Assessment

To assess or not to assess, that is the question.
There are quite a few activities that I do in my own high-school art class that come under the idea of experimentation. I also encourage students to come up with some of their own projects, which can be tricky when trying to assess the process and results. If the exchange of Artist Trading Cards becomes part of an assignment that needs assessment, then how can you evaluate the cards?

**Design Advice:** Some common wisdom that I've read is that because ATCs are so small, artists should limit their design elements. 1. The background - prepare this first, especially if you are planning to use collage. 2. Focal point - the most important design element, usually related to the theme. Draws the eye by being larger, brighter or darker or some other form of contract to the rest of the card. 3. Embellishments - images or objects which enhance or complement the focal point. Keep these to a minimum, perhaps two or three. Some artists like to include handwritten or collaged text, but can be any material desired.

Here are some suggested categories for a rubric or checklist: 1. Depicts **theme ** in a meaningful way 2. **Creativity ** 3. **Design ** - attention to principles and elements of art, composition 4. **Craftsmanship ** - neatness, all parts glued down, etc. 5. **All** **elements** present (name, title..)