CUVILL502A
Refine illustration techniques

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to refine technique and to develop own illustrative style in a coherent body of creative work. This occurs through a process of research, refinement and evaluation.

Application

Illustrators apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They typically create pictures for books, magazines, and other publications and for commercial products such as textiles, wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards and calendars. Increasingly, illustrators work in digital format, preparing work directly on a computer and producing design and illustrations for games, mobile phones and the web.

At this level, the illustrator uses a range of advanced techniques in work that conveys strong conceptual and theoretical development and engagement with the creative brief.

Technique refinement at this level is a largely independent activity with mentoring and guidance as required. It would normally include work with several different techniques as part of the process of developing an individual style. In practice, this process is integrated with the skills described in the unit CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work, or other design units.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research illustration ideas and techniques

1.1 Support professional practice by expanding own knowledge of historical and contemporary illustration practice

1.2 Research ways that other artists have used different illustration techniques

1.3 Investigate how particular illustration techniques work to achieve different technical effects

1.4 Evaluate the relationships between illustration techniques and ideas

1.5 Adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property requirements

2. Select illustration techniques for refinement

2.1 Consider the opportunities offered by different illustration techniques

2.2 Determine limitations and constraints of particular techniques

2.3 Select illustration techniques for refinement

3. Consolidate illustration technique to professional level

3.1 Establish and follow safe work practices for selected techniques

3.2 Develop increasing confidence and skill through practice and experimentation

3.3 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems in illustration projects based on developing expertise

3.4 Challenge and test ideas, and allow new and unpredictable ideas to emerge

3.5 Evolve ideas and other professional skills through ongoing experimentation with technique

3.6 Develop own ways of working with techniques to create individual style

3.7 Create a coherent body of illustration work that shows command of selected illustration techniques

4. Evaluate own illustration technique

4.1 Evaluate development of own technique with others and seek feedback

4.2 Seek and participate in conversations that challenge and explore different concepts and approaches

4.3 Reflect on the particular ways that experimentation with different techniques has informed own artwork

4.4 Identify ways in which technique may be further developed as part of a professional practice and build ideas into future work

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to engage with others about the technical and conceptual aspects of illustration

critical thinking and analytical skills to:

evaluate and make judgements about relationships between illustration technique, effects and ideas

make critical evaluations of own illustration technique

make critical evaluations of research findings

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and act on opportunities for own practice presented by research

learning skills to develop and refine own skills to a professional practice standard

literacy skills to analyse complex and varied information about illustration technique, including the technique of other artists

problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical problems in illustration work

self-management and planning skills to create a coherent body of illustration work

technical skills to show command of chosen illustration techniques at a professional level

technology skills to use the internet as a research tool.

Required knowledge

relationship between illustration technique, particular effects and ideas – in the work of other illustrators and in the context of own practice

extended range of information sources that support research into illustration practice

cultural, sociological, philosophical, aesthetic, political and commercial influences on illustration, in historical and contemporary contexts

professional development opportunities for artists seeking to develop an illustration practice

intellectual property issues and legislation associated with illustration as a professional practice

sustainability issues for the professional operation of a illustration practice

OHS requirements for the set-up and operation of a professional work space for illustrative work.

Evidence Required

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 ability to:

evolve and refine illustration technique through a demonstrated process of experimentation

develop individual style in own work

produce a coherent body of professional illustration work

research illustration in the broader context of other artwork and artists

use safe and sustainable work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

equipment, materials and tools used to produce drawing work.

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:

evaluation of illustration technique within a body of work produced by the candidate

evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine technique

evaluation of the work documentation

direct observation of illustration in progress, including exploration of, and experimentation with, techniques

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.


Range Statement

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.

Illustration techniques may include:

animation

association

caricature

cartooning

distortion

exaggeration

fantasy

special effects.

Technical effects may include:

atmosphere

chiaroscuro

illusion

mood

movement

perspective

trompe l’oeil.

Intellectual property requirements may relate to:

copyright

design licensing regulations

form of acknowledgement or credit

moral rights

protocols for the adaptation of work by others

trademarks.

Opportunities may relate to:

communication of ideas

personal affinity with particular techniques

potential for combining techniques

potential for interactions between technique and media

themes in work.

Limitations and constraints may relate to:

availability of materials

capacity of technique to deliver required effect

own interaction with technique

resources

time.

Refinement relates to:

ability to use selected techniques with confidence

ongoing demonstration of development of technique

use of selected techniques in a body of professional work.

Safe work practices may include:

completing material safety data sheets (MSDS)

correct disposal of waste materials

dust and fume extraction

ergonomic safety

managing risk

reporting accidents and incidents

use of tools and equipment

using clearly designated wet and dry areas

using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Technical problems may include:

implications of scale and size

limitations of digital technology

limitations of materials.

Coherent body of illustration work is:

conceptually resolved

documented in terms of its development

subject to critical feedback by others

technically resolved

thematically connected.

Ways in which technique may be further developed may include:

collaboration

further study

intensive workshops

mentored guidance

new projects.


Sectors

Visual communication – illustration


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.