The Distinctions Between AP Drawing, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP 2-D Art and Design

Are you passionate about making art? If yes, you might be considering enrolling in one or more of the AP Art and Design Program's three courses. Choose the course that's perfect for you by learning about the similarities and differences between AP 2-D art and design, AP 3-D art and design, and AP drawing.

What Can I Expect from AP 2-D Art and Design?

You will hone your talents in graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, fashion illustration, and other areas in AP 2-D Art and Design. You'll turn in a portfolio at the end of the course that shows how well you can practice, explore, and modify your own work while expressing your ideas on art and design.  

What Can I Expect from AP 3-D Art and Design?

In AP 3-D Art and Design you’ll learn how to create art in different disciplines such as sculpture, architectural rendering, metal work, ceramics, and others. At the end of the course, you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of art skills using three-dimensional materials.  

What Can I Expect from AP Drawing?

In this course you’ll experiment with a variety of materials and processes as you develop your drawing skills. At the end of the course, you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates the different drawing abilities taught in the course, which include mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition.  

How Are AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing Similar?

All three AP Art and Design courses conclude when you submit a portfolio of your artwork at the end of the school year—and none of the courses end in an “exam” with multiple-choice questions or essays. Your work in your art portfolio makes up the entirety of your AP score for each of these courses. You will work with your teacher or AP coordinator to mail in your portfolio, as well as upload the digital images of your work and commentary online.  

All AP Art and Design portfolios follow a two-section structure where you will demonstrate foundational knowledge and a range of understanding of visual methods. Each section is graded on a 5-point scale and contributes to the final portfolio score.  

You'll also learn similar skills in all three courses, including:

• Investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use.
• Communicating your ideas about works of art and design.
• Practicing, experimenting, and revising as you create your own work.

How Are AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing Different?

The topics covered in the three courses vary, as do the technical skills and knowledge you’re expected to show in your final portfolio. See the table below for examples of the mediums where you’ll develop and demonstrate these abilities throughout the course and in your portfolio.

AP 2-D Art

• Graphic design
• Digital imaging
• Photography
• Collage
• Fabric design
• Weaving
• Fashion design
• Illustration
• Painting
• Printmaking

AP 3-D Art

• Figurative or nonfigurative sculpture
• Architectural models
• Metal work
• Ceramics
• Installation
• Performance
• Assemblage  
• 3-D fabric/fiber arts

AP Drawing

• Drawing (analog or digital)
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Mixed media work