My Science School

Doodling for a living

Graphic designing is a form of visual communication. It includes doodling, illustrations, and photography. Doodling as an art form is gaining popularity. With no defend rules, a doodle can be anything that is quirky and funny. It doesn’t need to follow any set pattern. The motive of a doodle is to send across a thought or a message to the audience. It can be social cause or narration of an incident or anything that the illustrators find interesting.

What are the job prospects?

Print, web and other media increasingly focusing on visual appeal to attract subscribers has opened up a plethora of opportunities in the field of graphic design and illustration. Editorial illustrators work or freelance for magazines or newspapers, while book illustrators design children’s adult’s books. Illustrators can also create their own comics and cartoons. Animation studios also hire illustrators and graphic designers.

Required skills

• Graphic designers or illustrators need to find an individual voice, a distinct style, which will define their work and set them apart from others.


• Excellent drawing and sketching skills are a perquisite along with a dash of creativity and humour.


• Ability to come up with interesting ideas for the graphcs, observational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

What to study?

Many colleges offer graphic design and visual design courses. Unfortunately, they don’t yet have courses concentrating solely on illustration. Students have the option of taking up either applied art or fine art and then specializing in illustration.

Where

• National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad: Bachelor and a Master of Design in Graphic Design.


• Sir JJ. Institute of Applied Art: Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Applied Art.


• Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bengaluru: Visual Communication Design specializing in illustration.


• Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath’s College of Fine Arts, Bengaluru: Bachelors, postgraduate courses and diplomas in Visual, Applied, and Graphic Art.


• Abroad:


• Leeds art University, the U.K.: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.) in Comic and Concept Art, B.A. (Hons.) Illustration, B.A. (Hons.) Visual Communication and B.A. (Hons.) in Graphic Design.


• Kingston University, London, the U.K.: B.A. (Hons.) Graphic Designs; B.A. (Hons.) Illustration Animation.


• School of Visual Arts, New York City, the U.S.: B.F.A. in Cartooning, B.F.A Illustration, M.F.A Illustration as Visual Essay.


• Rhode Island School of Design, the U.S.: B.F.A in Graphic Design and illustration.

 

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I am a teenager. My problem is that my grandma always gives false information about me to my dad, and he believe her because she is his mom, and scolds me. I want to ignore what she says, but I end up crying all night. I do well in academics, but I’m worried this might affect my studies. What do I do?

It would really hurt when someone in your family speaks about you this way. But it would be helpful if you could look at it more rationally and analyse why this happens. Find out if you are in anyway contributing to the comments gaps, etc. have an open conversation with your grandma, and see if you can look at it from her perspective. Many a time, due to lack of communication, we are misunderstood. See if you can make changes if her concerns are genuine. Also, crying may help us let out our feelings, but it may not be a solution to our problems. It would help if you speak up for yourself or seek from someone you trust. An open conversation with your father too maybe helpful. State the facts to him and stay calm. Your academics are very important and you should not lose your focus.

 

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I’m in Class IX. I had a girl friend, but broke up and now I don’t have any friends. I’m feeling sad. Help me.

You must be upset after your break-up. It is necessary to overcome your loss. Be open about your feelings to someone you trust. Do not feel bad about yourself and remember that you are not alone. Think about the good things about yourself. Take care of yourself with proper food and sleep. Divert your mind by doing things you like. Initiate efforts to talk to others and make new friends. Give yourself time to get over your loss. It is okay to cry – letting out your feelings is very important. Remember that things will change if you help yourself. Focus on your studies and do your best. If you still find it difficult to overcome your sadness meet a counsellor or a therapist to help you out.

 

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I am in Class VIII, and I love to study. My IQ is good, but these days I find subjects hand. My parents are scolding me since I’m not doing well in studies. I want to increase my percentage and my study hours from two to six every day, as it can help me ace the Boards and also improve my self-confidence. Please help me.

