DESIGN PORTFOLIO GUIDE- To get accepted into an I.D. University degree

Universities/ Colleges often require you to submit a portfolio in order to be accepted into the degree. Many of you will have no idea what exactly should be in it- this guide will help. This information was originally sent to someone who asked me for help on this subject, and I thought you guys could benefit from this as well.

QUICK RENDERING TECHNIQUE - Great for vivid concept drawing

In this drawing tutorial I will show you one of the quickest and easiest ways to render your concepts. This is ideal for when you want basic renders that effectively communicate your concept ideas. It only uses two simple brushes and can all be done on one layer.

I WANT YOU TO WRITE FOR DESIGN FOR STUDENTS

When I first decided to start this site, I had one single goal. To create something that has not been done- A community where anybody can write about life as a design student. I have written articles, set up social media accounts, developed this website, tried to make the site take life. Its missing one thing. Something I can not do myself. I need to make this site a community. For designers, for students, for people who want to share their knowledge and to learn from what others have to share. I need the people who want to create and inspire creation. I need to build a community- I need you to help.

If you want to write about design, experiences at Uni / College, share photos and videos- whatever you want to share and learn. I want this site to become the place you can do that.

Email your article ideas, stories, projects and work to dazzmanfish@gmail.com OR write in the comments section OR message me through the Design for Students Google+ page.

USING LAYERS IN DIGITAL PAINTINGS - How to improve artwork with layers

The defining feature that makes digital painting superior over physical painting is layering. This article will show you how using layers will efficiently and easily improve your artwork, taking you through it step by step and layer by layer.

HOW TO DRAW - PRODUCT DESIGN STYLE - Incredible drawings using simple techniques

These steps will show you how to draw anything from scratch and in a way that looks flawless. The best part is that anybody with any drawing ability can follow these steps. This tutorial will show you how to draw in an industrial / product design style which is different and more effective than other ways I have seen. Even more advanced drawers will probably learn something. This tutorial focuses on drawing with a graphics tablet but also applies to pen and paper drawing.

MECHALAMP lighting up a room

Finally I have taken some photos of the MECHALAMP lighting up a room. The clear lamp shade directs most of the light whilst also filling the room with a unique deep blue ambiance. It offers an unprecedented lighting experience.

HOW FIREWORKS WORK - Innovations of ridiculous fireworks displays

Like a moth to a patterned explosive flame, everyone likes watching fireworks. How are they made and what crazy innovations are used to make these perfectly timed color-splosions work? DfS investigates...

TAKING PHONE ACCESSORIES TO THE EXTREME - Introducing Mobiscanner

Integrating their way into our pockets and every day lives, you may find yourself asking, "What exactly can and should we be using our mobile phones for?". This article introduces a simple yet unusual phone accessory- but is it going too far?

HARSH TRUTHS OF UNIVERSITY - why you need to learn them for yourself

What your universe looks like.

What is the circumference of the universe? How long does it take for a swarm of ants to eat a cow? All very important questions. None of which I will address in this article. I will, however, address just as important questions like 'Should I even be at university?' and 'When will I know what I want to do in life?'. The answer may not be what you want to hear.

PROTOTYPES- how to make high quality models for university

 How I make high quality prototype models for my university projects. The first and second model may look similar, but one is ridiculously easy to make and requires almost no tools (seriously).

THE MECHALAMP - a custom designed and built lamp

A one-of lamp manufactured from laser cut aluminium and cast resin.

This lamp was part of a second year industrial design university project. It is made from 4mm thick laser cut aluminium and solid clear casting resin, held together by custom machined fasteners. It is fully adjustable and operational (more in-context and lighting pictures coming soon!). Click here to see my other blog which shows the processes involved in making this lamp.

THE SECRETS TO AMAZING RENDERS- 3D CAD rendering that looks like real life.

Think of rendering like playing Jenga- one slightly wrong move and it all comes crashing down into a pile of failure. So how do you get your renders looking just the way you want them to?

HOW TO DEAL WITH MANUFACTURERS FOR YOUR PROJECTS- A vital 5 minute guide

Don't know how to? Read on to find out...

Your projects will involve dealing with manufacturers- whether the process is laser cutting metal, CNC machining, printing or anything else not manufactured within the compounds of your schools facilities. It makes sense to know how to efficiently deal with such processes.

MAKE A PROFESSIONAL INTRO VIDEO FOR YOUR SITE / YOUTUBE CHANNEL

This tutorial shows you how to use SolidWorks to create a stunning and hyper realistic video intro to accommodate and compliment your YouTube videos, website or blog. Using this tutorial, you could have any text, video length, shapes or colours you want. The possibilities are endless!

DRAWING THE BADASS KOENIGSEGG- How to draw with graphics tablet

In this graphics tablet tutorial I show you how to draw a Koenigsegg Agera. Leave a comment of what you would like to be sketched next or if you have any questions!

WORST MISTAKE MADE BY DESIGN STUDENTS- and how to correct it

One thing my teachers said when starting my first classes in product innovation is that your ideas need to be innovative. This would seem to figure, considering in is a degree in product innovation, but I believe otherwise. When learning the basics of product development and design, you should not be too innovative, and here is why.

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DESIGN SKETCHING- Basic industrial design style drawing with a graphics tablet

First edition in a series of drawing tutorials produced by DfS. This tutorial shows how to draw in a product/ industrial design style, focusing on basic geometric shapes.

THE AMAZINGLY CHEAP GRAPHICS TABLET REVIEWED- all students must read this before buying one

Money can be tight for students, so the decision to buy a $250.00 Wacom is a very hard one. But graphics tablets can be exceptionally beneficial in helping you to create some amazing work quicker and easier than what is possible with the 'ol pen and paper. Although Wacom do offer one of the best built and designed graphics tablets available, there is a mind bogglingly cheaper option...

PROJECT MANAGEMENT- reclaim your projects, reduce your all-nighters

Every student, me especially, knows the feeling of compromising the quality of their work due to running out of time. All-nighters are a common occurrence amongst designers, students and those working as a designer alike.