Let's talk about AP ART (advice + Q&A) 

My terminology for "AP" is advance procrastination.

This dude is so talented he inspired me to start drawing

I took AP Art last year got the highest score under the new curriculum! (scores are arbitrary but my perspective might be helpful) Here is some of my advice: ~ take it with a grain of salt, this is just what I've observed from my own experience and talking to others ~ 1. *Try to make your theme unique but broad enough so that if can't think of a specific "meaning" going into creating pieces it'll be easier to connect your piece to your theme at the end.* If it is too specific you will feel stifled, if it is too broad it will be hard to make your pieces relate to one another in a series. Don't feel bad if you don't have a specific idea of what you want to create, most people find more focus in their theme as they make work!! I have a friend who got full score even though she had no idea what her theme was almost up until the last minute but it worked out for her because the subject matter she drew was cohesive and she was able to connect her pieces to an over branching theme at the end. Personally i created work under a few general umbrella terms that i was interested in and slowly found focus. 2. This is not to discourage experimentation though!! *Please experiment!!! Often times playing with new styles and mediums can reinvigorate your motivation to keep working!!* I would do mono printing or different styles of painting when i got sick of painting oil, which is my main medium. Also if you see your peers trying out a process/medium that you find really interesting you should try it as well!! Obviously don't copy other people's work but you can and should take inspiration from what they are doing!! 3. *If you feel burnt out do research on various artists / read books / watch movies to gain inspiration again!!* A lot of the work i create is inspired by media that i consume. I watched a video essay about jackson polluck and listened to a podcast from a sleep expert and that's literally what inspired my entire theme lol. This is also a great way to get out of the frustrating burn out headspace, deliberately take breaks to appreciate the beauty of the world. 4. *Don't feel bad if all of your work isn't that deep,* it's hard to make 15 masterpieces within the span of a school year. NGL i had some "filler" pieces in my portfolio that I wasn't the most proud of and that's ok! A lot of my pieces were pretty fast too (1-3 hour works), not all of your works have to be 20+ hour pieces. 6. *Try to plan ahead and have concrete goals that you set for yourself!!* If you have a hard time sticking to that try to follow the 2 day rule (or some form of that) and make sure that if you take a break from making work that it is less than a certain amount of time. For example I would tell myself that I could slack off but never for more than 3 days at a time!! That way you stop focusing so much on whether or not your work is good enough and put more focus on just producing. Try not to be too hard on yourself because you will just stress yourself out even more. 7. *It's really beneficial to make sure your pieces are cohesive with each other!!* The scores are arbitrary so don't be too hard on yourself if you don't score well, a friend of mine got a 4 (which is still good and u should still be proud if you get one!!) even though her art was incredibly deep and visually compelling. Unfortunately she did not get top score because her theme was too broad. My work wasn't as high quality or as technically strong as hers but I think I got full score just because my pieces worked really cohesively under my theme. A lot of other artists who took this course that i talked to shared the same sentiment but take this with a grain of salt since I am not collegeboard. 8. *Make friends with the people in your class* (if possible)!! It's a lot less frustrating when you have people to talk to about your work and to share your pain (lol)!! Also the feedback i received from my incredible peers would often times help me flesh out my ideas and spark inspiration. Good luck!!! THis is frikin long so thank you if you read to here LOl i hope this was helpful and feel free to DM me on IG @Hi_d_Lin if you want to talk moreee! im happy to discuss your work in particular and elaborate on any of the above :))

I want to say do not miss the opportunity to take AP art if you feel insecure!! I almost dropped the class because I was so insecure about my art and my portfolio and I ended up getting a 5! You never know what you’re gonna get so go for it! I had a blast in my AP art class with my friends and as frustrating as the deadlines were, I made it. And you can make it! They really focus on your art journey now. My themes changed as I went and I changed my theme many times while working. I didn’t do any research because my portfolio centered around my flaws so I just looked into my soul throughout the entire journey. Also, focus on different mediums! I used crayons for one of my pieces to display my childhood behavior. I used colored pencils and experimented with using paint thinner to make it more flow-y, the judges loved that. Just remember to have fun! Do not be intimidated! You may hate your art but you may get a 5!

