Design entrance exams like NID, NIFT, NATA, and UCEED demand more than creativity—they test your thinking, speed, and sketching mastery. Here’s a solid list of 10 powerful sketching techniques to help you stand out:
1. Hatching
A technique that uses parallel lines to create shadow and depth. The closer the lines, the darker the effect. It’s great for quick shading during timed exams.
Best for: Cubes, folds in fabric, architectural shadows.
2. Cross-Hatching
Like hatching but with intersecting sets of lines. You can build tonal variation by adding more layers at different angles.
Best for: Metal objects, intense shadow areas, realistic texture.
3. Stippling
Shading using dots. Denser dots = darker areas. This one requires patience but gives a beautiful soft texture.
Best for: Fruits, organic shapes, skin texture.
4. Contour Drawing
Sketching the outline and surface curves without lifting your pencil. It boosts observation and flow.
Best for: Portraits, hands, any organic object.
5. Gesture Drawing
Quick, loose sketches capturing movement and posture. Perfect for human figures and animals.
Best for: Action scenes, storytelling illustrations.
6. Scribbling
Controlled chaos! This technique uses loose scribbled lines to build tone and texture fast.
Best for: Hair, bushes, fabric folds.
7. Blending/Shading
Use pencils, tissue, or blending stumps to create smooth transitions between light and dark.
Best for: Skin, spherical objects, metallic surfaces.
8. Circulism
Tiny overlapping circular strokes to render soft, realistic textures—especially in portraits.
Best for: Skin, clouds, fabric.
9. Negative Space Drawing
Focus on drawing the space around the object, not the object itself. Sharpens perception.
Best for: Composition studies, furniture, complex arrangements.
10. Thumbnail Sketching
Tiny, fast sketches to explore composition and concept quickly.
Best for: Brainstorming solutions in NID/UCEED prompts.
✍️ Final Tips for Design Entrance Success:
- Practice 1–2 techniques a day to build skill.
- Use A4 or A3 sketchbooks and good pencils (2B–6B range).
- Combine techniques (e.g., contour + stippling) for dynamic results.
- Don’t over-render in exams—clarity over complexity wins!
Want to succeed in your pursuit of a dream career? Join our effective training course for the NID Entrance Test. Call / WhatsApp: +91 9902739994