AP Art & Design is a college-level studio course built around steady progress, revision, and long-term thinking. You will create a portfolio through consistent work, not last-minute rushing. Deadlines below are pacing checkpoints to keep you on track.
Weeks 1–4 | August–Early September
Focus
Skill refresh and exploration
Artist research
Sketchbook ideas and experimentation
Choosing a direction for your Sustained Investigation
Key Milestone
Artist Statement & Theme Decided — 09/09
Weeks 5–14 | Mid-September–December
Focus
Practice, experimentation, and revision
Creating connected artworks guided by inquiry
Documenting your process
Artwork Due Dates
Artwork #1 — 09/20
Artwork #2 — 10/04
Artwork #3 — 10/18
Artwork #4 — 11/04
Artwork #5 — 11/15
Artwork #6 — 11/29
Artwork #7 — 12/07
Goal by Winter Break
A focused Sustained Investigation
Visible growth and experimentation
Weeks 15–18 | Late December–January
Focus
Strengthening ideas and visual connections
Maintaining momentum
Artwork Due Dates
Artwork #8 — 12/27 (ready after break)
Artwork #9 — 01/10 (short turnaround)
Weeks 19–24 | January–March
Focus
Improving quality
Identifying Selected Works
Refining techniques and ideas
Artwork Due Dates
Artwork #10 — 01/24
Artwork #11 — 01/31
Artwork #12 — 02/14
Artwork #13 — 02/28
Artwork #14 — 03/14
Artwork #15 — 03/20
Late March–April
Key Dates
Revision & Catch-Up — 03/23 to 04/20
Photographing & Preparing Work — 04/20 to 05/08
Focus
Final revisions
Clean documentation
AP submission readiness