Award-Winning AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Tutors

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Award-Winning AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Tutors

Mimi

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Martha

Certified Tutor

Martha

Current Grad Student, Global Health
Martha's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psyc...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors, Psychology

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Global Health

Duke University

BS in psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Nova

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Nova

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Nova's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I'm an undergraduate at Brown University with a planned concentration in Health and Human Biology and Visual Art. I have had extensive experience working as a summer camp counselor, teaching at a Mandarin School, working as an SAT Tutor, and tutoring Physics, Biology, and Math at a local high school...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
SAT
1530
Hasan

Certified Tutor

Hasan

B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts
Hasan's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Reading
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am a graduate of Brown University, where I earned my B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts, taking courses in a wide array of subjects ranging from contemporary American fiction to ancient Indian classics. My first teaching experience came in college when I had the privilege of creating and teachi...

Education

Brown University

B.A. in Literary Arts and Visual Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Ariela

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Ariela

Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Ariela's other Tutor Subjects
9th-12th Grade math
9th-12th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra
Calculus

I am good at test taking, is my ability to organize information. It's a skill I use both in my academic life, as well as professionally; as a stage manager, it is often my job to take in complicated and conflicting pieces of information (the blocking, a quick change in costumes, changes in a script)...

Education

University of Chicago

Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1590
Ellie

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ellie

Master of Arts, Biomedical Engineering
Ellie's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Algebra

I'm Ellie, and I am a junior at Yale University studying Biomedical Engineering (pre-med)! I have always considered myself a life-long student, and I strive to make learning exciting and empowering for everyone. On campus, I work as a graphic designer for the Center for Disease Control and Preventio...

Education

Yale University

Master of Arts, Biomedical Engineering

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
35
Rachel

Certified Tutor

Rachel

Bachelor in Arts, History, Political Science
Rachel's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am comfortable tutoring in a variety of subjects, particularly at the elementary and middle school level. I am most excited about US history, English, writing, and public speaking. I am deeply passionate about educational equity, and firmly believe that every child has a right to an excellent educ...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, History, Political Science

Test Scores
SAT
1510
ACT
34
Evan

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Evan

Current Undergrad Student, Public Policy Analysis
Evan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math
Calculus

I'm a rising senior at Duke University. At Duke, I designed my own major called "Documenting Justice: The Role of Photographic Narratives in Activism." I'm passionate about documentary photography and social movements, and my degree program gives me the wonderful opportunity to study both! Although ...

Education

Duke University

Current Undergrad Student, Public Policy Analysis

Test Scores
SAT
1430
Li

Certified Tutor

Li

Bachelor of Science, Speech and Hearing
Li's other Tutor Subjects
1st-9th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic

I'm extremely motivated to help you succeed

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science, Speech and Hearing

NYITCOM

Non Degree Doctorals, medicine

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Sophia

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sophia

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology
Sophia's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Writing and Language
SAT Math

I am a psychology major on the pre-medical track, but outside of my studies I love experimenting with coding and putting on events to introduce younger girls to STEM fields. I tutor in writing, simple coding, HTML/CSS coding languages, elementary-middle school math, and lots of other subjects since ...

Education

Wellesley College

Current Undergrad Student, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1470

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Lee

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +73 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Maryland, with degrees in physics, astronomy, and studio art. During my time at university I was a member of the Physic Education Research group, conducting studies into the best methods of math and physics pedagogy. Although I am most accomplished in physical science education, my methods are applicable to all kinds of science. I have also studied history and literature extensively as a matter of personal passion. My goals as a tutor reach beyond simply grasping the material at the level which it is presented--I aim to give students the intellectual and emotional tools to grasp underlying principles of any field, and the confidence to believe that this is something they can achieve under their own power. In my spare time, I write fiction and paint, and I love the outdoors. Hobbies: art, travel, outdoors, books, writing, reading, music, painting

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Emily

Calculus Tutor • +16 Subjects

I am a practicing painter living and working in Brooklyn. New York. In 2008 I graduated with a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, and received an MFA from New York Studio School in 2011. In 2014 I received a Fulbright Fellowship to Leipzig, Germany, where I lived and painted until earlier this year. I teach art in a college setting as well as at several art centers in the New York area, to students ranging in age and skill level, in a variety of media and techniques.

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Danielle

Middle School Math Tutor • +54 Subjects

I am a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, with a BA in English Literature, and New York University, with an MA in Arts Administration. I truly enjoy learning so much that Ive studied various subjects at over 10 additional colleges across the United States and Europe, starting in high school! Im also a student of life, attending special seminars (like Landmark and Tony Robbins) whenever I get the chance. Over the past 15 years, Ive had the pleasure of teaching in many different settings. Ive been a museum educator, a classroom teacher (teaching either math, science, English or art), an education program manager, a leadership trainer (teaching a leadership curriculum through the arts), a yoga instructor, and a tutor. Because Im so passionate about learning, its a pleasure for me to inspire my students to discover their own passions and reach their goals. In my spare time, I enjoy world traveling, reading, yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, making art and exploring South Florida. Wherever your educational path takes you, I hope you enjoy the ride! Hobbies: books, traveling, music, yoga, art, travel, reading, swimming, writing, painting

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Pia

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +39 Subjects

I am a college senior at Columbia University studying Political Science with a focus on quantitative methods (regression, applied econometrics, experimental methods). My teaching experience in the past has included SAT/ACT prep, essay revision, mathematics tutoring, and specific SAT Subject Test tutoring. Now that I've almost finished my time as a college student, I would be happy to walk other students through ways to read an academic text, study methods, and specific college coursework questions. I am a previous teacher through Americorps in their summer program for future first gen college students. I look forward to getting to know you! Hobbies: writing, music, art, books, reading

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Elise

Middle School Math Tutor • +29 Subjects

I am an expressive, dynamic teacher that likes to make learning fun! Hobbies: books, music, art, movies, reading, writing

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Hali

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am relatively new to tutoring but am enthusiastic about learning and excited to start!

