Advice to New (2004-2005) AP Art Students from Current Students
Don’t procrastinate. Don't forget your artwork at home. AND last but not least, DON'T forget to occasionally produce artwork that YOU like, not the AP board. (JM)
I think that I would tell them to stay on top of it. The work piles up if they don't. Also, to use the sheet that records all the paintings. If it is their first year, regardless of whether or not they plan to stay in it, to really work towards the portfolio and to make every piece count. It felt so good to have worked so hard and have so many pieces that I knew I put effort into to show for it. It built a really nice foundation for my body of work. It is certainly a challenge but one I found rewarding, regardless of the portfolio grade, just for myself. (MS)
I think it takes a while for it to settle in but doing a piece a week is not that bad, although newcomers will surely think so. I would tell them not to worry so much! AP art is a lot of fun! What else can I say? Oh yeah, someone should come up with designs for t-shirts and all that lovely stuff earlier on in the year because I would have really liked some. (ELS)
I would advise the AP art students entering next year to take advantage of their summer in regards to developing the direction and focus they would like to take for the year. (KG)
I recommend experimenting to see where you're comfortable. Find something you like and can stick with. I got really lucky with the nightmares [student's concentration] in this way. In the beginning, I was so clueless as to what I was going to do for my concentration. Then I tried doing the nightmares and it was something I enjoyed doing and that was over summer. I really used summer to experiment with new stuff and that really helped me. I did somewhat fall back into my old ways: comicky simple drawings, but that's just what works. It was what was comfortable and when you have to do 12 pieces for the concentration you have to find something comfortable that you can stick with, thus the importance of experimentation. Also, I recommend projects that you can work on ANYWHERE. You never know when there's going to be downtime in class, waiting for the bus, at your sister' orchestra concert, whatever. This affords time to work. This was a key factor in my nightmare work. I don't know what I would have done in Japanese if I didn' have these easy-to-carry-round projects. It's unfortunate that my schedule didn't let me do these carryable projects in conjunction with bigger ones, there just wasn't time, but maybe other people could. I'd recommend that. Also, I wish that I would have gotten the concentration done sooner before the portfolio was due. Then that whole process would have been a lot more relaxed. Not only that, but I could have done other projects as well and continued to explore, and possibly even do some of the comic work I wanted to do so bad. (CM)
I would tell them to not be afraid that and that everyone is different therefore art work is different; therefore don't think you have to reach a certain standard. (MP)
Always carry a sketchbook or journal with you. You never know when an idea will come to you and when you'll feel like writing. And having a central place for all your ideas and thoughts is really useful. And if you ever dream about art or yourself making something and you wake up and you distinctly remember what you were creating, that’s when you know you've got something really good to work off of. (CL)
My main piece of advice for students next year is to use class time. It think that people shouldn’t make excuses like I did for not working in class. It is sooo important to use class time, even if it is just for brainstorming, sketching or even just looking through magazines. In the end, working in class inspires people and keeps them working on their art, which they will need to learn how to do in this class. (ZS)
1. Try as hard as you can to complete the portfolio and turn it in.
2. Keep working on a project even if you hate it.
3. Drink Arizona Iced Tea.
4. Don't be afraid to take risks.
5. Come to class.
6. Don't start a project the night before. Inspiration rarely comes at 1 a.m.
7. Use the personal record.
8. Have a folder for all the forms and 1/1 sheets
9. Put your art in a place where you know you can find it when it's time for your 1/1.
10. Put the calendar in the clear plastic front of a 3 ring binder and highlight everything that pertains to you so that you can be responsible and turn things in on time.
11. Be honest.
12. Try at least five new things in terms of media, subject matter, etc. (AM)
Use class time well, otherwise you'll be staying up till 1 AM finishing a piece for a 1/1 or something. Also, use the project list by writing down all your projects. You'll be extremely happy you did because I didn't (both years but I did try the second year) and it is so much more difficult if you don't! (HQ)
Set aside a certain period of time at home to work on your art. Try not 'to get behind, its difficult not to procrastinate, but staying on top of your work will GREATLY benefit you, and save you TONS of stress. Keep slide film handy, always have several extra rolls, because you'll never know when you'll need to do something last minute. Having extra slide film came in VERY handy for me. Also, HAVE FUN and look for inspiration everywhere! (VW)
My advice for future students is to find a strong concentration that they are passionate about. I can't stress how much easier it is to create art when you have a focus or a drive. I think if you're fortunate enough to establish your concentration at the beginning of the year the rest will go smoothly. Also, use time wisely. I know for me it was difficult to work in class. Next year I plan on keeping my materials in school because the period is valuable. A lot can be accomplished during the period. (TK)
My advice to the 2004-05 students is to take their time; if they can't finish a piece by the critique day they should not rush to finish them, students need to worry more about improving their skills than receiving full points on projects themselves are not satisfied with, because the AP Exam will not rate your portfolio on how many pieces there are, or how perfectly they follow guidelines, but if they show talent, thought and originality. (AS)
Find a concentration before the summer ends! Even if you don't start until school, at least you will have something to keep in mind when you begin the year. Also don't waste time in class, every minute is precious. Definitely don't procrastinate on the 1/1s. Trust me, you'll regret it and the quality of your pieces will suffer (JN)
Keep track of all your pieces, don't procrastinate and seriously take advantage of class time and supplies. (VK)
Use class time - some people don't seem to finish projects all the time, but if they did work all the time in class, then maybe they would finish. Also, move around the room- sit at different tables different days because that way you see how different people work and what they're working on, rather than your normal table. (BB)
My advice for next year's students is that they should not be afraid to experiment and try new things. They should not feel pressured to stay on track to turning in a portfolio. (MR)
Really do your summer pieces. Use the summer and beginning of the year to experiment then get down to your concentration. Write down every idea you get - they'll come in handy however silly you think they are at the time. Keep track of your work. Take slides early. (EF)
Don't leave a project for the last minute. It turns out really bad! (EW)
Don't procrastinate. Explore different medium and don't worry about every piece being your best. Choose a concentration that you'll never get bored with. Explore different size canvases or paper when you're bored with a subject. KEEP A FOLDER OF INSPIRING IMAGES - it's so helpful to look in the folder if you want ideas. Put effort into your pieces because you'll probably want them for your portfolio and you'll be disappointed if they turn out poorly. Don't be afraid to copy other painters' styles- research interesting artists and try them out. (LB)