The NIFT study material creative ability test 2 paper gives you a complete idea of the pattern of question paper.

1. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
Chapter 3- DESIGNING PATTERNS & MOTIFS
The candidate may be asked to draw objects that require him to decorate it with some ornamental
design or pattern. Prime examples of this type of questions are – Book covers, neckties, carpets and
gift wrappers, scarves.
In most cases, it’s good to show the complete three-dimensional object. That is to say, that if asked
to draw a gift wrapper, don’t just draw a plain wrapper. It would be wise to make a nice little box,
wrapped with paper and a little ribbon and card. In case of tablecloth or drapery is used, show the
natural fall off cloth. Study how the tablecloth loosely drapes over a table and imitate it.
Patterns/ Motifs are entities which may make or break your design. There is no strict rule about
what type of pattern will go well with a garment or object. But there are few points, which though
not religiously followed by designers, should be kept in mind by you at this stage.
Use patterns, which are aesthetically pleasing and appropriate. For example, a striped or geometrical
design for a considered worthwhile for a necktie or men’s trousers.
Type of pattern and their usage in order of preference
a) Florals are used more for Feminine Dresses, Table Cloth/Furnishings, Scarves/
Handkerchiefs and Ladies hat/ Jacket
b) Geometric patterns are mostly used for Furnishing / Bedspreads, T-shirts and Table mats.
c) Plain Strips look good on Men’s wear, Ladies wear & Furnishings.
d) Diagonal stripes can be had on Ladies wear, Men’s wear & Furnishing.
e) Chequered patterns look good on Table Cloths, Bed sheets, Shirts for men & Tops for
women.
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

2. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
It’s not compulsory to fill a dress or table cloth with a pattern. A plain and pattern less garment may
look more appealing if properly conceptualized and drawn.
If you are asked to design an Emperor’s robe, it would be better to used a suitable motif like that
of a lion in the garment which will enhance your design.
DISCOVER YOUR OWN CREATIVE RESOURCES
Designs are as infinite as man’s ability to imagine and dream. This has been proven since beginning of
time. Once you are aware of the design elements and principles, you are fortified with acknowledge
which will help you create beautiful compositions.
The different types of decorative designs can be classified into two groups :
Natural and Abstract.
A selection of shapes in nature can inspire infinite design ideas.
Forms which show no similarity with any natural or man made object are known as abstract forms.
These are designs born in the artists mind, and have no relationship with nature.
See Plate 1
Decorative forms of leaves, flowers, animals etc., are natural forms used as they actually are in
reality. They are transformed into decorative types and forms and are then used in design. This
procedure enhances their beauty. Remember there is every possibility of you being asked to draw
decorative forms of any of the natural objects mentioned above. Specimens showing decorative
forms of various types are given in plate 2. Practice these. Then prepare specimens of such types
independently and used them aptly in your designs. To train your hand, make rapid free hand sketches
of specimens given in plate 3. You may make minor changes in the specimens while practicing.
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

3. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
Plate - 2
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

4. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
Plate - 3 Basic Motifs
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

5. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
Plate - 4 - Practise These
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

6. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
Placement : is the arrangement of motifs on the subjects . To create good patterns, it’s necessary
to organise motifs, rhythmically and harmoniously in the given external shape of the object. Balance,
proportion, order of motifs, radiation and rhythm are fundamental principles of design which need
to be applied.
There can be various ways of arranging the motifs. Some of them are as given below:
Central Border
Radiating Corner
RandomTwo way
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools

7. © copyright www.afdindia.com
Academy of Fashion & Design Shastri Road, Kottayam-686001
CreativeAbility II
EXERCISE DS 2-3
1. Design a hand fan for a movie star. The outer shape of the fan should not be less than
20cm in height or width. Decorate it with geometric designs.
2. Design a handbag for a teenager, using decorative forms of a butterfly.
3. Create a recognizable form using only geometric shapes. Use it as a design for a child’s
bed cover.
4. Design a scarf using following motifs
i. Fish
ii. Flower
iii. Sun
iv. Leaf
v. Peacock
Call a design school admission Expert on
+91 89712 96752
Visit www.afdindia.com for more
afdindia
.
gateway to global design schools