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Allison

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +54 Subjects

I am a Master of Architecture candidate at Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Colgate University. While I tutor several subjects, I am very passionate about mathematics and physics because of the tangible progress which I am able to help students achieve, and I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities. I have been a mathematics and physics tutor for the last eight years and have worked with students enrolled in middle school, high school, and university courses. As a tutor I work to build my students confidence and independence. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing and playing volleyball and tennis.

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Laura

Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am committed to creating a candid, charismatic, creative, and communicative environment for all of my students and am flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of preferences and needs.

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Sara

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am currently an Honors college student majoring in pre-med psychology with a goal of going into psychiatry or clinical psychology! I have about two years of professional tutoring experience, and I am currently teaching a handful of students. Hobbies: singing, painting, baking, art, books, nature, reading, cooking, music, writing

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Andrea

10th Grade math Tutor • +160 Subjects

I am a graduate of James Madison University. I double majored in English Literature and Arabic. In college, I started tutoring students of all ages. I assisted them in various areas of study, including essay and Arabic grammar. After college, I worked at a refugee center with children of immigrants. I helped them to adjust to a new environment, while simultaneously adapting to the public school curriculum. I am also a certified ESL/TESOL teacher and have experience teaching groups of students as well as providing individual lessons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most students struggle with maintaining conceptual consistency across their 12 pieces while also demonstrating technical mastery and innovation. The portfolio requires a cohesive investigation of a personal artistic concern, but many students either play it too safe with familiar techniques or jump between unrelated ideas. A tutor can help you identify a strong unifying theme early, develop it intentionally across pieces, and ensure each work shows progression in both concept and execution—which is exactly what AP readers evaluate.

You'll need roughly 12-15 weeks to complete quality work, which means starting early and treating it like a studio practice rather than cramming. A strong approach is dedicating 8-10 hours per week to studio work, with regular check-ins to assess whether pieces are meeting the AP criteria for evidence of inquiry, making art decisions, and presenting work. Tutors experienced with AP Studio Art can help you create a realistic timeline, identify which pieces need revision, and ensure you're not just making quantity but building a cohesive, compelling body of work.

Inquiry means showing your artistic thinking process—not just the finished pieces. AP readers want to see how you explored ideas, made intentional choices, and refined your work based on investigation. This includes documenting your process through sketches, studies, written reflections, and iterations that show you're asking questions like: How can I express this concept differently? What materials work best? How do composition choices affect meaning? Tutors can guide you in selecting and presenting evidence of this thinking so it's clear and compelling in your portfolio documentation.

The AP rubric weights both equally—you need strong technical execution AND meaningful conceptual investigation. The trap many students fall into is prioritizing one over the other: either creating technically polished work without depth, or having interesting ideas but weak execution. The strongest portfolios show pieces where concept and technique work together; for example, your choice of medium, color palette, or composition directly supports your artistic investigation. A tutor can help you evaluate each piece to ensure it's strong in both dimensions and guide you on which pieces might need refinement.

Rather than trying every medium, select 2-4 that genuinely excite you and align with your artistic investigation. Whether you work primarily with drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, collage, or mixed media, what matters is that you demonstrate mastery and intentionality with your chosen materials. Many students benefit from exploring one primary medium deeply while using others strategically to support specific ideas. A tutor can help you identify which mediums best serve your concept, develop technical proficiency in them, and ensure your portfolio shows both consistency and thoughtful variation.

AP readers evaluate your work through digital images, so presentation quality matters significantly. Each piece needs clear, well-lit photography that accurately represents color and detail; poor documentation can undermine even strong work. Beyond images, your artist statement and process documentation should be concise, specific, and directly connected to each piece—explaining your choices rather than over-generalizing. Tutors can review your documentation, suggest photography improvements, and help you write statements that clearly articulate your inquiry and decision-making for each work.

Most successful portfolios include at least 2-3 pieces that were significantly revised or remade based on feedback and self-assessment. The goal isn't perfection on the first attempt—it's demonstrating that you can evaluate your work critically and improve it. Some pieces might need a complete restart if they don't align with your investigation or lack technical strength; others might just need refinement. Building revision time into your schedule (roughly 20% of your total studio hours) helps ensure your final 12 pieces represent your best thinking and execution.

The best tutors for this exam have active studio practice themselves and understand both the technical and conceptual demands of 2-D art. They should be able to give specific feedback on composition, color theory, material choices, and artistic concept—not just general encouragement. Look for someone who can help you develop a coherent artistic voice, troubleshoot technical challenges in your chosen medium, and articulate your ideas clearly in your artist statement. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have deep expertise in AP Studio Art and can guide your portfolio development from concept through final presentation.

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