Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1

Plan production job.

1.1

Client requirements  and visual design elements  are discussed, confirmed with client, and applied to planning.

1.2

Use of existing client artwork is identified, and scope and limitations of potential file formats  are discussed.

1.3

Style parameters to be applied to sign are discussed and confirmed with client.

1.4

Design timeframe requirements are established, confirmed with client, and applied to planning.

2

Prepare to design sign.

2.1

Industry-recognised software appropriate to sign design is selected and set up according to job requirements.

2.2

New file is created and document parameters  are set up appropriate to final sign specifications.

2.3

Existing digital artwork is imported where required, checked for compatibility with software and output devices, and prepared as appropriate to the task.

2.4

Image databases are researched and images that meet design brief and stock images are selected and imported in appropriate file formats.

2.5

Design templates are selected and imported in appropriate file formats.

3

Design sign.

3.1

Digital elements of the sign are created according to client requirements.

3.2

Elements are arranged in layers to allow for effective selection and re-arrangement.

3.3

Text blocks are created as required, and text is entered, formatted and flowed into document using software functionality and in line with client requirements.

3.4

Graphic elements of sign are selected, positioned and edited using relevant software functionality in line with client requirements.

4

Produce vector objects and shapes.

4.1

Vector objects and shapes are produced with required attributes using relevant software functionality, and manipulated until graphic framework is finalised.

4.2

Lines and curves are adjusted and edited to fit design specifications.

4.3

Objects are painted and transposed and strokes and effects are scaled according to the design brief.

4.4

Colour and appearance attributes are selected and copied according to client brief.

4.5

Gradients, fills and patterns are used to paint and blend according to client requirements.

5

Edit raster images.

5.1

Images are retouched and colour and tone corrections are adjusted to meet client requirements.

5.2

Contouring technique  is applied to produce the best result, depending on the image.

5.3

Edited image is saved in appropriate format to allow for importing into other applications and to conform to job specifications.

6

Obtain client approval for design.

6.1

Draft sign layout is produced and working file saved in appropriate file format.

6.2

Compressed file is sent to client in appropriate file format for approval.

6.3

Client feedback is obtained for sign design and sign is reviewed and modified where required according to client feedback.

6.4

Client sign-off is obtained on final version sign design and sign.

7

Finalise sign design and layout.

7.1

Approved design layout is produced in appropriate file format and checked to be free of errors.

7.2

File resolution is adjusted to suit relevant print outputs.

7.3

Print ready design layout is produced, saved in appropriate file formats, and stored according to workplace procedures and client requirements.

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill 

Performance feature 

Learning skills to:

• independently search databases and internet to source images appropriate to sign designs
• develop and trial own approaches to designing signs when templates are not available.

Numeracy skills to:

• use and apply software tools to set sign dimensions to the layout of designs.

Oral communication skills to:

• check and confirm requirements with client and other relevant personnel.

Reading skills to:

• interpret written client feedback on draft designs
• use a range of strategies to proof text in signs.

Writing skills to:

• liaise with client, seeking feedback on design layout.

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Client requirements  must include:

• dimensions of sign
• intended site for sign installation
• purpose of sign
• type of preferred media in which to produce sign.

Visual design elements  must include:

• colour
• graphics requirements
• text requirements.

File formats  must include:

• drawing exchange format (DXF)
• encapsulated post script (EPS)
• portable document format (PDF)
• tagged image file format (TIFF).

Document parameters  must include:

• colour space
• size of sign design and file.

Contouring techniques  must include two or more of the  following:

• layer masks
• lasso tool
• paths
• quick mask.