craft cluster study material

FDDI/SLB/CRAFT CLUSTER/SEM-IV Page 1

Acknowledgement
`Asato ma sadgamaya, Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya, Mrtyormaamrtamgamaya’
`Lead me from the asat(lie) to the sat (truth), Lead me from darkness to light, Lead
me from death to immortality.’
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and
consciousness. My first acknowledgement is to her blessings. To attain excellence, it is
important that knowledge sharing shall be carried out with best possible methodology so
that quest for knowledge can be achieved. This is the biggest challenge to the human
society and to the institution in particular as they are the torch bearer for disseminating
the knowledge. Project `Saraswati‘ has been envisaged with the dream of attaining
excellence in delivery of training by employing best practices in the field of knowledge
sharing.
FDDI as an institution has been pioneer in development of ‗Swayam Siddha‘ self-paced
knowledge & skill set based learning materials for the footwear, fashion and retail
sector. This manual represents an extended and thoroughly revised version of notes on
Fashion Design which are collected from books, journals, internet, and other standard
publications.
These manual are primary source of learning and still relevant for delivery of the
training. Project Saraswati is the next logical step in the augmentation of the knowledge
domain. It focuses on standardization of learning material, training delivery, assessment
system and validation system so that knowledge reaches with same light and equal
opportunity of learning is available to all.
FDDI firmly believe that for the attainment of goal, team work is an essential part, while
preparing this manuscript there are many individuals whose names may not appear on
this page but their contribution had been immense as far as development of this
learning material is concerned. The management of FDDI acknowledges contribution of
each and every person involved in the shaping and preparation of this manual.
This entire learning material was reviewed and conformity to the requirement of the
syllabus including deliberation. The training material design guidelines and deliberation
were carried out by Fashion Design Department. FDDI is also grateful to Mr. V. B.
Parvatikar, Advisor (Technical)who has been instrumental in providing resources and
guidance in proactive manner &for providing critical inputs at the time when it was
needed the most.
FDDI also acknowledge other team members notably Mr. Ashish Kumar (Manager,
RCIP) and Mr. Sanjay Kamlay for documentation control and management activity.
FDDI hope that this document will help immensely to the students and teachers alike in
understanding of the subject in more comprehensive and objective way.
It is the reader who provides us the inputs for further improvement. The management of
FDDI welcomes all the suggestions to further improve this learning material.
Rajeev J.Lakhara

INSTRUCTION SHEET
 This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information
regarding the content specified in the index.
 This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated here.
Specifically upon the completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
- Seek clarification.
- Will help you in updating artistic technologies.
- Will gain knowledge about declining indigenous craft‘s of India.
- Support craftsman in reviving their traditional skills and provide them
knowledge about the urban market.
Guidelines:
1. Read the specific objective of this learning guide.
2. Read the detailed information given in the units.
3. Submit your project. This will form part of your training portfolio.

CONTENTS
About craft cluster……………………………………………………………………….......7
Selection of crafts & cluster…………………………………………………………….......8
Secondary research………………………………………………………………………..10
Primary research……………………………………………………………………….......12
Design process……………………………………………………………………………..12
Questionnaire……………………………………………………………………………….13
Product development………………………………………………………………………14
Photo shoot…………………………………………………………………………………15
Documentation……………………………………………………………………………...16
[This Study material is not for Sale/Commercial use. It is prepared solely for purpose of private and internal circulation
for the students of this college for their personal use only.]

ABOUT CRAFT CLUSTER
Craft cluster is a gathering or group of artisans working for particular sets of
craft/s. It may be in a society format or can be scattered in a particular area. Main
objective behind this module is to expose design professionals to the enriched &
inherent craft of India, and how to utilize those crafts in contemporary manner.
Many reputed designers have their own cluster eg- Sabyasachi Mukharjee is
working with Murshidabad and Shantiniketan craftsmen. It is beneficial for
designer as well as craftsman, Sabyasachi Mukharjee got manpower from village
and the villagers and their art got recognized across the world. So, in a broader
perspective, as a design professional we need to know very minutely ―what craft
can be used where‖? How does a cluster work? How to form a cluster, what kind
of support a cluster is getting from government etc
At commencement of fourth semester Fashion design students are supposed to
choose a topic of their choice keeping their career objectives in mind.
For example few students of fashion design are very much inspired by recycling
ideas they want to develop their career in craft or some are interested in any
particular art & craft like Chitrapatta, Madhubani.etc
So first they should decide the topic, and then make a review of literature on the
craft to understand and identify the gaps or the problem. After identifying the
same, they are supposed to prepare an abstract mentioning in short the proposed
methodology and outcome.
After getting the abstract or synopsis approved the students are supposed to visit
the cluster and start the project.