I appreciate your interest in studying. It’s good that you want to improve. It is not the number of hours you spend studying that matters but the quality of time spent. The way you study and how you are able to produce what you’ve learnt during examinations are very important to get good marks. Here are a few strategies for you:

• Follow a schedule: Plan you study so that you are clear on what you must complete. This schedule has to be followed regularly. Study every day.


• Stop procrastination: Do not postage studying. When you accumulate work, you might become anxious and will not be able to study well.


• Choose the right place to study: It must have no distractions. A well-lit and ventilated study place is equally important.


• Avoid distractions: More away from television, mobile phones, games etc. during study time.


• Take short breaks: A break every 45 min or one hour of study is good. When you study for a long time, you mind will lose attention and focus. Your mind also needs a break to refresh.


• Regular physical exercise: This is very important to keep you mind and body alert.


• Learning style:  Discover your dominant style of learning. Some of us are visual learners, some, auditory learners, and some, kinesthetic learners –learning through experiments and activities. Each one has a style, and if you can identify your style, you will learn better. We may have a combination of all these styles, but the dominant style helps us learn better.


• Stay healthy: A proper and balanced diet is very important, especially in your growing years.


• Stay motivated: As you move to higher classes, the work load will work load will increase. The motivation to do well and consistent hardwork will help you do better.

 

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In am very good at sports. But when I concentrate on sports, I lag behind in studies and vice-versa. I am confused. How can I balance both? Please help me.

It is nice that you’re good at both sports and studies. But you must strike a balance so that you are not overwhelmed. Take time to understand your goals and interests, and decide accordingly. Here are a few tips for effective management:

• Plan you week/months: Be aware of upcoming school activities and sport activities to help prepare yourself mentally and physically.


• Prepare a timetable: Make a list of tasks to divide time between sports and school work.


• Set priorities: You are best judge, plan for the most important work first and then for the rest. This way you will help yourself finish work according to your priority and then do the rest.


• Avoid procrastination: once you schedule your work, stick to it. When you postpone it, it becomes an overload and you will feel exhausted.


• Time management: Make maximum use of time – for instance u, use free time at school to complete work. Avoid distinctions such as social media, gaming, mobile phones, television, etc.


• Do not forget you goal:  when you have to balance sports and academics, you have to remember your purpose and go by your decisions.


• Warming signs:  Proper sleep and food are very important. Never ignore any warming signals such as sleeping during class, feeling exhausted etc. these are signs that you are getting overloaded. Make changes accordingly.


• Seek helps: Do not hesitate to approach your parents and school for help when there is need for it.

 

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Imagine a wall mounted with a vertical garden, harboring different species of plants that act as a natural air filter, counter tops made from recycled made from recycled glass; solar and wind-powered heating and cooling systems. These are the houses of the future. I the face climate change, architects are coming up with creative designs that minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings. This is known as sustainable or green architecture. Modern buildings are responsible for around 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Designing sustainable buildings helps reduce emissions, and mitigate the effects of climate change. So if you are interested in making the world a better place, sustainable architecture could be your calling.

How it works

Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of buildings and cities. This is to ensure that our actions and decisions do not have a negative impact on our beloved planet. The role of sustainable architects is to reduce the impact on environment at every stage of building. They make moderate use of materials and energy, and reduce waste. They look for greener alternatives to raw materials that harm the environment, and opt for clean energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the structures.

Required skills

** Understanding of environmental sustainability

** Knowledge of construction and building technology

** Adopting sustainable design to climate change and other environmental challenges

** Expertise in CAD (computer-aided design)

Scope

The field of sustainable building design has gained global importance in the last two decades. Most countries in the world have developed a green rating system for buildings. In some countries sustainable architecture has become mandatory. And so, sustainable architects are in demands in both public and private sectors. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) programme that certifies qualified individuals as LEED) Green associates. As a LEED Green Associate, you can find job opportunity in architecture firms, consulting services, educational services, engineering services, building, developing and general contracting across the world.

