The Fantastical Sandwich prompt for Art High School admissions is a tricky one — it’s designed to test just how creative you can be within a limited idea.
The prompt reads:
‘Using pencil and paper, draw a FANTASTICAL SANDWICH! Use your imagination and creativity — depict your wildest ideas of what a Fantastical Sandwich looks like to you. Consider for the drawing: What bizarre, unusual, or creative toppings does your sandwich have? Who made it? Who is it for? When creating your Fantastical Sandwich, be sure to include a background and fill the whole page. Feel free to use colored pencils if you wish. And, most importantly, have fun with it!’
So how do you tackle this imaginative challenge? Let’s dive in!
A clear concept leads to a strong final piece. Begin by brainstorming and creating small thumbnail sketches — quick, tiny drawings that help you explore different ideas. Ask yourself:
Once you have a few ideas sketched out, pick the one that excites you most — the one that sparks your imagination.
Take your chosen thumbnail and expand on it. Push your creativity! Think about:
The more thought you put into your composition, the more dynamic and interesting your drawing will be.
Even the most skilled artists rely on real-life references — it’s essential! To create your fantastical sandwich, start by observing objects around you that match your vision. Drawing from life adds depth and realism to your artwork while relying solely on photo references can make your work look flat. Bring your imagination to life with a strong foundation in what you see!
Now that you’ve transferred your refined sketch to the final paper, it’s time to clean up and enhance your drawing. Focus on the foundational principles
↓ Explore the impressive Fantastical Sandwich artworks crafted by students who got ACCEPTED into Art High School from our studio! ↓
When you think you’re done, look again! A drawing isn’t finished just because everything is filled in. Check for areas to improve:
Contrast: Make darks darker and lights lighter to add dimension.
Proportions: Are any parts slightly off? Don’t be afraid to erase and fix small sections.
Details: Add little textures — maybe sesame seeds on the bun or steam rising from the sandwich.
Remember: drawing is a process of building, refining, and adjusting. Don’t be afraid to make changes — even professionals redraw sections until they’re satisfied.
↓ Explore the impressive Fantastical Sandwich artworks crafted by students who got ACCEPTED into Art High School from our studio! ↓
By following these steps, you’re on your way to creating an incredible Fantastical Sandwich drawing! Whether you choose graphite or colored pencils is entirely up to you — go with the medium you’re most comfortable with to let your skills shine. If you opt for color, remember that it takes more time and benefits from a basic understanding of color theory to make your artwork truly stand out.
Good luck with your Fantastical Sandwich, and most importantly — have fun with it!