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AP Art & Design
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Unit 4 Overview: Exam Rubrics
4.1 Score Makeup
4.2 Sustained Investigation Rubric
4.3 Selected Works Rubric

🎨ap art & design review

4.3 Selected Works Rubric

Verified for the 2025 AP Art & Design exam•Citation:

Scoring Rubric for Selected Works

Since selected works will count for 40% of your overall score, make sure to select your BEST WORK.

As you read the rubric, it gives this information first:

General Scoring Note

"When applying the rubric, the response does not need to meet all three criteria for each score point. You should award the score according to the preponderance of evidence (the score the majority of the work would receive): however, if the written evidence is completely unrelated to the work, the maximum score is 2." - AP Art and Design Rubric

So, if you state that the idea shown is "exploring color theory in logo design" and your image is a photo of a sunset, clearly there is a disconnect between the visual and written evidence. The rubric states the highest score you could receive would be a 2 out of 5 possible points. Make sure you support the visual evidence with your written commentary.

How is my work scored?

The five works are graded holistically (graded as one entity). Even though there maybe inconsistent quality, the body of work is graded on the level of the majority of the work. So, if you have 2 works that might rate a 3, and 3 works that would rate a 4, the preponderance of the evidence shows that this work would be scored as a 4.

When you look at the rubric below, you look for the score point that shows you achieving the at the highest level of the majority ( preponderance of the evidence) of the work. The work can still be of uneven quality, so look at what identifies the MAJORITY OF THE WORK.

Scoring Criteria

A. 2D/3D/Drawing Art and Design Skills

This portion of the rubric deals with how well you show the Principles of Design through the skillful application of your chosen media.

The skills, directly from the AP Art and Design rubric are:

  • 2D/Draw - Use of two-dimensional elements and principles - point, link, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy.
  • 3D - Use of three-dimensional elements and principles - point, link, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy.

B. Materials, Processes, and Ideas

This score point reflects the degree to which you use materials effectively to communicate your ideas visually with the viewer. For example, if you want to create a linear sculpture with strong straight lines, you wouldn't want a soft material that could flop over or bend. Selecting the correct material to create your work is important.

Process is the way you test the materials to ensure they are able to able to do what you need for them to do so that they align with your idea. This is called synergy, where all of the parts work together to successfully create what you want.

C. Writing

This point refers to your ability to identify and briefly explain your ideas and processes. This does not need to be done in complete sentences, and spelling does not count. However, try running your work through a word processing program to double-check word count and spelling. Chop unnecessary words, and then cut and paste.

The Rubric

As you can see, the rubric aligns so that each row A score point deals with the quality of the 2D/3D/Drawing Art and Design skills. Each row B deals with materials, processes, and ideas evidence. Row C is a reflection of the quality of the writing.

Note that each score point shows a reduction (or increase, depending on if you start at the top or bottom) in how well you demonstrate what that row measures. There are qualifiers for each, so as you look at this, focus on these differences! You receive the score where you meet the MOST of the points. If you meet all three under the score point 3, but might reach 2 on the score point 4.... then you would be rated a 3. Remember... the preponderance of the evidence. 😉 👍🏽

Let's break down each score point and look at the differences between them. Keep in mind that each score point is designed to depict a RANGE of achievement within it.

Let's start with the 1 score point.

Please note here that the main words are LITTLE or NO evidence. All three rows mention unsatisfactory evidence of achievement was present for each row.

The 2 score point:

Here we see that the A, or skills, row is upgraded from LITTLE or NO to reflect RUDIMENTARY (simple or basic) skills. The other score points remain the same as the 1 score point.

The 3 score point:

At the 3 score point, there is a fundamental shift towards achievement in all three rows. Row A switches to MODERATE (adequate or average) achievement in skills. Row B states there is an evident relationship in M, P, and I, but it might be unclear or inconsistent.

Row C specifies that the writing must IDENTIFY, which means it must successfully explain what you are showing. From this point on, if your writing identifies the materials, processes, and ideas, you have demonstrated the Row C. 3 is the first score point that might qualify you for college credit.

The 4 score point:

The 4 score point increases quality in A and B. For A, visual evidence of skills moves from moderate (average) to GOOD (proficient) skills. B moves from having evident but inconsistent relationships between M, P, and I to CLEARLY EVIDENT relationships. Row C remains the same.

The 5 score point:

The 5 score point increases quality A and B again, while C remains the same. Row A moves from good to ADVANCED (highly developed) skills, an important distinction. Row B includes clear evidence and SYNTHESIS of M, P, and I: materials, processes, and ideas working together to create a cohesive whole. 

