AP 2-D Art and Design
Cultivate Your Visual Voice Through 2-D Design
AP 2-D Art and Design is a portfolio-based course where students develop their skills in two-dimensional mediums such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, and illustration. The course emphasizes inquiry-based art making and critical analysis of visual forms.
Academic Level
College-Level
Subject Area
Arts
Course Rigor
Advanced
Governed By
College Board
Course Overview
What You Will Learn in This Course
Students learn to create a portfolio of work demonstrating inquiry through art and design, development of materials, processes, and ideas. The course prepares students for college-level art programs by focusing on 2-D design principles such as unity, balance, and emphasis. Participants engage in a sustained investigation of a personal theme, documenting their iterative process of experimentation and revision. The curriculum requires the submission of digital images and written evidence of artistic growth and decision-making. Students master diverse mediums, including graphic design, photography, and illustration, to communicate their visual messages. By curating a final portfolio of selected works, they demonstrate high-level technical skill and creative vision. This portfolio-based assessment mirrors the professional world of design, providing an essential head start for aspiring artists and designers entering university.
Course Overview
Why Choose This AP Course
This course builds essential visual communication skills and prepares students for careers in graphic design, illustration, photography, and fine arts. In a world saturated with media, the ability to create compelling and organized 2-D compositions is a highly marketable professional talent. Students learn to move beyond the canvas to understand the principles of design that apply to digital interfaces and physical branding. The portfolio-based nature of the course encourages a professional workflow of research, experimentation, and final execution. Participants develop a unique visual voice while mastering the technical aspects of their chosen medium. This creative discipline is crucial for those applying to competitive art and design programs at the university level. The course fosters a habit of critical reflection that allows students to improve their work through iterative practice. It is the definitive starting point for a career in the visual and creative industries.
Critical Thinking
Technical Skills
Problem Solving
Academic Growth
Colaboration
Career Readiness
Prerequisites
Basic Photography/Design Knowledge
Helpful if focusing on digital art, photography, or graphic design
Recommended
Creative Motivation
Ability to work independently and manage long-term creative projects
Required
Art History Familiarity
Helpful for context but not required
Optional
Foundational Art Skills
Prior experience in drawing, 2-D design, or basic art classes
Required
Key Learning Outcomes
Build a sustained investigation based on an inquiry
Analyze how materials and processes convey meaning
Evaluate and articulate your artistic choices in writing
Prepare a professional-level art portfolio for college admissions
Develop proficiency in 2-D design principles
Master the use of elements like line, shape, and color
Confused About Exam Selection?
Chat with our experts and get personalized Exams recommendations based on your profile and choices.
Course Framework
Structure & Assessment
Sustained Investigation section requiring 15 digital images and written prompts
1
Selected Works section requiring 5 physical works demonstrating high skill
2
No traditional written exam; assessment is based entirely on the submitted portfolio
3
Emphasis on iterative practice, experimentation, and revision
4
Duration
Full academic year (150+ hours)
Scoring
Scale of 1–5 based on a holistic reading of the portfolio
Grading Basis
Portfolio assessment by college and high school art educators
Strategies for Success
Syllabus
You'll learn how artists and designers decide what to make and why and how to make it.
Unit 1
Investigate Materials, Processes, and Ideas
You'll study the processes and techniques that artists and designers use when they create work.
Unit 2
Make Art and Design
You'll explore why and how artists and designers present their work to viewers.
Unit 3
Present Art and Design
Strategies for Success
Study & Success Tips
Build a sustained investigation based on an inquiry
Tip 4
Analyze how materials and processes convey meaning
Tip 3
Master the use of elements like line, shape, and color
Tip 2
Develop proficiency in 2-D design principles
Tip 1
Prepare a professional-level art portfolio for college admissions
Tip 6
Evaluate and articulate your artistic choices in writing
Tip 5
Powered by AI
AI - Powered Tools
Smart predictions and insights for your admission journey