Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work in response to a variety of visual communication challenges. Design work will show a well-developed command of relevant software programs and the creative ability to generate ideas to meet the different needs of design briefs.
It applies to individuals who work as graphic designers in a wide variety of industry contexts such as design studios, commercial printing, advertising, book and magazine publishing, television or the marketing division of any business.
No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Interpret briefs for 2-D and 3-D work | 1.1 Confirm the objectives 1.2 Evaluate design brief specifications 1.3 Source and evaluate other information and considerations pertinent to design brief |
2. Collaborate and liaise with others | 2.1 Identify relevant 2.2 Collaborate with others to inform and enhance the design process 2.3 Invite critical analysis of own work by others and act on feedback |
3. Develop and present ideas for 2-D and 3-D work | 3.1 Explore a range of sources to inform ideas for work, and consider associated intellectual property implications 3.2 Evaluate ideas and options for meeting the brief using critical and creative thinking techniques 3.3 Experiment with techniques, equipment and media to develop ideas 3.4 Consider new and different approaches to format, type and visuals 3.5 Evaluate and review ideas for technical viability and suitability for communicating key messages 3.6 Produce and present visual representations of the design proposal 3.7 Produce clearly written explanatory information to support visual representation |
4. Plan and organise the production of work | 4.1 Assess specific processes, materials and technologies needed to realise technical and creative aspects of proposed designs 4.2 Determine and organise the financial, physical and other resources required to complete the project 4.3 Develop a realistic timeframe for the production of work 4.4 Assess and respond to possible project constraints and risks 4.5 Monitor the project workflow 4.6 Develop production specifications supported by comprehensive visual and written documentation of the design processes |
5. Realise 2-D and 3-D designs | 5.1 Extend skills with selected processes, materials and technologies to fulfil the objectives of the brief 5.2 Consider the elements and principles of design and manipulate format, type and visual elements to achieve desired effects 5.3 Engage in ongoing evaluation and refinement of creative and technical aspects 5.4 Apply safe work practices during the production process |
6. Finalise artwork | 6.1 Prepare artwork to technical production specifications 6.2 Create documentation to support the final artwork 6.3 Conduct final checks and proofing processes 6.4 Make necessary adjustments and confirm final artwork and documentation with others as required |
7. Evaluate own work | 7.1 Review work in progress and final work against requirements of the brief 7.2 Identify and respond to opportunities for refinement and re-thinking 7.3 Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness 7.4 Reflect on completed work to recognise own professional practice and skill development needs |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret briefs to produce a body of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) graphic design work that meets the creative and technical requirements
organise and schedule creative and technical processes, production and presentation of design work within effective timeframes
collaborate with others in design and evaluation processes
write and present explanatory information to support graphic design visuals
recognise and document professional development needs.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline typical information found in briefs for 2-D and 3-D graphic design work
explain other information that could be sourced to support understanding of design briefs
explain the elements and principles of design
explain colour management techniques and theory
discuss the application of typographic theory and practice to the development of effective design solutions
explain pre-press processes and their function in the graphic design process
summarise costing processes for graphic design work
list typical visual representations used in graphic design work and outline the techniques for incorporating and manipulating them
outline critical and creative thinking techniques and their application in graphic design practice
identify typical problems that occur during the graphic design process, and how to avoid or resolve them
describe current practice for documenting and presenting graphic design work
outline basic project management techniques, particularly in relation to work planning, time management and resource management
discuss intellectual property issues and legislation associated with graphic design practice
outline key safety requirements for production processes in graphic design work.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
design briefs and other information sources
appropriate technology and resources to produce graphic design work
opportunities for collaboration with others.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 7.4 | Uses reflection to critically evaluate work performance and consider further skill development requirements |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 6.1, 6.3, 7.1 | Interprets and evaluates information from a range of sources and determines how content may be applied in work contexts Reviews specifications and requirements for proofing purposes |
Writing | 3.7, 4.6, 6.2, 6.4 | Uses clear, specific language and industry related terminology to prepare detailed information that conveys design concept realisation, production processes and specifications |
Oral Communication | 2.2, 2.3, 3.6, 6.4 | Initiates discussions with others encouraging exchange of ideas and feedback Uses listening and questioning to confirm work meets requirements Presents detailed information to others using language, tone and pace appropriate to audience and purpose |
Numeracy | 4.2, 4.3 | Calculates project costs and production time frames |
Navigate the world of work | 3.1, 5.4 | Considers intellectual property requirements when undertaking research for work projects Adheres to safe work practice and regulatory requirements |
Interact with others | 2.2, 2.3, 3.6, 6.4 | Uses appropriate communication methods and practices to foster a collaborative approach to design processes and the presentation of final solutions to others |
Get the work done | 1.3, 2.1, 3.1-3.6, 4.1-4.6, 5.1-5.4, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 7.2, 7.3 | Develops plans that include logically sequenced tasks required to produce 2D and 3D design solutions Invests time in developing and shaping options using a combination of creative and critical thinking and exploratory practice to strengthen design solutions before making final choices Makes a range of critical decisions, taking a range of anticipated risks and identified constraints into account Checks final production process for adherence to specifications and identifies necessary adjustments Considers purpose, needs and limitations when selecting and using digital applications for a range of tasks involved in production of design work Uses evaluation and review to identify improvement opportunities |
Sectors
Visual communication – graphic design