What to study?

Master of Architecture (M.Arch)-Sustainable Architecture is a pre-requisite to work in this field.

Where

India

** College of Architecture, Bhratiya Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune: One of the oldest institutes to offer a two-year M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

** School of architecture and Planning Vijayawada: Tagged as an institute of national importance by the Ministry of Human Resource Development it offers M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

** National Institute of Technology. Hamirpur, Himchal Pradesh: It is one of the few institutes in the country to offer both B.Arch as well as M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture.

Abroad

** Norwegian University of Science and technology M.Sc in sustainable Architecture

** Sheffield University, the U.K: M.Sc in sustainable Architecture Studies

** Yale School of Architecture, the U.S: a specialization in Environmental Design is available under M.Arch.

 

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One of the less-known options in the creative industry, most people might not even have heard of it. But with more and more companies realizing the power of words to breathe life into their brand an image, the field of business writing is booming.

How it works

Business writers have to make sure that the company has a recognizable voice. Business writing involves business communications and marketing communications. This involves writing newsletters, in-house magazines, company-wide memos, official emails and updating intranet sites. Business writers also have to write annual reports, and policy statements. Business writers may also work with other creative agencies to define the company’s language and train people in all the company’s offices to write in that language.

What are the job prospects?

In today’s brand-driven market, companies are starting to pay attention to their brand language. From telecom to management companies, many have in-house positions for writers. Business writers might work in a variety of areas from internal communication and corporate communication to handling social media and writing for the company newsletter.

What to study:

Only a few universities offer straightforward courses in Business Writing. That’s why, business writers usually come from backgrounds such as publishing, branding, public relations and journalism. A degree in Business Communication might also help you get started in this field.

Where

India:

• St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata and Gokhale Memorial Girls’ College, Kolkata: B.A. (Major) in Communicative English.


• Xavier’s Institute of Communication, Mumbai: Certificate Course in Creative Writing includes Business and Technical Writing.


• Symbiosis University, Pune: Postgraduate diploma in Creative Writing and Postgraduate diploma in Technical Writing for Business Management offered by Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning.

Abroad:

• Falmouth University, the U.K.: Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Writing with a module on Business and Editorial Writing.


• Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, the U.S.: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Business Communication.


• Western Michigan University College of Business, the U.S.: B.B.A. in Business Communication.

 

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CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

A camera is a device that records an image of a scene, either on photographic film or electronically as a digital photograph. Its main features are a light-proof body, a lens and a shutter. The lens gathers rays of light from the scene that the camera is pointed at and bends them so that all the rays from one point on the scene are focused to meet at the same place at the back of the camera. In this way it makes a small copy of the scene called an image. The shutter opens to allow light from the lens to reach the film or light sensors. Photographic film must be exposed to just the right amount of light in order to create a clear image on the film. The exposure is controlled by adjusting how long the shutter opens for (called the shutter speed) and the size of an opening behind the lens called the aperture.

In 1888 American inventor George Eastman introduced the first Kodak box camera. It helped to make photography a popular hobby because the films could be sent away for developing.

The forerunner of the camera was the camera obscura, used by artists, which made images with a lens, but could not record them. The earliest surviving photograph was taken by Frenchman Joseph Niepce in 1827. It was recorded on a metal plate coated with chemicals that changed very slowly where the image was light but not where it was dark. Photographic processes were soon improved by Frenchman Louis Daguerre, and Englishman William Fox Talbot. Talbot developed the negative-positive process, where the image is recorded as a negative in the camera, and is used to print positive photographs.

In a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, a mirror and a pentaprism reflect the light from the lens into the viewfinder so that the photographer sees exactly what the image on the film will be. When the shutter-release button is pressed, the mirror flips up out of the way and the shutter opens to let light reach the film.

