Modification History
Version |
Comments |
CUVGRD503A |
This version first released with CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package version 1.0 |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce professional typography for a wide range of communication needs. The graphic designer combines confidence and skill in working with the elements and principles of design with a well-developed understanding of type.
Application of the Unit
Graphic designers work in many different industry contexts. They may be employed in graphic design studios, commercial printing companies, advertising agencies, book and magazine publishers, television stations or in the marketing division of any business. Graphic designers also frequently offer their services on a freelance basis.
At this level, graphic designers create typographic design solutions for a wide range of applications, both print and digital. This might include advertisements, headlines, logotypes, signing systems, posters, charts or mass text applications.
Work at this level is independent with some mentoring and guidance as required.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Element |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research type as visual communication |
1.1 Research the history, theory and practice of typography and its application to design practice 1.2 Evaluate the ways that fashions in typography have affected commercial design practice 1.3 Evaluate current typography trends and their implications for professional practice |
2. Analyse design needs |
2.1 Confirm communication objectives based on the design brief and consultation with relevant people as required 2.2 Evaluate design brief specifications 2.3 Source and evaluate other information pertinent to design brief |
3. Develop ideas for typographic solutions |
3.1 Assess typographic options in the context of the brief 3.2 Identify and access sources of information and ideas about type to inform work 3.3 Experiment with different type fonts, faces and styles to determine suitability 3.4 Explore the creation of type through hand drawing and a range of media based on the needs of the brief 3.5 Consider the impact of the delivery platform and any production issues on type selection 3.6 Evaluate and select typographic approaches for their potential to meet the communication need 3.7 Produce and present visual representations of design ideas and confirm as required |
4. Manipulate and integrate type |
4.1 Apply a detailed knowledge of type fundamentals to explore options for type design 4.2 Use advanced technical features of software with skill and confidence to manipulate and arrange type 4.3 Explore different ways of integrating type within the design 4.4 Identify and resolve technical problems based on developing expertise |
5. Integrate type within the overall design |
5.1 Realise the design solution by working with the fundamental elements and principles of design 5.2 Integrate other visual design components into layouts 5.3 Explore ways of integrating all elements of the design 5.4 Realise a final design where the approach to type supports key communication objectives 5.5 Establish and follow protocols for saving, exporting and storing work |
6. Evaluate typographic design solutions |
6.1 Evaluate typography from both a functional and aesthetic perspective in the context of the overall design 6.2 Evaluate the chosen solution and its potential to inform future work |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- communication skills to liaise and collaborate with others about work requirements
- critical thinking and analytical skills to:
- interpret and respond to a typographic design brief
- evaluate information from a wide range of sources to develop ideas for typography
- initiative and enterprise skills to consider new and different ways of achieving required design outcomes
- literacy skills to interpret technical information associated with using software programs at an advanced level
- planning and organising skills to develop and monitor a logical workflow for the technical design process
- problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical and conceptual issues with typography
- numeracy skills to use numerical aspects of software programs
- self-management and planning skills to plan and coordinate own work
- technology skills to:
- use the advanced features of a range of industry-current software programs
- manage files and file formats.
Required knowledge
- features and formats of graphic design briefs, particularly in relation to typography
- sources of information on typography and the range of typography options available to the graphic designer
- fundamentals of typography construction and use
- elements and principles of design and their application to typography
- interrelationships between text and visuals and the role of typography in the overall design solution
- current range of software programs available to graphic designers and their advanced features
- opportunities and constraints of different technologies
- manual typography techniques
- different delivery platforms for graphic design work and the technical constraints and considerations these impose
- intellectual property issues and legislation to be considered in the context of graphic design work
- sustainability considerations for graphic design practice
- OHS requirements as they apply to the use of computer and keyboard for periods of time.
Evidence Guide
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 |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure access to:
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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:
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling). |
Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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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.
History, theory and practice may relate to: |
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Fashions in typography may relate to: |
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Communication objectives may be to: |
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Design briefs may be: |
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Specifications may relate to: |
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Other information pertinent to design brief may relate to: |
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Typographic options may be: |
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Sources of information and ideas about type may include: |
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Delivery platform may be: |
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Production issues may relate to: |
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Visual representations may be: |
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Type fundamentals may relate to: |
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Software may include applications for: |
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Elements and principles relate to: |
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Other visual design components may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Visual communication – graphic design
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.