I think you're Tom Cruise's son; you actually look like like him, especially when he was still young.😁

"how did you manage time between school and art? " *i didn't* "

Me: I’m done with men. That’s it. No more Matthew: breathes Me:....👁👄👁

I never thought Matthew would be the type to argue with his teachers :O 🤣

I graduated this year also, but my highschool didn't have AP art, and now hearing your description, even though hard, I think it would have been a good experience for me. I took Art 1 my freshman year, and 'Advanced Art' for the rest of highschool. Love your work 💙

I freaking love your personality man! You bring me so much joy all the time when I see you post! This is also a very informative video for me since I’m a freshie and I’d like to know a bit more about future art classes :o ❤️

I’ve got a Google slide to do but it can wait

Fun fact : even if u r an international student most colleges require a college board 💔

I remember taking AP Art my senior year. I only took AP art to challenge myself, and expand my experience. I didn't care about the outcome because I know a number doesn't define my art since I can always have room improve. In the long run, I did learn a lot in that class.

Ok i know this is a little random but i absolutely don't like my art teacher this year, he was so kind and gave me a lot of feedback last year and i absolutely love it. But this year he stays away from me and expects me to do amazing on everything sense he thinks i'm one of his best students, all i want from him is to give me critique on my art and for him to get to know me better as an artist and to help me grow more because i feel as if i'm not growing at all.

I am 15 yrs old artist u r really inspiring me ,i feel so fortunate that i got ur videos in recommendation - your new subscriber from india

Already hyped for this video! Can't wait Matt

Im so happy i found him, hes making me look at art in an entire different perspective, and i'm so thankful.

You are such an inspiration, not only as an artist but as person too! :)🧡

This is probably the most helpful ap art tips I've heard so far man, thank you!

You are such an inspiration! Keep shining✨✨

I've been waiting for this. So proud of you!!

I’ve been subbed for a month and I’m in love with your style 💛💛💛💛

This is great..... You are very on point and genuine.... It's awesome to watch your videos every time

Yes I’ve been wanting this video for so long!! Thank you Matt for inspiring me so much!! You’re such a great artist and you’re such a sweet soul!! Keep up the amazing work!! God bless❤️

im taking ap art this year and I know I’ll be coming back to this video throughout the year bc it was so informative and comforting, thanks for this matt!

love seeing the progress of this piece, your style is beautiful and groovy !!

Your videos are so inspiring! This video will hopefully help me since I'm taking AP this year.

love your channel! you’ve inspired me to post my own art content here instead of just instagram!

Dude.. Watching your videos gives me joy and comfort... And thank you being an inspiration.... 💙

The first video after I subscribed.... You are such a great inspiration❤️❤️

Love watching new videos from you! You've got the charisma and the knowledge to be a great teacher. I'm not sure what your artistic goals are long term, but you're going places.

Your videos are always so warm and cozy ❤️❤️

Matt, you inspire me so much!! Love the videos so much. Subscribed for life!

Been waiting for this since you uploaded the poll on your story!!🤩

I'm a junior and doing AP 2D studio art this year, and this video helped so much, thanks Matt!!

woah dude GOING OFF on these regular uploads!!!!! 🙌🙌 let's gooooo! we love to see it

Love your art and you so much!! I love that you can relate to a lot of us as artists/students. ❤❤🙇🏽‍♀️

The piece is coming well together ^^ it looks so beautiful

So many people are here already but I am loving these colors

Your videos literally make my day ❤️

I love you videos so much!! And I’m actually early crazyyyy

you literally inspire meee i seriously love your art sm

the painting looks amazing so far!!! i’m gonna try out oils for the first time over this weekend 🥺

YOOOO IM REAL EARLY. Nice hoodie my man

I took AP art in high school ( feels like forever ago haha ) I wish this video was around when I was taking the class! Your art is amazing, as someone who went to college for art ( not an art school , a liberal arts school with a good art program ) I can see you thriving in that environment! Excited to see what else you create!