RECORDING AN IMAGE

Photographic film consists of a plastic strip coated on one side with a layer of light-sensitive chemicals. When light from a scene is focused on to the film in a camera, the chemicals in the bright areas of the image begin to change. The brighter the light, the greater the change. The chemicals remain unchanged in the dark areas. At this stage, the image is simply a pattern of chemicals. It only becomes visible when the film is processed. Colour film contains three layers of chemicals, one to record each of the primary colours of light, which are red, green and blue.

The lmacon high-speed research camera takes photographs just one billionth of a second apart. It can reveal what happens when a bullet hits its target.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

A digital camera is a camera in which photographs are stored electronically in digital form rather than on traditional film. The lens focuses light on to a special microchip called a charge-coupled device (CCD). This divides the image into pixels, measures the brightness and colour of each one and digitizes the readings. The digitized image is stored in memory chips or on a floppy disc. The photographs are transferred to a computer, where they can be viewed on screen, edited, added to documents, used to make greetings cards, or attached to e-mails.

MOVIE CAMERAS

American inventor Thomas Edison built his kinetoscope in the late 1891 to show films shot by his kinetograph, which was one of the first movie cameras. The viewer watched the movie, which was on a continuous loop of film, through a slot in the top of the kinetoscope.

A movie film is made up of thousands of photographs called frames on a long roll of film. The frames are taken in quick succession by a movie camera (or cine-camera). A revolving shutter opens to let light hit the film, creating the image for a frame. Then it closes and the film is moved into position for the next frame. This sequence is repeated again and again to photograph 24 frames every second.

A movie projector does the reverse of a camera. It shines a bright light through the film and focuses the rays onto a screen, creating an enlarged image. It shows the frames in quick succession, which creates the illusion of movement.

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With the boom in advertising, media and fashion industry, photography, from a mere hobby, is emerging as a lucrative career choice. Travel and travel documentary photography is one of the most thrilling forms of photography. It offers a chance to travel to less-known places, meet indigenous people, and document their historical and cultural significance.

A pretty picture

 To begin with, you must pick a niche or an area of interest. However, if your interest is not commercially viable, you may have to take an other assignments to pay the bills. Most travel photographers like to strike a balance between assignments that align with their interests and those that are financially lucrative. Once your networks are in place and you ave developed a name for yourself, you may find it necessary to work on assignments that do not interest you.

What are the job prospects?

Careers in photography branch out in different directions. Travel and travel documentary photography hold a plethora of opportunities, as people are interested in travel, especially to less-explored places. This particular branch of photography is similar to photo journalism and focusses on telling stories through images.

Travel magazines, channels and photo-sharing websites recruit travel photographers on a freelance or full-time basis. Most photographers prefer to work as freelancers so that they can take or multiple assignments.

Travel photographers can also freelance for resorts and government tourism departments.

While the world has come to a halt currently because of the coronavirus pandemic, the interest in travel and photography is expected to revive after normalcy returns.

What to study?

One doesn’t need a specific degree to work as a photographer. However, many photography schools in India and abroad offer short-term courses and diplomas in different areas of photography.

Where:

• Uddan School of Photography in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata: One-year and two-year diploma programmes in Commercial Photography.


• Light and Life Academy in Udhagamandalam Tamil Nadu: Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography.


• Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication, Delhi: Foundation in Photography (two months) and PG Diploma in Professional Photography (16 months).

Abroad:

• New York Institute of Photography, the U.S.: Online courses – The Complete Course in Professional Photography, Digital Photography: Photoshop for Photographers, Marketing for Photographers, and the Video Making and Storytelling and The Fundamentals of Digital Photography.


• Goldsmiths University, the U.K.: Master of Arts (M.A.) Photography and Urban Cultures; and M.A. Photography: The Image and Electronic Arts.


• Speos International Photo School, Paris and London: Courses in Studio Photography and CGI, Sports photography, Photojournalism, and Fashion Photography.

Required skills

• Passion for photography


• Knowledge of cameras and angles


• Creativity of come up with different camera angles and photo ideas


• Excellent communication skills


• Ability to tell a story through the photos


• Patience to wait for the perfect shot


• Stamina to cope with hectic schedules, travel to remote places and long days


• Familiarity with digital editing tools


• Interpersonal and marketing skills


• Editing skills

 

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My mom and my close friend’s mom are best friends. So they keep exchanging notes on what we boys do all the time. This is annoying. My friend and I have discussed this several times, but I don’t know what to do. They also cross-examine us as if we are lying. Please help us overcome this problem.

I agree that your respective mothers’ behavior can be irritating. It would be good to have a healthy and an open discussion with both the mothers and gain their trust. Seek the help of a trusted adult who can help you out. Do not worry too much; learn to ignore this since you do not have anything to hide or fear. Discuss this with your friend and get his opinions as well; his support is very essential. With an open mind, talk to your mother to understand what her concerns are. If her concerns are genuine, make necessary amends.

 

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I have made too many friends in my school and other schools over the last two years. Now I am in Class XI, and I think it is time to slowly focus on my studies. But this big circle of friends is sometimes becoming a bane. How do I cut down on the number of friends without hurting them?

Whether a big circle of friends is a boon or a bane depends on how you draw your boundaries. Friends form an important part of our growth, and we must learn to nurture relationships. It is very important to not be carried away by others. Staying focused without hurting others’ feelings is very essential. For this, have a clear idea of your goals, values and challenges. An honest and open communication with your friends will help them also understand you without any ambiguity and expectations. Learn to be more assertive – cultivate the habit of saying “no” without being harsh.

 

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I am in Class VIII. I have problem. When I trust my friends, they cheat or hurt me. In fact, not just friends, everyone I trust hurts me. What should I do?

Trust is important in any relationships, and develops over a period of time. It is a two-way process between two individuals. Trust can be developed and felt only when you feel secure and have the space to be yourself without the other person being judgemental. Here are a few suggestions to build trust in friendships.

• Be honest: In order to gain the trust of a friend, it is necessary that he/ she feels that you are honest when you express something.


• Be reliable: Listen to other people without judging their behavior. Demonstrate that your thoughts and actions are genuine.


• Avoid rumours: Never spread rumours about the other person even for fun.


• Offer help: Lend a helping hand to the person who needs it. Sharing in an important component of trust building – when you make the other person feel that you are available to share their good and bad, you become a trustworthy person. Remember not to get exploited, though.


• Forgive: Be ready to forgive and apologise for your mistakes. Have an open discussion and make changes for a better relationship. All of us learn from mistakes.


• Respect privacy: Be mindful to respect each other’s feelings and give them their space in everything.

 

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I am in Class IX. I live with my grandparents. They are very strict, and keep doubting me. I cannot do anything independently. At school, I don’t have friends to talk about my depression. Further, though I’m the second rank holder in the class, my teachers are forcing me to score centum in the subjects, but I’m not interested in that. And, another problem is that I have a crush on a boy, and I don’t know how to handle this situation. During class hours, I find myself distracted, thinking about the boy. I am depressed. Please help me.

You are in your teens and it’s natural that you would like to have the freedom to explore the world around. Your grandparents belong to a different generation, and so it seems to be difficult for them to understand your needs as a child of this generation. In order to gain their confidence, be honest and open in your communication with them and express your feelings to them. Ask them to help you out. You could also seek the help of any trusted adult to talk to your grandparents. Although their concerns may be genuine, they may not be able to look at it from your perspective. It is very important to have friends you can share your feelings with. During adolescence, it is natural to have attractions. Do not lose focus on your goal. It is a passing phase, and you will be able to handle it much better when you talk to someone. Give yourself some time for relaxation. Take up a hobby, read healthy books, be involved in a physical activity regularly. You are academically good, so fix a goal and work towards it. Do not get carried away by external pressure. Do your best. Only if you are physically and mentally strong, can you do your best.

