This unit applies to the digital imaging industry where image files require processing before printing. It requires the self-directed application of skills and knowledge to prepare digital images for pre-press processing.

This work would usually be carried out independently although guidance would be available if required.

The following units or demonstrated equivalence are required prior to undertaking this unit:

CUFDIG303A Produce and prepare photo images

CUVPHI07A Process photoimages to work print/file stage

CUVPHI514A Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Consult with pre-press bureau about formatting requirements.

1.1 Source a checklist for printing requirements from appropriate person/s and follow throughout preparation process.

1.2 Obtain relevant specifications for software and image file formatting from appropriate person/s.

1.3 Ensure constraints of different printing processes (and other diffusion techniques) are understood.

2 Prepare files for pre-press processing.

2.1 Prepare image files using appropriate pre-press processing techniques.

2.2 Choose suitable test charts/targets and print to appropriate specifications for ink density and stock on a linearised proofer.

2.3 Calibrate digital proofing device to examine test charts and use results to generate colour profile.

2.4 Print test file on calibrated digital proofing device and use results to generate output profile for press and stock.

2.5 Proof sample image and confirm with client.

2.6 Optimise images and output image product to profile specifications using industry standards.

2.7 Save image files in appropriate format for pre-press processing and prepare invoice/account for client.

2.8 Pack completed images for electronic/physical dispatch with invoice/account and deliver to agreed location by appropriate method/s within agreed timeframe.

2.9 Conclude and maintain management procedures.

3 Wrap up and review print preparation.

3.1 Catalogue and archive images appropriately.

3.2 Review response from client/s against final printed product.

3.3 Maintain contractual and financial records for business and taxation purposes.

3.4 Review personal performance within job context.

3.5 Identify future opportunities, work directions, equipment needs and workflow changes resulting from job.

Required skills:

research techniques sufficient to access information on colour theory and management (as it applies to pre-press processing)

communication skills sufficient to:

collaborate/negotiate between client/s and printing bureau

discuss colour, its theory and management

literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret a broad range of information on colour theory and management (as it applies to pre-press processing)

interpret material specifications necessary for pre-press processing

numeracy skills sufficient to:

calculate layout requirements/material specifications for pre-press processing

compare a colour sampler reading (e.g. eye-dropper value against a 'known value' and calculate a response)

determine colour cast and neutrality from a colour sampler reading (e.g. eye-dropper value)

identify/assign numeric values to colour as required by pre-press processing

read and evaluate Out of Gamut colours and Total Ink/Black Ink limits

understand numeric values and meaning against colour theory and how RGB, CMYK and LAB colour values are quantified

planning and organising skills sufficient to plan integration of colour management into pre-press processing contexts

problem solving skills sufficient to identify/resolve common colour management problems in pre-press processing

technology skills sufficient to use/calibrate scanning and digital proofing devices.

Required knowledge:

colour theory/management associated with pre-press processing

copyright, moral rights, intellectual property and legislative issues associated with pre-press processing

different printing/diffusion techniques and their constraints with respect to design

environmental issues associated with pre-press processing

equipment, tools and materials associated with pre-press processing

organisational and OHS requirements associated with pre-press processing and computer usage.

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.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

production of CMYK, CMYK with spot colour channel and Duo/Tri/Quad tone image files which cause no pre-press processing problems

production of clipping paths (deep etched) to suit the needs of the image and client/job requirements

management of colour in pre-press processing to ensure test prints and final products match.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to an environment where digital image files can be prepared for pre-press processing

access to appropriate sources of information to research colour theory/management

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

the use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee 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 by candidate

case studies to assess candidate's ability to manage colour in pre-press processing

direct observation of candidate preparing digital image files for print processing

problem solving activities to assess candidate's critical thinking skills.

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

CUVPHI506A Produce commercial photoimages

CUVPHI508A Produce media photoimages

CUVPHI510A Plan, capture and exploit art photoimages

CUVPHI511A Produce technical photoimages

CUVPHI512A Make illustrative images for publication and display

CUVPHI513A Plan, capture and exploit stock photoimages.

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.

Checklist for printing requirements may include:

dot gain and dot gain curves

inks and ink limits

metadata requirements

optimal screen frequency

PostScript colour management

profile - embedded or not

screen

angles

halftone

ruling

stochastic

stock

transfer function.

Appropriate person/s may include:

staff at pre-press trade houses/bureaux

staff within pre-press sections of printing companies.

Software may include

colour management software

computer aided design/drafting (CAD) software

densitometry/spectrophotometry software

drawing/graphics software

page layout/page description software

profile creating software

scanner profiling software.

Appropriate pre-press processing techniques may include:

generating output profiles that allow for:

achromatic reproduction

black generation

black values

dot gain

total gradients

Under Colour Removal (UCR), Under Colour Addition (UCA) or varying levels of Grey Component Replacement (GCR), including skeleton black.

printing appropriate test charts:

3- and 4-colour neutrals

CMYK colour scales

colour swatches

providing combined images in editable/adjustable formats

providing combined images in security enabled/locked formats

providing scans in appropriate resolution:

low resolution FPO (for position only)

high resolution.

saving colour in required formats

using appropriate digital proofing devices:

densitometers

spectrophotometers (including strip reader style devices)

using appropriate ICC profiles

using templates correctly.

Stock may include:

high-groundwood

newsprint

standard uncoated

super calendared uncoated

uncoated.

Press may include:

gravure

heatset offset

image setters

sheetfed offset

waterless sheetfed

web press offset (rollfed).

Appropriate format may include:

bit depth

compression options

encoding

file format/extension

Electronic PostScript (EPS)

Portable Document Format (PDF)

1 Tagged Image File Format (TIFF)

PostScript level

resolution

dots per inch

lines per inch

pixels per inch

sample points per inch

spots per inch.

Design and Visual Communication - Photoimaging

This unit contains employability skills.