UNIT DESCRIPTOR: This unit 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.
ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Italicized terms are elaborated in the Range of Variables 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
Italicized terms are elaborated in the Range of Variables
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/object s/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
RANGE OF VARIABLES
VARIABLE RANGE
1. Page layout
applications May include the following:1.1 Adobe PageMaker 1.2 Adobe Frame Maker 1.3 Adobe In design
1.4 Corel Ventura 1.5 QuarkXpress 2. Library files May include the following:
2.1 Bullets 2.2 Boarders 2.3 Buttons
2.4 Images 2.5 Clip art
2.6 Clients’ names and files 3. Elements May include:
3.1 Graphics 3.2 Frames
3.3 Menus or dialogue boxes 3.4 indexes
4. Document set up May include: 4.1 Margins 4.2 Page size 4.3 Page orientation 4.4 Number of pages 4.5 Multiple columns 4.6 Arrangement of pages 4.7 Pictures/graphics size 5. Final media May include the following:
5.1 Printed material
5.2 Internet 5.3 CD ROM 6. Imposed May include the following:
6.1 Plug-ins
6.2 Stand alone applications or automated features of high- end page layout programs exist to impose pages 7 Organizational
procedures May include the following:7.1 Organizational procedures for saving a document can include the preferred format, naming preferences and the location of file is saved to.
8 Format May include the following: 8.1 Font 8.2 Leading 8.3 paragraph alignment 8.4 character size 8.5 columns of type 8.6 text flow. 9 Command
preferences May include:9.1 RGB 9.2 CMYK 9.3 color management 9.4 proof options 9.5 Document Information subjects 10 Color separation options
May include the following: 10.1 Process color 10.2 spot color 10.3 halftone 10.4 resolution 10.5 bleed 10.6 printer marks 11 Color gamut May include the following:
11.1 CMYK colors 11.2 Spot colors
11.3 Registration colors 11.4 PMS
12 Compression
options 12.1 Lossless 12.2 Lossy
13 Elements May include the following: 13.1 Layers
13.2 fine lines
13.3 blending 13.4 feathering
EVIDENCE GUIDE
1. Critical aspects of competency
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
2. Underpinning knowledge and attitude
2.1 Principles of visual design and communications
2.2 Determination of clients needs and expectations related to the product or services
2.3 Privacy laws and industry standards for obtaining using and protecting information obtained from clients
2.4 Interaction with clients
2.5 Equipment to be used for specific tasks 2.6 Specific software application related to:
2.4.1 image/text formats (document file formats) 2.4.2 text and formatting
2.4.3 drawing shapes 2.4.4 manipulating images 2.4.5 design principles 2.4.6 color management 2.4.7 color separation 2.4.8 shortcut keys 2.4.9 monitor calibration
2.5 Traditional and electronic pre-press systems 2.6 Work values and attitudes
3. Underpinning skills
3.1 Artistic and creative skills 3.2 Communication skills 3.3 Interpersonal skills 3.4 Listening skills
3.5 Computer application skills
3.6 Computer/Application troubleshooting skills
4. Method of assessment
The assessor must select two of the following to objectively assess the candidate
4.1 Observation and Oral Questioning
4.2 Actual demonstration with oral questioning 4.3 Third party report
4.4 Portfolio
5. Resources required for assessment
The following must be provided: 5.1 Relevant hardware and software.
5.1.1 Page layout applications such as InDesign, PageMaker, QuarkXPress, will be required for assessment of this unit of competency. New software applications and new versions of existing products enter the market regularly and therefore this example group will change
5.1.2 Scanner, digital camera 5.2 Design briefs
UNIT TITLE : DEVELOP DESIGNS FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA