AP 3-D Art and Design

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About the Course

In AP 3-D Art and Design, you’ll use the skills you learn in the course, and your own ideas, to create unique works of art. Throughout the course, you’ll develop an inquiry that guides artmaking through practice, experimentation, and revision of materials, processes, and ideas while demonstrating 3-D art and design skills through sculpture, architecture, jewelry, fashion and apparel design, bookmaking, game design, interior design, fibers, and others.

Guidance for Artificial Intelligence Tools and Other Services

The use of artificial intelligence tools is prohibited at any stage of the creative process.

Skills You'll Learn

  • Investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use

  • Practicing, experimenting, and revising as you create your own work

  • Communicating your ideas about works of art and design

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College Course Equivalent

An introductory college course in 3-D art and design

Recommended Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course, but any experience creating three-dimensional art and design work, in or out of the classroom, will be helpful.

Portfolio Date

Fri, May 9, 2025

8 PM ET

AP Art and Design Portfolio Due Date

Your teacher or AP coordinator will likely set an earlier deadline, which you should follow, but you must submit all three AP Art and Design portfolio components as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by this date.

Course Content

Big Idea 1: Investigate Materials, Processes, and Ideas

You’ll learn how artists and designers decide what to make and why and how to make it.

You’ll practice:

  • Reflecting on and documenting experiences to inform your art and design work
  • Exploring materials, processes, and ideas to use in your work
  • Connecting your work to art and design traditions
  • Evaluating works of art and design

Big Idea 2: Make Art and Design

You’ll study the processes and techniques that artists and designers use when they create work.

You’ll practice:

  • Coming up with questions to guide you in creating works
  • Using practice, experimentation, and revision
  • Choosing and combining materials, processes, and ideas
  • Using the elements and principles of art and design

Big Idea 3: Present Art and Design

You’ll explore why and how artists and designers present their work to viewers.

You’ll practice:

  • Explaining how you used materials, processes, and ideas in your work
  • Describing how the work shows your skills
  • Identifying the questions that guided you in creating your work
  • Pointing out how your work shows experimentation, practice, and revision

Credit and Placement

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Course Resources

See Where AP Can Take You

AP 3-D Art and Design can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors

Career Areas 53
Majors 10