The level of chill in this video is astronomical

This is perfect timing! I’m doing Ap art this year in my final year of high school. (Low key stressing about it) At least it’s only 15 pieces this year.

you're such an inspiration!! i want to take ap art in the next few years but i'm not sure.. either way, thank you for this video! it definitely helped

love the painting progress!

A much needed video for an AP Art student in senior year tbh (and the college board sucks 😬)

I’m taking AP art this year so this was very helpful. Also, the painting looks great so far! 👍

Thank you for being such an inspiration, love you❤

My truly inspiration and definition of motivation

Yeah...am early now....so good...matthewww💙💙💙💙

This advice is very helpful, thank you so much Mathew !!

im taking AP Art rn and this was super nice, you offered a lot of. good insight. Thank you!

Okay so its like nine am here in the Philippines and its such a blessing to wake up with a vid that can motivate your lazy ass to move again. Thanks Matt! 💕

Just ordered a shirt the other day, so excited for it to show up! Wow I'm early lol

Man you are literally the reason I keep uploading videos on my channel😂 Thanks bro! You are so talented👏

omg not me seeing this video while working on my second piece for ap art (and struggling lol)!!! i love ur videos and hearing ur opinions and advice on what to do s very helpful!! thank u for the cool video, and thank u for the good luck wishes!!!

You’re the best Mat !! Your art and such sweet voice is just mind blowing ! Superb ! ( hope that I can meet you one day ! )

your works are DAZZLING😀You are really hitting your stride...keeep rooocccking👍

I love watching his videos, he inspires me a lot ❤️

im taking ap art rn and it’s so stressful i would only recommend taking it as your only ap class that year,,

watching you paint is so relaxing :)

I'm so excited for my shirt to arrive 😌

Your fit in this video is fireeee✨

I just started taking AP Art, I'm really happy to come across this video.

I was literally about to google AP Art and then u explained 😂 love the painting 😁✌🏿

Luv ur vids! I am taking my first year of AP Art so hopefully it goes well.

I love your vids and your artworks ♡

watching that oil painting was soooo satisfying

TYSM THIS IS THE MOST HELPFUL VID IVE WATCHED lol

Already took ap art twice as well but I'm here for the art piece! It's so satisfyingly beautiful

You would be such a great art teacher Matthew.

God that SMILES and love yo vibe and the art

yes i agree with you on everything in this video, and i especially hate that college board doesn’t give actual feedback :/ it doesn’t feel real, it feels like they look at your art for like 30 seconds, come to a conclusion, and move onto the next one. it feels real bad man

Each video gives me more inspiration and action for dreams thank you..🙏💗💗💗

Omg! I finally found somebody who took AP Art sophomore year too! Last year when I took it, I did struggle for a while with time management and coming up with concepts. This year in AP Art as a junior, I’m definitely getting better on the whole process of creating the pieces. My advice to anyone going into AP Art is to definitely experiment with different materials and takes lots of reference photos (they don’t have to be a complete composition, just some sort of inspiration for a future piece)

Honestly, that video was such a big morale boost. I'm taking my third AP Art course and I'm reaaaaaaally tempted to just drop it and have more time to do whatever sort of art I want without having to stick to a theme or dimension. This definitely made me feel more motivated to trudge through it (still tempted to drop it though 0-0).

