The VISUAL GRAPHIC DESIGN NC III Qualification consists of
competencies that a person must achieve to design and develop visual graphic
designs for (i) print media; (ii) electronic media; (iii) product packaging;
and (iv) booth and product/window display.
One must pass the following CORE COMPETENCIES to be competent.
·
Develop design studies
·
Create vector graphics using a
graphics application
·
Create raster graphics using a
graphics application
·
Develop designs for print media
·
Develop designs for electronic
media
·
Develop designs for product
packaging
·
Design booth and product/window
display
DEVELOP
DESIGN STUDIES
This competency describes the skills and
knowledge required to interpret the creative brief, generate and assess ideas,
conduct research, apply and evaluate visual effects designs techniques for any
production in various industries.
One must perform the following:
1. Prepare the work environment
1.1 Details
of the brief are reviewed according to identified preference setting
requirements
1.2 Monitor
is calibrated using an ICC profile to ensure closest possible color match
1.3 Palettes
are arranged to suit job and personal preferences
1.4 View
magnification is set for ease of working with the graphics
2. Produce objects
2.1 Ruler
units are set and grid is displayed to ensure artwork meets design
specifications
2.2 Tools
are used to produce objects and required attributes are entered and shapes
manipulated, continuing until graphic framework is finalized
2.3 Lines
and curves are adjusted and edited to fit design specifications
2.4 Objects
are painted, transposed and strokes and effects are scaled according to the
design brief
2.5 Colors
are created, edited and saved to the color palette and saturation of color is
adjusted
2.6 Color
and appearance attributes are selected and copied as required
2.7 Gradients
fills, mesh and patterns are used to paint and blend as required by the layout
and design brief
2.8 Complex
shapes are created by combining shapes into compounds and if required compounds
are edited
3. Alter objects
3.1 Objects are grouped or individually selected,
moved, scaled or rotated using a variety of methods
3.2 Objects
are reflected, sheared and distorted according to the design brief
3.3 Three
dimensional objects are formed and edited and gradient color added to create
depth
3.4 The
perspective of the objects is adjusted as required
3.5 Transformations
are repeated according to the design brief
3.6 Smooth
color blends are created between objects and blends are modified as required to
meet the design brief
Assessment must show that the candidate:
1.1 Generate
a feasible range of visual design and communication ideas which respond to the
brief and provide creative solutions to all design issues
1.2 Compared
and evaluated the range of delivery platforms and materials available for
various designs and media
1.3 Apply
visual design and communication techniques
1.4 Demonstrated
ability in written and verbal supporting presentations and reports where
relevant.
CREATE VECTOR GRAPHICS USING A GRAPHICS APPLICATION
This
competency covers the knowledge and
skills required to develop raster graphics incorporating a range of features
for cross-media publishing based on a client brief. This unit covers the
knowledge and skills for manipulating and editing images, applying special
effects as required in the design brief. 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.
One must perform
the following:
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. Acquire digital images
2.1 Images
are acquired from digital camera, scanned images or clip arts and other
objects.
2.2 Acquired Bitmaps are modified and/or
duplicated depending on design requirements
2.3 Bitmaps are masked and/or an opacity mask
is added
2.4 Layered file is exported to image editing
program for editing
3. Manipulate objects/images
3.1 Objects, images and text are manipulated
and edited as required
3.2 Elements are defined for repetition,
repetition tools are used to create duplicates and then are manipulated as a
group
4. Use/Modify 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/ modified using data stored in any available source/server
4.3 The template variables are tested to
ensure correct operation
5. Create raster graphic for final media
5.1 Web-safe
colors and other applicable color gamut are selected for cross-media publishing
purposes
5.2 File formats are chosen to best represent
artwork styles
5.3 Objects/Images are linked to create an
image map that meets design requirements
5.4 Compression options are selected that
keep the image quality high and the file size low
5.5 Export options are set to the best
settings for the final media and the file is saved and exported
Assessment must show that the candidate:
1.1 Developed
vector graphics based on client brief using a high-end application.
1.2 Demonstrated
an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of
information sources.
