Getting Into NIFT: The Importance of Creative Daily Sketching
Preparing for the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) examination is a rigorous process that requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and a bit of luck. While a solid foundation and consistent practice are essential, it's important to focus on the ideation and unique approaches that set you apart. Here are some insights and tips based on personal experience and observation.
Key Points to Consider
Focus on creativity
Develop strong sketching skills through practice
Stay updated with the latest trends and knowledge
Master different mediums
Importance of Creative Ideas and Common Sense
While technical skills and general knowledge are crucial, it's the ideas and your common sense that truly make a difference. As a previous PCM student who didn't have much time for sketching, I learned that it's not just about the number of drawings you make daily, but the quality and originality of your ideas.
Live Sketching for Improvement
I would highly recommend live sketching to enhance your sketching skills. Live sketching involves sketching real-life objects and scenes, which helps in developing a better understanding of proportions, perspectives, and textures. This technique aligns well with the dynamic nature of the NIFT exam, where questions can be quite diverse and unpredictable.
Previous Years' Questions in Action
One of the questions in the recent NIFT exam asked to draw the process of replacing a bulb in four boxes. This question could be approached in various logical ways, but many students failed to consider the "replace" aspect carefully. As a result, the drawings were often bewildering and even caused amusement for the examiners. This underscores the importance of paying close attention to the wording and instructions.
Another Example: Self-Representative Shape
A question that asked to think of a shape which represents oneself and give a title added another layer of creativity. While there could be 1000s of correct answers, the key was to be unique and creative. Some students resorted to simple and unoriginal drawings like red circles labeled "lovely person," which did not fully capture the essence of the question.
Basic Preparatory Steps
Here are some basic steps to follow to improve your sketching and overall preparation for the NIFT exam:
Daily Sketching
Sketch the objects you see every day: pencils, erasers, phones, televisions, etc. This practice not only helps in improving your observational skills but also in developing muscle memory.
Detailed Observations
Every year, NIFT includes questions that ask to draw a sequence of steps, such as making a paper boat or changing a bulb. Observe these processes carefully and try to draw them from different angles and perspectives.
Color Theory
Mastering color theories is another essential skill. Experiment with different color combinations and understand how colors affect the overall composition of your drawings.
Practice Human Sketches
Human sketching, although not as common, can help you improve your understanding of human anatomy and proportions.
Muscle Flexibility
If you have some free time, especially while watching TV, start practicing simple shapes like circles and infinity symbols. This will help keep your hand muscles flexible and ready for more intricate drawings.
Additional Tips
While sketching skills are important, they should not solely determine your success in the NIFT exam. Regularly going through previous years' papers and solving as many as possible is key. Additionally, staying updated with the latest trends, general knowledge, and reading fashion magazines can provide valuable insights and knowledge.
Ultimately, it's your creativity and unique approach that will distinguish you from others. So, don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to the questions presented in the exam.