Designers who specialise in animation or visual effects apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They work closely with people such as directors or producers to prepare design specifications for animation or visual effects for projects, which range in scope from television commercials to aspects of feature films, an entire animated film or interactive games.

A high level of creative conceptualisation is required, along with an ability to undertake background research.

Even though designers operate at a senior level with a high degree of autonomy, the process of generating concepts and ideas is collaborative. An ability to work in a team environment and with clients is therefore essential.

Skills associated with implementing designs are covered in:

BSBDES601A Manage design realisation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Clarify design requirements

1. With reference to production documentation identify the scope of design projects

2. Identify factors that may have an impact on the design process

3. Participate in preliminary concept meetings to clarify understanding of design requirements

4. With reference to production documentation, itemise elements that need to be addressed during the design phase

Generate and assess ideas

5. Generate a range of design ideas that respond sympathetically to the brief and provide creative solutions to design issues

6. Assess ideas and collaborate, as required, with relevant personnel to maximise contribution of ideas to initial concepts

7. Continuously reflect on and appraise ideas for implications on cost, technical feasibility, and creative requirements

Conduct research and experimentation

8. Research aspects of content and target audience characteristics that might influence production styles and techniques

9. Trial various techniques to test the suitability of their use in given design projects

10. Organise research and experimentation material for ease of access by relevant personnel during the design development process

11. Analyse and document research and experimentation findings for use during the design phase

Produce draft design specifications

12. In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate initial concept ideas in light of research and experimentation findings and select the most appropriate approach

13. Ensure that agreement is reached with relevant personnel on a consistent interpretation of design and visual details

14. Create storyboards as required

15. Prepare or supervise the preparation of sample material to be included in design specifications as required

16. Write draft design specifications to include relevant advice to design and development teams

17. Discuss draft design specifications with relevant personnel to ensure that all requirements have been addressed

Finalise design specifications

18. Present draft design specifications to relevant personnel for review

19. Participate in the initial and ongoing evaluation of design specifications

20. Negotiate and agree to additions or modifications and amend design specifications as required

21. Clarify the ongoing role of the designer during the production phase and in the evaluation of the final animations or digital visual effects

22. Review process of designing animation and digital visual effects and note areas for future improvement

Required skills

communication, teamwork and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret creative concepts and briefs

prepare design specifications

present design ideas for discussion and feedback from team members

clearly and concisely document specifications for the design of animation and digital visual effects

work collaboratively with other members of a production team

negotiate amendments and additions to design specifications

initiative, enterprise and creativity in the context of:

developing original, innovative and creative approaches to designing animation and visual effects

experimenting with techniques to achieve desired visual effects

extending creative boundaries for self and audience

thinking laterally when developing concepts

undertaking background research to inform design projects

maintaining design integrity

finding ways to minimise the effect of technical constraints

finding creative solutions to problems identified during the process of designing animation and visual effects

locating and using resources to broaden own creative experience

technical skills sufficient to use standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software in the context of preparing design and technical specifications

learning in the context of improving performance/product through self-reflection and reworking after feedback.

self-management skills sufficient to:

meet deadlines

provide appropriate and timely documentation

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members in the relevant industry sector

sound understanding of the relationship between the technical and creative aspects and requirements of productions for which animation and digital visual effects are being designed

issues and challenges that arise in the context of designing animation and digital visual effects

principles and techniques of animation, layout and composition

screen principles

principles of visual design and communication

colour theory, line, dimension, depth and their application on the screen

drawing techniques, including drawing to scale

formats and techniques for documenting the design of animation and digital visual effects

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

intellectual property rights and copyright clearance procedures

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

design specifications for animation and digital visual effects that:

are well documented and clearly presented

supported by appropriate research

meet production requirements

ability to work effectively as a member of a production team

effective verbal presentation skills.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the design of animation and digital visual effects for at least two projects

access to project briefs on which designs can be based

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of designs for animation and visual effects documented by the candidate and their effectiveness in terms of meeting production requirements

observation of a candidate presenting their designs to team members and explaining how it meets requirements.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBDES601A Manage design realisation

BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Production documentation may include:

animatics

brief

script

shot list

storyboard

technical specifications.

Design projects may include

animation and/or digital visual effects for:

films

television productions

commercials/advertisements

games

e-learning resources

websites

mobile phones

promotional/informational videos/DVDs

digital simulations

virtual worlds.

Factors may include:

audience/user

availability of personnel

availability of resources

available budget

complexity of project

expectations of producers and/or directors

intellectual property

need to attract finance

production schedule

production values

technical parameters, including:

technology constraints

console

platform

bandwidth

memory/RAM

HDTV

timelines.

Relevant personnel may include:

animators

clients.

compositors

designers

director

director of photography

head of department

producer

supervisor

technical director

writers

other technical/specialist personnel.

Research may include:

contacting historical or other special interest associations

reading newspapers books and other reference material

reading software manuals

searching the internet

talking and listening to experts

watching documentary material.

Aspects of content may include:

cultural considerations

historical period

style of production:

comic

dramatic

fantasy

educational/instructive

informational

promotional.

Target audience characteristics may include:

computer literacy

demographics, e.g.:

age

gender

education

occupation

location

cultural background

hobbies

interests

internet literacy

language, literacy and numeracy

personas

specific needs - physical or psychological.

Techniques may include:

2D animation

2D graphics and paint

3D models and animation

compositing.

Design specifications may include:

content inventory

diagrams

flow charts

illustrations

maps

models

plans

resource issues

sample animation elements

sketches

storyboards

technical drawings

technical specifications

video clips

wire frames.

Unit sector

Visual communication - animation and digital effects

This unit contains employability skills.