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CAD Course NIDJ: Master Digital Design Tools for Fashion in Textile and Apparel Design

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design

At the National Institute of Design, Assam (NIDJ), the Textile and Apparel Design Department is dedicated to offering students a hands-on learning experience, especially with digital design tools for fashion. A standout course is the CAD course NIDJ, which focuses on teaching students the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator—two of the most widely used and powerful tools in the fashion and textile industry.


Why the “CAD” Course is Important

For Textile and Apparel Design students, digital design tools for fashion are more than just a luxury—they are a necessity. Whether creating intricate print designs or exploring new ways to present ideas visually, proficiency in tools like Photoshop and Illustrator is crucial. The CAD course NIDJ provides students with a strong foundation in these essential tools, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, this course caters to all levels. It offers step-by-step guidance on various tools, commands, and techniques, empowering students to create professional-level artwork, from seamless print designs to other forms of digital art in textile and apparel design.



Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork replicated by: Khushi | Original Work : William Morris

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork replicated by: Ananya | Original Work : William Morris

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork by: Netra

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork by: Ananya

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork replicated by: Netra | Original Work : William Morris

Image of seamless print design project: "A student’s seamless print design created using Adobe Illustrator in the CAD course at NIDJ for textile and apparel design
Artwork replicated by: Manezah | Original Work : William Morris


Key Learning Areas in the “CAD” Course

The CAD course NIDJ covers a broad range of topics to ensure that students can harness the full potential of digital design tools for fashion in Textile and Apparel Design.

  • Seamless Print Design: One of the primary focuses of this course is to help students create seamless print designs, which are essential in textile design. They learn how to create repeating patterns, adjust colors, and make sure their designs are ready for production.

  • Mood Boards & Project Boards: Students are introduced to the process of creating mood boards—visual collages that help set the tone for their projects. These boards are important tools that guide their design process and help communicate their ideas to others.

  • Offset Printing Techniques: In addition to digital design skills, the course also teaches students how to incorporate their seamless prints into the final product through offset techniques. This is crucial for translating their digital designs into physical textile prints.

  • Scanning Hand-Drawn Sketches: Another valuable skill taught in this course is how to scan and digitize hand-drawn sketches. Many designers still begin with paper and pencil, and learning how to take these sketches into Photoshop or Illustrator opens up a whole new world of design possibilities.

  • Creating and Using Brushes: Students also learn how to use different brushes in Adobe software. Whether it’s creating their own custom brushes or importing new ones, this allows them to add more variety and texture to their digital artwork.

  • Cloud Integration: Since Adobe’s Creative Cloud allows designers to store their work online, students are taught how to save their designs to the cloud, making it easier for them to access and continue working from anywhere. This is especially important for students who need flexibility in their work schedules.


Cutting-Edge Tools for Future Designers

To enhance the learning experience, NIDJ provides students with top-of-the-line equipment and software for the CAD course NIDJ. Students have access to a Creative Cloud subscription, which gives them the latest versions of Adobe software essential for digital design tools for fashion. Additionally, the IT lab at NIDJ is equipped with Cintiq tablets and fully integrated, high-performance workstations, allowing students to create digital artwork with ease in Textile and Apparel Design.

These tools not only make the learning process smoother but also prepare students for the industry by exposing them to the same technology they’ll use in their future careers.


Student Creations: A Glimpse into Their Talent

The “CAD” course encourages students to experiment and create their own stunning pieces of art. One assignment that proved to be both challenging and exciting was the task of replicating a classic piece of art by the renowned designer William Morris. This exercise helped students understand the intricacies of pattern-making, color palettes, and fine details, all while developing their personal design styles.

The third-semester students in the academic year 2022-2023 produced some truly remarkable designs during this course. Their work reflects not only the skills they’ve gained but also their ability to think creatively and push the boundaries of design. Whether it’s a seamless print or a complex digital illustration, their art demonstrates the endless possibilities that digital design tools can offer.


Course Faculty: Dibyendu Nag

The CAD course NIDJ is guided by Dibyendu Nag, a faculty member and the head of the Textile and Apparel Design Department at NIDJ. With his extensive experience in design and expertise in digital design tools for fashion, Dibyendu Nag provides students with valuable insights and practical knowledge. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the industry make this course a transformative experience for aspiring designers in the textile and apparel design field.


Conclusion

The “CAD” course at NIDJ plays a vital role in shaping the future of textile and apparel design students. By teaching them how to use industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed in the digital age of design. Whether they’re working on mood boards, seamless prints, or digital art, the course provides them with a solid foundation that will help them in their academic journey and future careers.

Stay tuned to see more of the incredible work being created by NIDJ students as they continue to push the boundaries of design with their digital skills!


"CAD course NIDJ, Textile and Apparel Design, Digital design tools for fashion


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