1. Graphic applications May include the following:
1.1 Adobe
Illustrator
1.2 CorelDraw
1.3 Gimp
1.4 In
Design
1.5 QuarkXpress
CREATE RASTER GRAPHICS USING A GRAPHICS
APPLICATION
Assessment must show that the candidate:
1.1 Developed
raster graphics incorporating a range of features for cross-media publishing
based on a client brief using raster graphics applications.
1.2 Demonstrated
an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of
information sources.
DEVELOP DESIGNS FOR PRINT MEDIA
This competency describes the skills and knowledge required to
layout pages based on client brief using page layout applications while
applying the principles of visual design and communication. 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 would be applied across a
range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in extent and
choice of options available.
1.
Confirm client brief
1.1 Details
of the client brief are reviewed and any confusion is clarified with client or
supervisor
1.2 The
type of document is determined and limitations for production assessed
1.3 Client
copy and images are assembled to conform to the brief requirements
1.4 Library
files are accessed for relevant data to conform to the brief requirements
2.
Prepare the work environment
2.1 Details of the brief are reviewed
according to identified preference setting requirements
2.2 Monitor
is calibrated using an ICC profile to ensure closest possible color match
2.3 Palettes
are arranged to suit job and personal preferences
2.4 View
magnification is set for ease of working with the page layout
3.
Arrange elements on page
3.1 Required
text is prepared and appropriate fonts and size are selected
3.2 Elements
are created and arranged on page to conform to the brief requirements
3.3 Graphics,
layers, product shots and other elements are imported from other applications
and correctly formatted and placed
3.4 Document
set up is completed to conform to the final media and brief requirements
4.
Finalize layout
4.1 Pages and combined elements are imposed
correctly to suit specified sheet size
4.2 Numerical
sequence and lay down of the product or mock-up is correctly identified to meet
binding and finishing requirements
4.3 Bleed
allowance is incorporated in margins and borders
5.
Check quality
5.1 Text is reviewed for possible errors and
omissions and errors are discussed with client or supervisor
5.2 Alignment
of the basic elements are maintained based on the overall balance of the layout
and correct color blends and gradients
5.3 Hard
copy proof is printed and rechecked for errors, omissions and the overall
balance of the layout
5.4 Necessary
changes are made, reviewed on screen and reproofed as required
5.5 The
job is saved according to organizational procedures
5.6 A
digital proof or PDF (digital document file format) is created to present to
client
6.
Prepare for final media
6.1 For cross-media publishing purposes
web-safe colors are selected
6.2 File
formats are chosen to best represent artwork styles
6.3 Compression
options are selected that keep the image quality high and the file size low
6.4 Export
options are set to the best settings for the final media and the file is saved
and exported
7.
Finalize document
7.1 The appropriate format for saving the
images/artworks/ objects is identified given the various elements in the page
layout
7.2 The
resolution for effects and any filters are set based on image quality
7.3 Document
is checked to ensure correct layout file and that there are no non-printable
elements
8.
Color separate artworks/objects/images
8.1 The correct format for the color
separation is determined by the requirements of the pre-press workflow system
8.2 Command
preferences are set to correct preferences for print quality and process
8.3 Based
on printer feedback the color separation options are set according to print
requirements of the design brief
8.4 Process
and spot colors are combined if required
8.5 A
screen frequency value appropriate for the print quality is selected and color
separation preferences are saved
8.6 Spreads
and chokes traps are created to avoid mis-registration
8.7 The
overlapping, exposure and overprint of objects are defined
8.8 A
proof is created and the separations checked, any required editing is completed
and the file is saved
Assessment must show that the candidate:
1.1 Composed
pages incorporating elements and features that meets the client's design brief
and is print ready
1.2 Demonstrated
an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of
information sources
1.3 Demonstrated
ability to apply the principles of visual design and communication
1.4 Prepared
different sets of page layouts according to the listed Performance Criteria
DEVELOP DESIGNS FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA
This unit covers the knowledge, skills and
attitude required to incorporate the principles of visual design and
communication into the development of designs for an electronic media for use
in various industries.
