ICPPP325C
Create graphics using a graphics application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop graphics incorporating a range of features for cross-media publishing based on a client brief using a high-end application.

Application

For this unit the knowledge and skills cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specific problems. This will be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Balance image quality and file size

1.1. Graphics files are opened and design brief requirements are confirmed

1.2. Graphics are repeated efficiently using a symbol or stamp to reduce file size

1.3. Slices are created from objects, layers or groups and updated as required

1.4. Type anti-aliasing is applied selectively to keep small text easy to read

1.5. Tasks are automated wherever possible and where necessary scripts are used for automation

2. Manipulate objects

2.1. Objects and text are manipulated and edited as required

2.2. Elements are defined for repetition, repetition tools are used to create duplicates and then are manipulated as a group

2.3. Complex shapes are created by combining shapes into compounds and if required compounds are edited

3. Import images

3.1. Bitmap images are embedded and/or linked in the file

3.2. Placed Bitmaps are modified and/or duplicated depending on design requirements

3.3. Bitmaps are masked and/or an opacity mask is added

3.4. Layered file is exported to image editing program for editing

4. Develop variable templates

4.1. Based on the design brief, objects are defined within the template as variables

4.2. An automated script or an image server is used to ensure variations, using data stored in any ODBC-compliant source

4.3. The template variables are tested to ensure correct operation

5. Colour separate artwork

5.1. The correct format for the colour separation is determined by the requirements of the pre-press workflow system

5.2. Command preferences are set to correct preferences for print quality and process

5.3. Based on printer feedback the colour separation options are set according to print requirements of the design brief

5.4. Process and spot colours are combined if required

5.5. A screen frequency value appropriate for the print quality is selected and colour separation preferences are saved

5.6. Spreads and chokes traps are created to avoid mis-registration

5.7. The overlapping and overprint of objects are defined

5.8. A proof is created and the separations checked, any required editing is completed and the file is saved

6. Prepare for final media

6.1. Metadata tags are embedded to catalogue, organise and retrieve artwork

6.2. For cross-media publishing purposes web-safe colours are selected

6.3. File formats are chosen to best represent artwork styles

6.4. Objects are linked to create an image map that meets design requirements

6.5. Objects are layered to create animation frames and exported for animation set up

6.6. Compression options are selected that keep the image quality high and the file size low

6.7. Export options are set to the best settings for the final media and the file is saved and exported

Required Skills

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by embedding metadata tags

collecting, analysing and organising information by linking objects to create an image map that meets design requirements

planning and organising activities by automating tasks wherever possible and using scripts for automation

teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others

mathematical ideas and techniques by selecting a screen frequency value appropriate for the print quality

problem-solving skills by creating complex shapes and editing them

use of technology by creating graphics using a graphics application

Required knowledge

image formats (SWF, SVG, GIF, JPEG, PNG)

JavaScript, AppleScript or Microsoft Visual Basic

text and formatting

drawing shapes

manipulating images

design principles

profiles

colour management

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:

developing graphics incorporating a range of features for cross-media publishing based on a client brief using a high-end application

demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

for valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered over a period of time through a range of methods for assessment to indicate consistent performance

evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment

relevant hardware and software.

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 the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

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


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.

Objects may include:

predefined shapes, drawn objects, curved segments, lines.

Tasks may include:

batch processing and creating variations of similar designs.

Manipulated may include:

bend, stretch, twist, warping, liquefy.

Edited may include:

transparency, gradients, strokes, custom colours using CMYK sliders.

Elements may include:

layers, fine lines, blending, feathering.

Formatting may include:

font, leading, paragraph alignment, character size, columns of type, text flow.

Colour separation options may include:

process colour, spot colour, halftone, resolution, bleed, printer marks.

Command preferences may include:

RGB, CMYK, colour management, proof options, Document Information subjects.

Colours may include:

CMYK colours

spot colours

Registration colours

PMS.

High-end application may include:

Adobe Illustrator

CorelDRAW

freehand.

Appearance attributes may include:

fills, strokes, effects, blending modes, transparency.

Properties may include:

are appearance attributes such as above.

Effects may include:

glows, textures, opacity, blur.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Pre-press


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.