CUAILL501
Develop professional illustrations


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create illustrations using advanced compositional skills in both print and digital formats. It involves experimentation with different approaches and techniques for communication of key messages.

It applies to highly skilled illustrators who work with a high level of independence seeking mentoring and guidance as required.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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 the illustration brief

1.1 Analyse the illustration brief for key communication objectives

1.2 Develop an understanding of the broader context for the illustrative work

1.3 Discuss and develop shared understanding of illustration requirements with relevant people

2. Generate and assess ideas for illustrations

2.1 Evaluate the specific context and proposed media for the illustrative work

2.2 Identify and source references that inform ideas for the illustrative work

2.3 Evaluate current and emerging trends in illustration for potential ideas

2.4 Explore and experiment with different approaches and techniques for communication of key messages

2.5 Create appropriate relationships between different visual components

2.6 Collaborate with others, including experts, to maximise contribution of ideas

2.7 Assess ideas for technical, creative and budgetary implications

2.8 Refine and select approaches that best balance the overall needs of the brief

3. Create illustrations

3.1 Create impactful illustrations through effective engagement with the elements and principles of design

3.2 Use advanced compositional skills to establish strong spatial relationships in illustrations

3.3 Create appropriate mood and feeling in illustrations

3.4 Develop and reflect on evolving personal style in illustrative work

3.5 Engage in an ongoing process of testing, creative collaboration and refinement during the process

4. Finalise illustrations

4.1 Negotiate and agree to modifications and amend as required

4.2 Develop accurate and comprehensive documentation to support the production process

4.3 Present final illustrations and documentation to relevant people and confirm acceptance

5. Evaluate effectiveness of illustrations

5.1 Evaluate completed illustrations for success in achieving objectives

5.2 Assess work against creative, technical and business considerations

5.3 Analyse and evaluate feedback from client and others

5.4 Evaluate own role in design process and note areas for future improvement

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

explore and experiment with a range of design approaches and illustration techniques to create a body of illustrative work that:

meets the requirements of associated briefs

shows a command of advanced compositional skills in both print and digital formats

supports own ideas for work.

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:

describe intellectual property requirements relevant to producing illustrations

explain different formats for illustrative briefs and summarise typical inclusions

describe typical roles and responsibilities of key people involved in illustration projects

describe key issues that impact on illustrative work:

creative, technical and business issues

legal and ethical requirements

production factors for both print and digital formats

discuss current and emerging trends in illustration

explain a broad range of uses for illustrations and principles that apply to different usage

describe the properties and capabilities of these illustration techniques:

digital and traditional techniques

image manipulation

layout and typography

describe, for the elements and principles of design, the detailed characteristics, complex interrelationships, use in illustrations and how they may be challenged

describe a range of creative thinking techniques and how they can be used to encourage new ideas.


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:

equipment, tools and materials used to produce illustrations

briefs on which to base illustrations

information sources.

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

Reading

1.1, 2.2, 2.3

Interprets and evaluates complex and unfamiliar information in briefs and references to support design ideas

Writing

4.2, 4.3

Communicates with a specific audience using clear and detailed language to convey explicit information and recommendations

Oral Communication

1.3, 2.6, 3.5, 4.1, 4.3

Uses questioning and active listening techniques to elicit information and to seek and confirm understanding

Initiates and participates in complex discussions, encouraging contributions, eliciting different perspectives, clarifying, summarising and building constructively on the input of others

Numeracy

2.7

Completes complex financial calculations to determine work parameters within budgetary constraints

Interact with others

1.3, 2.6, 3.5, 4.1, 5.3

Encourages contribution of creative, innovative and technical ideas from others to negotiate joint outcomes

Fosters a collaborative approach to development of illustrative work through sharing and receiving knowledge, experience and information with others

Get the work done

2.1-2.3, 2.8, 3.1-3.5

Takes responsibility for completing own illustrative work within deadlines from design inception to realisation, managing own time and productivity to sequence stages

Manages own decisions about designs and technical approach to illustrations, drawing on the perspective of others

Resolves problems through a process of testing, analysis and refinement of technique during the work in progress

Creates opportunities to use a more innovative approach and personal style


Sectors

Visual communication – illustration