--- title: "1.1 Getting Started With the Basics - AP Art Study Guide" description: "Review AP Art & Design Topic 1.1, Getting Started With the Basics. Study key concepts, examples, vocabulary, and AP exam connections." canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-art-design/unit-1/started-basics-portfolio/study-guide/1oGafFZQGHX09NgnZpA8" type: "study-guide" subject: "AP Art & Design" unit: "Unit 1 – Course Overview" lastUpdated: "2026-06-09" --- # 1.1 Getting Started With the Basics - AP Art Study Guide ## Summary Review AP Art & Design Topic 1.1, Getting Started With the Basics. Study key concepts, examples, vocabulary, and AP exam connections. ## Guide ## Formulating Ideas for Making Your Art Getting started in [AP Art & Design](/ap-art-design "fv-autolink") means turning loose ideas, materials, and processes into a portfolio direction you can keep developing. Focus on generating options, testing materials, narrowing your concept, and documenting the choices that [shape](/ap-art-design/unit-2 "fv-autolink") your work. ### The Art-Making Process The process of creating art can involve various stages such as [research](/ap-art-design/unit-1 "fv-autolink"), planning, sketching, and revisions. A common technique artists use is called a **mind map**. Recall earlier, when idea-making was about quantity > quality. A mind map allows you to do exactly this, creating as many quick links between concepts in your head. [](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fartbizsuccess.com%2Fmind-mapping%2F&psig=AOvVaw14cBhkNcq9j-ZB15BIq8qd&ust=1674852546582000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCJCYzoqO5vwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE) [](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fartbizsuccess.com%2Fmind-mapping%2F&psig=AOvVaw14cBhkNcq9j-ZB15BIq8qd&ust=1674852546582000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCJCYzoqO5vwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE) It starts with a central idea and can branch out to smaller, more specific ideas. These little branch-offs could come to be individual pieces in a portfolio with enough time and consideration! When the mind map narrows and concrete concepts start to form from those loose ideas, that's when quality starts to matter! Focus more and more on the ideas that give you better inspiration, but never hesitate to add more ideas to your list. ### Materials Of course, as an artist, there are **mediums** that you explore that can shape your art-making differently. For example, a photographer may use a camera to create a bunch of different shots, which a painter has one shot to put an idea on their canvas.  It's important to keep in mind that sometimes the most unexpected materials can become the most inspiring, and by using them, artists can come up with unique and creative pieces. It's always a good idea to research what materials are best suited for the type of art you want to create and to experiment with different options to find the materials that work best for you. [Experimentation](/ap-art-design/key-terms/experimentation "fv-autolink") is art! If you draw, pick up a camera! If you're a sculptor, find some paints! Even digital art is new to most of us; finding what makes your art unique to you is important. Don't be afraid to mess up! ### Ideas Part Two There are countless ideas for making art, and new ones can come from personal experiences, observations, emotions, and anything that triggers creativity. **[Portraits](/ap-art-design/key-terms/portraits "fv-autolink")** and **landscapes** are some common starting ideas for photographers, painters, and other artists that focus on detail or **still-life** work. **Abstract art** is another form of art that has gained popularity; without a definite **subject** or goal, abstract art utilizes the imagination as well as colors and textures to evoke feeling and emotion. **Street art** like **graffiti** or **murals** are becoming much more popular among younger generations, and can even turn into an **art installation**. Art installations and galleries are fantastic places to also garner inspiration for your own art-making! Other ideas include **digital manipulation***, **collage**, and more. Finding obscure ideas like these can come from art books, research, and other art-making methods. Art practically has no limits; go explore! ***Depending on your chosen medium, the College Board has specific rules in place regarding "excess" digital manipulation for art portfolios. Make sure to consult their rules as well as with your instructor before submitting a "heavily edited" piece.** ## FAQs ### What is Getting Started With the Basics in AP Art & Design? Topic 1.1: Getting Started With the Basics in AP Art & Design focuses on In the Unit Overview, we discussed materials and processes for making art that could lead to a fruitful portfolio idea. ### Why does Getting Started With the Basics matter for the AP exam? Getting Started With the Basics can appear in AP-style questions that ask students to explain a concept, apply evidence, compare examples, or connect the topic to course themes. ### What should I know for Topic 1.1: Getting Started With the Basics? Know the main vocabulary, examples, and relationships in Unit 1 - Course Overview. The guide also reviews Formulating Ideas for Making Your Art, The Art Making Process, Materials. Then practice explaining how the topic fits into AP Art & Design. ### How should I study Getting Started With the Basics? Start with a clear definition, review examples from the guide, and answer AP-style practice questions so you can apply the topic in context. ## Structured Data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","inLanguage":"en","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-art-design/unit-1/started-basics-portfolio/study-guide/1oGafFZQGHX09NgnZpA8#what-is-getting-started-with-the-basics-in-ap-art-and-design","name":"What is Getting Started With the Basics in AP Art & Design?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Topic 1.1: Getting Started With the Basics in AP Art & Design focuses on In the Unit Overview, we discussed materials and processes for making art that could lead to a fruitful portfolio idea."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-art-design/unit-1/started-basics-portfolio/study-guide/1oGafFZQGHX09NgnZpA8#why-does-getting-started-with-the-basics-matter-for-the-ap-exam","name":"Why does Getting Started With the Basics matter for the AP exam?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Getting Started With the Basics can appear in AP-style questions that ask students to explain a concept, apply evidence, compare examples, or connect the topic to course themes."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-art-design/unit-1/started-basics-portfolio/study-guide/1oGafFZQGHX09NgnZpA8#what-should-i-know-for-topic-11-getting-started-with-the-basics","name":"What should I know for Topic 1.1: Getting Started With the Basics?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Know the main vocabulary, examples, and relationships in Unit 1 - Course Overview. The guide also reviews Formulating Ideas for Making Your Art, The Art Making Process, Materials. Then practice explaining how the topic fits into AP Art & Design."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-art-design/unit-1/started-basics-portfolio/study-guide/1oGafFZQGHX09NgnZpA8#how-should-i-study-getting-started-with-the-basics","name":"How should I study Getting Started With the Basics?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Start with a clear definition, review examples from the guide, and answer AP-style practice questions so you can apply the topic in context."}}]} ```