SELECTION OF CRAFTS & CLUSTER
As a fashion design aspirant/professional one has to select the craft and the cluster very
wisely. Keeping in mind our, career objectives & long term goal. The crafts of India are
diverse, rich in history and religion. The aesthetics of each state in India reflect the
influence of different empires. They are a constant source of inspiration for
contemporary designers and the subject for global exhibitions representing India.
A successful designer generally focuses on the nature and traditional crafts. Even if
they are working in different section of the world they still get inspiration from the
past/tradition and craft. We are in India where we have many precious crafts across
the country. Some of the craft and the locations where they prevail are listed below:-
Phulkari— Punjab
Chikenkari— Lucknow
Kalamkari-- Tamilnadu
Madhubani – Dharbhanga, Madhubani(Bihar)
Pochampalli--- Andhara Pradesh
Chamba Rumal— Chamba, Himachal
Bead work-- Jhabhua (MP)
Leather Batik- Bolpur, Shanti Niketan(WB)
Leharia-- Rajasthan
Bagru-- Rajasthan
Sanganeri-- Rajasthan
Jamdani—WB
Apart from these famous crafts there are many crafts flourishing in our country like
Brass work, Sikki art, Mochi Bharat, Kachho Bharat, Kashmiri Print, Maheswari
Saree etc.In this module students (make group of 6 students and assign them one
craft) are supposed to select craft/s and find the cluster/society who are working
on that craft. Communicate with them and get approval to work with them for 15
days. Format for communication is given below:-

Dear Mr./Ms…………..,
The Director/Registrar/Secretary
……………………………….
………………………………
Footwear Design & Development Institute popularly known as FDDI is rated among the
premier Design and Management Institutions in the world. FDDI was set up by the
Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in the year 1986 with an objective to
provide human resource and technical services to the industry.
In order to revive, preserve and support declining indigenous knowledge, resources and
skills of the craft FDDI included education of traditional crafts in their course curriculum.
In their 4rd
Semester Fashion Design the students are expected to undergo a Craft
training of their choice.
Traditionally, crafts were produced and managed by the craftsmen themselves.
However, ―Globalization‖ demands innovative products, materials, and processes with
new standards of quality and creativity. For this the students first need to understand
and learn the craft for its preservation and then further enhancement.
During the craft documentation students are expected to travel and stay in the area of
the craft cluster and work along with the artisans to learn the craft. Students will work
with artisans cordially and give them new ideas and design solution. They are expected
to make a collection of products/garments.
The duration of the craft training is Two weeks.
The details of what is required of the students during this project are given as an
attachment.
It would be a great pleasure and opportunity for our students if they get a chance to
work at your premises along with your craftsmen.
We look forward to your support in this project of Craft Documentation.
Thanks & Regards
……………………………………………
HOD Fashion Design,
FDDI {Respective Center}

SECONDARY RESEARCH
After selection of the craft and approval from the cluster authority students are
required to do a detail research of that particular craft. Secondary data means
information gathered from internet, book, and journal etc.
Research content should be focused on:-
History of the craft- When that particular craft started? Geographical location-
where is it being practiced? What are the markets for this product? What are the
traditional techniques, colors, materials, design they use? What are the limitations of
this craft.
Current scenario- Today where this particular craft is being practiced, what are the
key features attract customers to purchase this craft, if any celebrity/s is associated
to promote the cause, what are the government initiatives to revive.
Once secondary research would be completed, students are required to discuss with
the concern faculty for further development. Before leaving the campus students are
supposed to sign an undertaking letter, format of which is given in next page.

UNDERTAKING
Craft cluster documentation has been arranged as a part of my course curriculum on my
request. FDDI would not be responsible for my boarding, lodging & travelling etc. I will
be responsible for my safety and security and would take adequate precautions.
I also state that my parents have granted me permission for the same.
I confirm acceptance of the above.
Thanking you,
Signature
Student Name …………..
Course – B. Des. Fashion Design.
Batch –