Happy 8 week streak🥳❤️

I have trouble with deciding what media to use. Painting (acrylic) is like my go to, and I’ve been experimenting with other things, but I feel this pressure to do something different with materials for ap. None really stick though, I would kind of just like to know what media you use besides painting or if I should even stress about this? Thank you anyways for being helpful-I feel calmer after watching the video

Yo i'm taking 2d and I just needed this I feel like I never got the heads up into this ap art class. I didn't understand the terminology and me walking into my first ap art class as a junior really threw me off with art. Especially with the fact we are virtual, imma very insecure person and always ask for approval and it's hard for me, other students, and my poor teacher to help each one of us online within 1 hr. And It quickly became hard for me to get started on the new idea for my second piece and also my mom doesn't support anything art related which makes it even harder. Tbh I can't be myself at home and imma 16 year old without a job has to pay for everything art related and that also aids to the problem. Tbh idek where I'm going with this now, but I just wanted to say Matthew I really respect you making this video and giving me hope all the time to continue and consider an art career 🥺

You are a very talented artist! ♥️

I'm in ap 2D design this year and I'm so glad they changed the ap portfolio to art elements and design principles instead of storytelling/concertation. Much easier to come up with concepts and more variety.

I also fought with my high school art teacher, kinda regret it cuz he was actually a super nice guy, it's cool tho he's proud that I'm an art major at UCI now n I keep in touch w him still (:

Great help! Still extremely nervous to start though. That art price looks great!!

This is the earliest i have ever been

No feedback at all????? Yikes what kind of self-respecting art examinator operates on the basis of no feedback? That's not helpful at all :(

Confirmado estou apaixonado! You're soo good!

This video is actually really helpful! As someone who’s been in AP art twice, AP Studio Art and AP 2D Design, I figured I can give some advice that can help anyone that looks across the comments! 1) Explore your mediums! AP Studio Art for me when I took it, since it was my first time I was so nervous because I thought we had to stick to one medium and one medium only for the whole year. But honestly, your art teacher will ENCOURAGE you to explore mediums!! Find what you love, find what you don’t like, EXPLORE!! 2) Don’t be afraid to explore and use your own style! My first year in AP, I struggled because I thought what would get you a good score in AP Art was ✨realism✨, and yes while that may be good, it limits you to a certain area that you feel forced to work in(unless you like realism then go for it), and you won’t be happy. My 2nd year of AP, (I want to be a character designer for videogames), I really dove into my style which is what I draw in everyday, and strengthened my skills in digital art! 3) GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE AND POSITIVE CRITICISM!!!! Any artist appreciates positive criticism, but it is just as appreciated to give not negative, but constructive criticism. During my two years, I learned so much about my art and what I had to change and what I can grow in. Even asking for some help on what could be missing from your art can change your WHOLE perspective! Constructive criticism is such a useful tool in any form of art. And lastly 4) Do not stress yourself out and enjoy yourself with your art! I have really bad anxiety, so I do get stressed easily. But, I learn to work through it and keep enjoying myself while working on my art! If you stress yourself out, you’re not going to enjoy working on something you potentially enjoy. It’s ALWAYS okay to take breaks and to walk away from your art for a bit, however.. do not procrastinate. It will not help you by procrastinating on an art piece that will be due at the last second. It’ll stress yourself out even more. Hopefully my advice can help anyone out here! ✨🥺💜 Remember, YOU CAN DO THIS! You got this and just remember to breathe, take in the fresh air outside, and clear your creative mind to make room for that next beautiful art piece of yours! ✨ And if you ever need to talk and ask for some help, DM me on Instagram @ serenity_degree ! 💜✨🥺

hahaha my school only offers 5 AP classes and I’ve taken 3 of them 😂 I wish I had AP art I’d love to lose my soul

Just binge-watched literally your whole channel :P I feel very inspired to draw :) Meet your newest subscriber!!

I have no plans of taking an art class of any kind but ✨Matthew✨

Just three cheers for Matthew Sorgie... Hip hip...hurray! Hip hip....hurray! Hip hip...??

All good tips for AP Art.. :)

Such a fan here 👽👊✨

im getting my masters in Fine Art and honestly these tips are great for grad school as well!!

What brand of paint is that? it looks so smooth!!

I struggle with it because I’ve only ever made art for fun, for enjoyment, and having to kinda make it into a topic or make something I just did because I thought it was cool into something that suddenly has meaning, it’s so hard.