Must have Stationery and Tools for Design Students

There is a certain set of stationery and tools that every design student must have. These items are essential whether you are preparing for exams like NIFT, NID or UCEED or studying in any design college. Let's read in detail.

Stationery and Tools for Design Students

The creativity of a design student can be seen only when he has the right stationery and tools. The correct stationery and tools not only enhance creativity but also help a design student to draw/sketch/show what he has imagined. What he has imagined can be expressed efficiently with the right stationery. Traditional drawing tools like pens, pencils, colors, etc are useful in sketching and drawing. Laptops and graphic pencils, digital pens, etc. are required to make a digital sketch. A good set of stationery and tools helps in better sketching and presentation of ideas, enhanced portfolios, improved creativity and better preparation for entrance exams.

Must-Have Stationery Items for Design Students

1. Sketchbook: This should be with every design student all the time. This is because sketch ideas can come at any time. This will help you to sketch wherever you want. Opt for good quality paper. The recommended sizes are A4 and A5. Spiral binding is the most convenient type of sketchbook. Buy a 120 GSM or above sketchbook.
2. Pencils: There are different grades of pencils that will be useful for sketching and shading, line work, etc. Recommended grades are 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B.
3. Erasers: Keep a packet of erasers. There are different types of erasers like regular erasers, kneaded erasers, and precision eraser pens. Keep them with you always.
4. Sharpers: Candidates must have 2-3 sharpeners of good quality. You can also have a craft knife in place of a sharpener.
5. Technical pens and Fineliners: These are also essential for every design student. These are important for outlining, sketching or making a clean illustration. Some of the common sizes for pens are 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm.
6. Color supplies: A design student must have color supplies for illustration and painting. He should have watercolors, pencil colors, crayons, acrylic colors, poster colors, brushes, palette, brushes of different sizes, etc.
7. Scale and Ruler: This is very important. Every student must have a 30 cm ruler/scale. It can be of plastic or metal.
8. Cutting Mat: It is a kind of mat which is useful during craft work. It basically protects your table from cut marks and sketches. It also adds aesthetics to your pictures.
9. Craft Knife: It is also known as a precision cutter. It is used in model making, paper cutting, foam cutting, mount board cutting, etc. It is a must-have tool for making models.
10. Adhesive: Every design student must have glue or adhesive for making models. It comes in a variety of forms, like glue sticks, white glue, double-sided tape, masking tape, glue guns, etc.
11. Scissors: Design students must have a sharp pair of scissors for daily work. They can also keep precision scissors for detailed cutting.
12. Measuring tape: This is also an essential item that students must keep. It is helpful in model making. It is also used in interior designing, furniture designing, product designing and exhibition designing.
13. Tracing Paper: Students should keep this handy for refining concepts. It is useful in perspective drawing, transferring sketches and practicing iterations.
14. Butter Paper: This can be kept for decoration and presentation. It is helpful in situation tests and studio tests.
15. Sticky Notes: It is useful for mood boards, planning, reminders, idea generation, etc. Keep them in different colors.
16. Clipboards: It keeps drawing and skteches at a place. It is also used to display art.
17. Notebook/Diary: It is important for taking notes, idea generation, noting down some minute details, measurements, etc. 
18. Pencil case organiser: Organisers are a must-have for every design student. It will keep all your stuff in one place. It will help you find every item at the time of the studio test.
19. Easel: It is a stand which is used by painters for sketching and painting. It is used to support and hold the art. It also helps in displaying the art. It helps artists to take breaks as the art piece remains in its position as it is.

Must-Have Digital Tools for Design Students

Check out the tools that are required for Design students later.

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