tart with the Basics.

Basics of Drawing, Anatomy, Coloring, Color theory

Learn how to use oil pastels, or pencil colors. If you are good at painting then it would be
great but would not help you with the 2nd phase-Studio tests. Basic colors would be great.
Develop a strong and spontaneous hand in drawing stuff. You can build up caricaturedrawing skills or the realistic anatomical drawing skills.
Ive tried to clear NID twice and failed(UG). The first try was a failure because I did not
know how to prepare.
In my second try, I cleared the DAT(phase 1) and did really well in the Phase 2 studio tests
but couldn't clear it as I missed the 1st merit list by a few ranks and now am waiting for the
2nd merit list.
What I did was, developed my drawing skills by practicing drawing things, everyday.
Practice drawing every single thing around you or find reference pictures and draw them,
FAST.
For the DAT, entranceWork on your General Knowledge and learn about the history of fine arts in India as well as
that of Europe etc.
If you want to be an artist/designer in future, then your knowledge of your field will always
help you, in thinking, in working, and what not.
The DAT pattern changed and became more like that of other competitive exams from this
year onwards while the drawing part was still included and in all got a lot easier. Practice
solving MCQs, writing short comic-strip-like stories and look up a load of posters on goolge
images.
Again, do not get nervous as you might waste a lot of time. Dont look at the kids and their
work, on your sides.
(If you clear the Phase-1)
1). Develop a strong and spontaneous hand in drawing stuff. You can build up caricaturedrawing skills or the realistic anatomical drawing skills.
2). Try to learn how to prepare models out of daily use stuff and useless things like drinking
straws, tennis balls, tape, u-pins, thermacol etc. (AND learn to do it fast)

3). Watch movies and observe the acting, direction, cinematography, the background music
and the theme. Try to not lose yourself into the movies little, funny or entertaining elements.
Instead discover every single aspect of it and become a critic. THIS WILL HELP YOU IN
THE LAST TEST OF PHASE TWO tests.
4). For the portfolio, have works of all kinds. A few paintings, Sketches, Portraits,
Photographs clicked by you and anything else will do great as well. Get a decent Portfolio
folder as well and avoid the plastic file as it looks unappealing. Your portfolio doesnt have to
be too thick but definitely not too thin for sure. People have even used laptops to display their
work so you can be as creative as poossible.
Lastly, do not flinch, get nervous or feel inferior when you look at other kids as they might
have a better portfolio(in an artistic way) or may be looking much more beautiful than you as
it does not make them superior.
I typed this much so that you do not have to enroll yourself into a coaching and waste money.
Their notes are helpful to those who desperately need to learn the basics or are beginners or
want to be fooled. The internet shall be of great help. Prepare yourself as if you are appearing
for an arts institute in some foreign country. Raise your level high enough and do not rely on
NID totally as the Reservation of seats might turn the story around for you. Apply for some
other institutes like MITid, Srishti, Pearl, NIFT(if youre interested), CEED(is much tougher
compared to NID DAT but its worth it), Manipal University and Symbiosis as a backup.
All the best.

Drawing made Easy by Subodh Narvekar

Sketching skills are crucial in the DAT & Studio Test. Improve them by using this wonderful
book. Even if you have never used a pencil in your life, this book will guide you to sketch
well!

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

While not absolutely essential to DAT & Studio Test. This book will really get you into the
designer groove! You will be able to think, act and feel like a designer, and your outlook to
world will change forever

INTERNET:
http://www.dcontinuum.com/content/
http://www.red-dot.de/
http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/
http://www.designsketching.com/PS.htm
http://www.ifdesign.de/index_e/
http://www.core77.com/
http://www.designboom.com/eng/
http://www.coroflot.com/
http://www.productdesignforums.com/
http://www.pilipili.be/
http://www.creax.com/
http://www.dsource.in/course/index.php (thanks to debarati rakshit)

DRAWING
http://www.designertechniques.com/
http://forums.cgsociety.org/
http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/home/home.aspx/
http://www.sijun.com/dhabih/mainscreen.html/
http://www.goodbrush.com/
http://www.johnwallin.net/site/main.html/
http://www.drawthrough.com/index.php/

http://perso.orange.fr/arth/
http://www.barontieri.com/
http://www.vyle-art.com/
http://www.goodbrush.com/
http://archive.cardesignnews.com/studio/tutorials/index.php/
http://www.productdesignforums.com/
http://www.toyfon.com/
http://www.mikedesign.se/
http://www.sydmead.com/v/01/splash/
http://www.artbyfeng.com/
http://www.ryanchurch.com/
http://www.danielforsgren.com/
http://www.danielsimon.net/