Channapatna toy-makers learn new designs from NIFT

Bengaluru: About 40 Channapatna artisans have received classes from National Institute of Fashion Technology to adopt newer models of designs for their products like roly-poly dolls, key chains, kangaroo stackers, and rattles, to compete in the modern market.
The untrained craftsmen, including 10 women attended the classes from Jan 16 to Feb 7. "We started by first understanding their skills. We worked on some 60 products in classes held over 20 days by showing them the new world of toys that are trending in the market now," said R Reshmi Munshi, project coordinator.
"For instance, we introduced them to ideas like cake platters or pastry platters, which they were unaware of. These are important things in Western culture, but when they think of Christmas, all they imagine is the tree decor. We also taught them that they don't have to make the product from scratch but can collaborate, say using terracotta or mat weaving," she said.
Ajit Kumar, NIFT alumnus and field coordinator, said: "This was an upskilling exercise. Even though some artisans in Channapatna try new designs, it does not get converted into orders mostly. Therefore, they are very hesitant to try new designs. We had to assure them that these designs will find orders as NIFT branding will also work."
The artisans, some of them uneducated, could not leverage technology despite having access to it. While everyone had smartphones, the artisans did not know how to search for a good design if they wanted to replicate one. They were taught how to search, give prompts, and use artificial intelligence to design better. There were lessons on the difference between ethnic design and contemporary designs and various aspects of storytelling.
The team was also taught the concept of safer designs and packaging. This project by Exim Bank is aimed at helping the artisans export their products. "Exporting requires documenting papers, and over the next few sessions, we hope to make them aware of the processes as well," she said.