 

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The formidable dinosaurs from Jurassic Park and the super-sized parrots that lived on Earth millions of years ago maybe extinct today, but you can learn all about them by studying their petrified remains. By examining fossils of prehistoric plants and animals that existed on Earth, palaentologists try to trace the evolution of life on Earth. What makes their work relevant today, you ask? Well, uncovering details about the past climates and extinctions helps palaeontologists try discover patterns in climate change, and in a way, predict the future. So if you are interested in history and exploring the natural world, the field of palaeontology could be the right fit for you.

How it works?

Palaeontology is the study of fossils to trace the evolution of life on Earth. There are two major branches of palaeontology: vertebrate and invertebrate. Invertebrate palaeontology examines fossils of plants, microbes, molluscs, corals, crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and sponges. There are abundant invertebrate fossils in the world. On the other hand, the fossils of vertebrate are rare and harder to find.

Scope

Palaeontologists work with archaeological departments and geological research institutes in India and overseas. Apart from research, you can teach in universities.

Opportunities:

Here’s a list of specialisations in palaeontology:

• Microplaeontologists study microscopic fossils.


• Plaeobotanists conduct research on fossil plants, including algae and fungi.


• Palynologists study pollen and spores.


• Human palaeontologists or palaeoanthropologists focus on the fossils of prehistoric humans.


• Taphonomists study the process that creates fossils.


• Ichnologists hunt for fossil tracks, trails and footprints, such as the dinosaur tracks found in Arkansas in 2011.

What to study?

Palaeontology is an interdisciplinary field involving geology, archaeology, chemistry, biology and anthropology. Most people prefer to opt for Palaeontology after B.Sc in Geology.

Where to study?

• Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad, offers a course in palaeontoloy.


• Jadavpur University, Kolkata teaches palaeontology as part of B.Sc (Geology Honours) and M.Sc (Applied Geology).


• Hansraj college, University of Delhi: B.Sc (Hons) in Geology

Abroad:

• University of Birmingham, the U.K.: Palaeontology and Geology B.Sc (Hons)


• University of Bristol, the U.K.: B.Sc Palaeontology and Evolution.


• University of Southampton, the U.K.: Master of Research and M.Sc in Geology.


• University of London, Birkbeck: Two-year certificate course in Earth History and Palaeontology.


• University of Kansas, the U.S.: MS in Geology.

Required skills

• Willingness to conduct hard field work in remote locations.


• Extensive research


• Patience


• Deductive and analytical skills

 

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I am studying in Std XII. My problem is that I forget what I study very fast. I am totally blank when I appear for my exams and end up copying, which I hate. I study a lot, but whatever I study, I forget. I want to secure a good percentage in my exams.

You have shown courage by owning up that you resort to copying in your exams…it is heartening to see that you want to take steps to learn better and get out of it, as well as to secure a good percentage.

Rather than studying a lot (quantity), study effectively using a mix of study techniques (quality). Here’s how you can do so:

• Engage with information that you read or hear (with your senses):

• Focus to understand it clearly.


• Make it meaningful – relate it to your daily life using examples; associate it with something familiar.

• Process and store the information:

• Find patterns, such as similarities or differences.


• Group or chunk similar items together.


• Transfer information from one form to another, e.g., written to visual such as diagrams, tables, flash cards, and so on; or audio to written such as taking notes in bullet points and diagrams.


• Use funny methods such as mnemonics or your favourite movie character as a part of your study.


• Write – it helps to fix information in your mind.

• Recall the information by solving lots of papers so that you know exactly what you don’t know well.


• Practise or revise at regular intervals – not just once.

In addition, socialize, exercise, eat healthy, sleep enough and take micro breaks and naps (5 to 15 min) to break memory… and you’re good to go!

 

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