One must perform the following:
1 Receive and interpret the brief
1.1 Liaise with the relevant personnel to
interpret and identify the objective and desired outcomes of the electronic
media, considering the application of visual design and communication
techniques to ensure the creative, technical and production requirements can be
met
1.2 All
relevant factors which may determine and affect visual design and communication
concepts and application are identified through the breakdown and
interpretation of the brief and liaison with relevant personnel
1.3 Target
user/audience is identified to determine the format and delivery platform of
the electronic materials through discussion with relevant personnel
2.
Generate and assess ideas
2.1 Range of visual design and communication
ideas which are technically feasible, respond to the brief and provide creative
solutions to all design issues are generated
2.2 Visual
design and communication ideas are discussed and collaborated, as required,
with relevant personnel to ensure contribution of a range of ideas and creative
solutions to the initial concept
2.3 Creative
ideas and solutions are continuously reflected on and assessed for implications
on budget, timeline, technical feasibility and suitability to meet the brief
3.
Conduct research
3.1 Research
and compare:
3.1.1 techniques and tools for visual
design and communication
3.1.2 range of delivery platforms; and
3.1.3 typographical and visual elements
that are appropriate and available for use
in the creation of an electronic media
3.2 Relationship
between the visual elements, hardware, and software required is identified
3.3 Organize
research media and findings for use by all relevant personnel throughout the
design development process, updating as required
3.4 Initial
discussions and design brief against the findings are evaluated and discussed
with relevant personnel
4.
Select techniques, tools, delivery platform, and software/ Gather materials
4.1 Appropriate:
4.1.1 visual design and communication
techniques and tools
4.1.2 delivery platforms; and
4.1.3 typographical and visual elements
are selected to fulfill the creative,
technical, and production requirements of the brief, and ensuring that
selection is based on solid understanding of the characteristics and
capabilities of intended audience or users
4.2 Required
materials, hardware, and software are gathered and sourced
5.
Apply visual design and communication techniques
5.1 Selected design techniques and tools are
applied in developing the design, ensuring that the creative and technical
requirements of the brief are fulfilled and that all elements are fully
documented for use/reference of all relevant personnel
5.2 Relevant
personnel are constantly consulted throughout the production to ensure harmony
and compatibility of the design with technical requirements
6.
Evaluate design outcome
6.1 Design outcome is evaluated on whether it
is able to meet the creative and technical requirements set for the
project
6.2 Additional
requirements or modifications to the design are identified and implemented
Assessment must show that the candidate:
1.1 Generated
a feasible range of visual design and communication ideas which respond to the
brief and provide creative solutions to all design issues
1.2 Compared
the range of delivery platforms available for electronic media
1.3 Gathered
relevant materials and media based on their compatibility to the creative and
technical specifications of the electronic media
1.4 Applied
visual design and communication techniques
DEVELOP
DESIGNS FOR PRODUCT PACKAGING
This competency covers the knowledge,
skills and attitude required to incorporate the principles of visual design and
communication into the development of designs for product packaging.
One must perform the following:
1 Receive and interpret the brief
1.1 Liaise with the relevant personnel to
interpret and identify the objective and desired outcomes of the product
packaging
1.2 All
relevant factors which may determine and affect visual design and communication
concepts and application are identified through the breakdown and
interpretation of the brief and liaison with relevant personnel
1.3 Prospective
buyers/customers are identified to determine the form and materials of the
product packaging through discussion with relevant personnel
2.
Generate and assess ideas
2.1 Range of visual design and communication
ideas which are technically feasible, respond to the brief and provide creative
solutions to all design issues are generated
2.2 Visual
design and communication ideas are discussed and collaborated, as required,
with relevant personnel to ensure contribution of a range of ideas and creative
solutions to the initial concept
2.3 Creative
ideas and solutions are continuously reflected on and assessed for implications
on budget, timeline, technical feasibility and suitability to meet the brief
2.4 Market
is evaluated to fit design packages and production design process
3.
