intersections
 A series about ritual
Drawing Portfolio
 Abandoned homes
 The library
 Routines
 (other ideas):
Selected Works: (40% of Total Score)
5 carefully selected physical pieces of work,
no larger than 18” x 24”, or high-quality
printed reproductions of physical works that
each successfully demonstrate synthesis of
materials, processes, and ideas using drawings
skills. There is no preferred style or content.
Your mastery of drawing should be apparent in
the concept, composition and execution of the
works, whether they are simple or complex.
The craftsmanship should be extraordinary.
These pieces may come from the Sustained
Investigation but do not have to.
2-D Portfolio
 Old time objects
 Street people
 What makes up America?
 (other ideas):
Selected Works: (40% of Total Score)
5 carefully selected physical pieces of work,
no larger than 18” x 24”, or high-quality
printed reproductions of physical works that
each successfully demonstrate synthesis of
materials, processes, and ideas using drawings
skills. There is no preferred style or content.
Your mastery of 2D art and design skills
should be apparent in the concept, composition
and execution of the works, whether they are
simple or complex. The craftsmanship should
be extraordinary. These pieces may come from
the Sustained Investigation but do not have to.
3-D Portfolio
 A series giving human qualities to
common objects
 A series of personal icons
 Abstractions developed from
natural or mechanical objects
 A series of figures exploring
aspects of self
 (other ideas):
Selected Works: (40% of Total Score)
10 carefully selected digital images consisting
of two views each of 5 works that demonstrate
synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas
using engagement with physical space by
successfully applying the principles of 3-D
design. There is no preferred style or content.
Mastery of design should be apparent in the
concept, composition, and execution of the
works, whether they are simple or complex.
The craftsmanship should be impeccable.
These pieces may come from the Sustained
Investigation but do not have to.