Key Terms to Review (19)

2D/3D/Drawing Art and Design Skills: 2D/3D/Drawing Art and Design Skills refer to the technical and creative abilities required to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. These skills encompass a variety of techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and digital design, allowing artists to visualize concepts and communicate ideas effectively across different mediums.
AP Art and Design Rubric: The AP Art and Design Rubric is a set of criteria used to assess students' artworks and sustained investigations, focusing on creativity, technique, and overall presentation. It is essential for evaluating both selected works and ongoing projects, providing a structured framework for feedback and improvement throughout the creative process.
Balance: Balance refers to the visual stability and equilibrium in a work of art, where elements are arranged in a way that creates a sense of harmony. This principle helps guide the viewer's eye and can be achieved through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements, affecting how the artwork communicates and feels to its audience.
Contrast: Contrast refers to the difference between elements in a work of art, which can create visual interest and emphasize certain features. By juxtaposing opposing elements such as light and dark, rough and smooth, or large and small, artists can guide viewers' attention and evoke emotional responses. This principle is crucial in various stages of artistic creation, from capturing images for submission to evaluating works against established criteria.
Emphasis: Emphasis refers to the principle of design that draws attention to a particular area or element in an artwork, making it stand out and capturing the viewer's focus. This can be achieved through various techniques such as contrast, placement, color, and size, which help to create a focal point within the composition. The use of emphasis can significantly influence how an artwork is perceived and understood by the audience.
Figure/Ground Relationship: The figure/ground relationship refers to the visual perception of an object (the figure) as distinct from its background (the ground). This relationship is essential in understanding how composition works in art, helping viewers discern shapes, forms, and spaces, thus influencing how artworks are interpreted and experienced.
Formal Analysis: Formal analysis is the process of examining the visual elements and design principles of an artwork to understand how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact. This approach emphasizes the composition, color, line, shape, texture, and other formal qualities, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the artist's choices and techniques.
Juxtaposition: Juxtaposition is the act of placing two or more contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences, create new meanings, or provoke thought. This technique is often used in visual art and design to draw attention to the relationships between disparate subjects, making the viewer reconsider their interpretations and emotional responses. It can also reflect broader themes such as conflict, harmony, or irony within a composition.
Media: In the context of art, media refers to the materials and methods used by artists to create their work. This can include a wide range of substances such as paint, clay, metal, digital tools, and even performance techniques. Understanding the media is crucial as it influences the final outcome and the viewer's experience of the artwork.
Movement: Movement refers to the way elements in a composition guide the viewer's eye through a piece of art, creating a sense of action, rhythm, or flow. It can be achieved through various design principles such as line, shape, and color, and helps convey emotion or narrative. Understanding movement is crucial for artists as it affects the viewer's experience and engagement with the artwork.
Principles of Design: Principles of Design are the fundamental guidelines that artists and designers use to organize elements in their work, creating a cohesive and effective composition. These principles include balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity, which help convey meaning and engage the viewer's eye. Understanding these principles is essential for evaluating artwork and applying them effectively in artistic practice.
Proportion: Proportion refers to the relationship in size, amount, or degree between different elements in a work of art. It plays a crucial role in creating balance and harmony within a composition, helping to establish visual hierarchy and focal points. Understanding proportion is essential for artists as it influences how viewers perceive the relationships between forms and spaces in their artwork.
Repetition: Repetition is a design principle that involves the use of similar elements throughout a work to create visual consistency and unity. By repeating colors, shapes, textures, or patterns, artists can enhance the overall harmony of their pieces, guiding the viewer's eye and creating rhythm within the composition.
Rhythm: Rhythm in art refers to the visual tempo or beat created by the repetition of elements within a composition. This can be achieved through various means, such as the use of line, shape, color, or texture, creating a sense of movement and guiding the viewer's eye throughout the artwork. Rhythm is crucial as it influences how viewers perceive the relationship between different parts of a piece and how they engage with the overall work.
Scale: Scale refers to the relative size or proportion of elements in a work of art, allowing viewers to understand the relationship between different components within the piece. This concept can affect how art is perceived, evoking emotions or creating visual impact based on the size of objects or figures in relation to one another and the surrounding space.
Synergy: Synergy refers to the concept where the combined effect of a group or collaboration is greater than the sum of its individual parts. In art and design, this can manifest in how different elements work together harmoniously, creating a more impactful experience or expression than if each component was considered separately.
Unity: Unity refers to the visual harmony of elements within an artwork, creating a cohesive and complete composition. This concept ensures that all components work together seamlessly to convey a singular message or theme, enhancing the viewer's experience and understanding of the piece. In art and design, unity can be achieved through repetition, alignment, and proximity of elements, establishing a sense of wholeness.
Variety: Variety refers to the use of different elements and principles in an artwork to create interest and complexity. It helps in avoiding monotony and can be achieved through contrasting colors, shapes, textures, or forms, contributing to the overall composition and meaning. In the context of evaluating selected works and developing a portfolio, variety plays a crucial role in showcasing an artist's range and ability to engage viewers.
Visual Hierarchy: Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of design elements in a way that signifies their importance. This concept helps guide the viewer’s eye through a composition, leading them to the most crucial information first, while supporting elements follow in a less dominant role. Effective visual hierarchy enhances readability and comprehension, making it essential in visual communication.
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