Develop brand and prototype
3.1 Research
and compare:
3.1.1 techniques and tools
3.1.2 materials and forms of packaging;
3.1.3 visual elements
3.1.4 photography
that are appropriate and available for use
in the development of product packaging
3.2 Relationship
between the visual elements and materials required is identified
3.3 Research
media and findings are organized for use by all relevant personnel throughout
the design development process, updating as required
3.4 Initial
discussions and design brief against the findings are evaluated and discussed
with relevant personnel
3.5 Design
prototype is produced according to the creative and printing/technical
requirements and ensuring that selection is based on solid understanding of the
characteristics and capabilities of intended buyers/customers
3.6 Product
lines are branded, expanded and kept consistent based on visual style created
3.7 Design
prototype is evaluated on whether it is able to meet the creative and technical
requirements set for the project
3.8 Additional
requirements or modifications to the design are identified and implemented
4.
Prepare design for mass/ volume production
4.1 Final
design files and prototype-guide are prepared for mass/volume production
4.2 Appropriate
format for saving the graphic is identified given the various elements in the
graphic
4.3 Document
is checked to ensure correct layout file and that there are no non-printable
elements
5. Present design package 5.1
Understanding of methods for presenting packaging designs to clients is
developed
5.2
New design/label is presented and launched.
Assessment must show that the
candidate:
1.1 Generate a feasible range of
visual design and communication ideas which respond to the brief and provide
creative solutions to all design issues
1.2 Gathered and compared relevant
materials and media based on their compatibility to the creative and technical
specifications of the product packaging
1.3 Apply visual design and
communication techniques
DESIGN BOOTH AND
PRODUCT/WINDOW DISPLAYS
This competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitude
required to incorporate the principles of visual design and communication into
the design and production of booth and product/window displays.
1. Receive
and interpret the brief
1.1 Liaise with the relevant personnel to interpret and
identify the objective and desired outcomes of the booth and product/window displays,
considering the application of visual design and communication techniques to
ensure the creative, technical and production requirements can be met
1.2 All relevant factors which may
determine and affect visual design and communication concepts and application
are identified through the breakdown and interpretation of the brief and
liaison with relevant personnel
1.3 Target user/audience is identified
to determine the format and specifications of the booth and product/window
display materials through discussion with relevant personnel
2. Generate
and assess ideas
2.1 Range of visual design and communication ideas which are
technically feasible, respond to the brief and provide creative solutions to
all design issues are generated
2.2 Visual design and communication
ideas are discussed and collaborated, as required, with relevant personnel to
ensure contribution of a range of ideas and creative solutions to the initial
concept
2.3 Creative ideas and solutions are
continuously reflected on and assessed for implications on budget, timeline,
technical feasibility and suitability to meet the brief
3. Develop design prototype
3.1 Research and compare:
3.1.1 techniques
and tools for visual design and communication
3.1.2 range of
materials; and
3.1.3 typographical
and visual elements
that are
appropriate and available for use in the production of booth and product/window
displays
3.2 Relationship between the visual
elements and environmental factors required are identified
3.3 Organize research media and
findings for use by all relevant personnel throughout the design development
process, updating as required
3.4 Initial discussions and design
brief against the findings are evaluated and discussed with relevant personnel
3.5 Design prototype is developed and
presented to relevant personnel for approval.
4. Produce
actual booth and product/window displays
4.1 Required materials are gathered
and sourced based on approved prototype.
4.2 Actual booth and product/window
displays are produced and set up in accordance with selected design techniques
and tools ensuring that the creative and technical requirements of the brief
are fulfilled and that all elements are fully documented for use/reference of
all relevant personnel
4.3 Relevant personnel are constantly
consulted throughout the production to ensure harmony and compatibility of the
design with technical requirements
5. Evaluate
design outcome
5.1 Design outcome is evaluated on whether it is able to meet
the creative and technical requirements set for the project
5.2 Additional requirements or
modifications to the design are identified and implemented
Assessment must
show that the candidate:
1.1 Generated a feasible range of
visual design and communication ideas which respond to the brief and provide
creative solutions to all design issues
1.2 Gathered and compared relevant
materials and media based on their compatibility to the creative and technical
specifications of the booth and product/window display
1.3 Applied visual design and communication
techniques
A person who has achieved this Qualification can be
employed in any or more of the following:
·
Visual graphic artist
·
Creative/Art director
·
Layout artist
·
Graphic designer
·
Web designer
·
Visual graphic multimedia
artist
·
Booth and product/window
display designer
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