PRIMARY RESEARCH
Primary research would start soon after you (student) will reach the location. It
includes interviews with different person of organization or artisans, market
person/buyer. It is a kind of first hand information collected from different
resources. After having a look on the existing product/garment and
surrounding/culture it will be easy to relate the product and secondary information
to the current scenario.
Students are supposed to do a market research/survey of the product and come
out with possible means to promote the craft and improve its productivity as well
as market accessibility.
After spending 4-5 days in learning the craft techniques (keeping their mind & eyes
open) students will start working on design process.
DESIGN PROCESS
By now the students would have very fair ideas about the target customer and
market. They would have primary and secondary data in their hand. After having a
complete knowledge about all the techniques, possibilities and limitation of the
craft, it is the ideal time for them to work on the collection. Take brief from the
reporting authority of cluster; ask if they have any project and then start working
according to the brief and product range provided by the reporting authority. It may
be possible that the concerned authority will not give you any brief or project. Then
according to your primary and secondary data start working for the collection. It is
advised that students should follow design process and prepare 6-7 products or
garments for a collection (entire group).
In design process every group would have to make:-
1. Theme
2. Mood board
3. Write-up
4. Color board
5. Client board/ client profile
6. Illustration /sketch board

QUESTIONNAIRE
After selecting the range and product categories, the next step is to prepare a
questionnaire based on target customer. It will give in-depth knowledge about the
product from consumer point of view. Sample size should be approx 25-50.
Questions may include customer preferences, availability of the product, preferred
price range, suggestions etc
Once the data would be collected the next step is its Interpretation and the outcome
will be used while preparing design collection. For example suppose 75% of
customers say they would like to have Kantha saree made on silk by silk thread
(generally they use cotton thread). So keeping in mind this data one should try to
implement it in their final collection.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
After design process completion, for product development discuss with the concern
faculty as well as the cluster authority, one who will assign artisan/craftsmen. Procure
materials, maintain scrapbook, and make a folder for raw material (which can be
displayed during the presentation).
Costing– Costing break-up is necessary for each product. It should include all small
miscellaneous expense also:-
Particular Consumption Rate (Rs) Total
Fabric
Dye
Print
Hand work
Thread
Attachments
Beads
Elastic
Buttons
Stitching
Packing
Pressing
Washing
Label
Total

PHOTO SHOOT
Students are advised to take photographs at every stage of the product development.
After completion of product development the final product shoot can be done
outdoor or it can be done in campus photo studio. The main objective of the final
photoshoot is to display detailing & outlook of that product (how it will look when
someone carry it).
This photograph would be included in documentation just after the illustration board/
sketch board.

DOCUMENTATION
After completion of the craft work student is required to submit the document/report in
the following format-
Size: A4 (landscape or portrait).
Binding: Hard (Thesis)/ book binding, silver or golden text embossed on the top of the
document.
Font: Times New Roman/Arial/Verdana.
Font Size: Title: 16, Sub title:14, Body: 12
Document should contain following pages-
Title Page- Give a name to your document for example if someone is working on
Madhubani art they can name it MADHUSHA.
Certificate- Name of the student, father‘s name, duration of the training, place of visit
and work done should be mentioned in the certificate, this would be given by the
organization in their letter head (format if which is given in next page).

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
This is to certify that Mr./Ms …………. S/O (or D/O) has successfully completed
two week craft cluster training program under ………………….. (Write organization
name).
During this training period he/she learnt the technique of ………………. and visited
………………….units.
We found him/her very punctual, sincere, hard working and well behaved.
We wish him/her every success in life.
Yours faithfully
……………….
(Sign, name, designation & seal)

Next pages of the document/report are as follows:-
 Acknowledgement
 Contents
 Introduction: A brief introduction of the art/craft and objectives on which
you are working. Introduction is extremely important because it sets the
scene and the tone for the report. It is your first real opportunity to highlight
the importance and value of your work and to contextualise it, all in a well-
written, clear and interesting manner.
 Review of Literature: A literature includes the current knowledge including
substantive findings, as well as theoretical and methodological contributions
to a particular topic. Literature reviews use secondary sources, and do not
report new or original experimental work.
 Methodology: The methodology is the general research strategy that
outlines the way in which a research project is to be undertaken and,
among other things, identifies the methods to be used in it. These methods,
described in the methodology, define the means or modes of data collection
or, sometimes, how a specific result is to be calculated.
 Results and Discussions: In the discussion of your findings you have an
opportunity to develop the story you found in the data, making connections
between the results of your analysis and existing theory and research.
 Summary/Conclusion: A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main
topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem but a synthesis
of key points and, if applicable, where you recommend new areas for future
research.
 Bibliography: A bibliography is a list of the sources you used to get
information for your report. It is included at the end of your report.
 Appendices: An appendix (one item) or appendices (more than one item)
is information that is not essential to explain in your findings. However, this
information may support your analysis and validate your conclusions. The
conventions for appendices are as follows:
 each appendix must be given a number (or letter) and title;
 each appendix must be referred to by number (or letter) at the
relevant point in the text.

craft cluster study material

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