Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to design and construct ornamental frames.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify design requirements

1.1. Customer requirements relating to the display of the artwork and frame features are determined

1.2. Work area is cleaned and prepared to handle artwork in accordance with workplace standards

1.3. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.4. Workplace quality assurance requirements are recognised and adhered to throughout the work

1.5. Artwork is handled in accordance with industry recognised handling methods and workplace procedures

1.6. Artwork is assessed for colour qualities to identify:

1.6.1. primary, secondary, tertiary, harmonic and contrasting colours by colour wheel

1.6.2. aesthetic/mood evoking nature (warmth, lightness, brightness etc)

1.7. Artwork is assessed against the elements and principles of design and their impact on preservation/restoration and framing selection determined

1.8. A design concept is developed and confirmed with the customer

2. Develop frame design

2.1. Historic, sentimental or monetary value of artwork ascertained through examination, research and/or consultation with customer

2.2. Artwork is assessed to identify any impact preservation/restoration will have on frame design

2.3. Compatibility of framing materials with the artwork is determined from manufacturer and industry information

2.4. Principles of colour design applied to select mat and framing materials to complement artwork

2.5. A provisional design package is developed for presentation and discussion with customer

2.6. Design package is revised to reflect customer requirements

3. Construct ornamental frame

3.1. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work in terms of quality, serviceability and safety

3.2. Machinery is used in accordance with workplace procedures throughout the work, including use of personal protective equipment

3.3. Material is cut to size and laid out in the required design

3.4. Specialised/ornamental components are moulded/turned/carved/manufactured in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5. Frame components are finished in compliance with the design specifications and assessed for fit and aesthetic appearance

3.6. Frame is joined to comply with design in accordance with workplace procedures

3.7. Finish to the frame and its fittings is applied to comply with design in accordance with workplace procedures

3.8. Work is checked against required quality standards with any non-conformity being rectified

3.9. Customer endorsement of finished frame is sought and any modifications identified and implemented

4. Complete work

4.1. Scraps and off-cuts are removed for disposal/recycling as required by workplace procedures

4.2. Work area is cleaned and rubbish disposed of as appropriate

4.3. Workplace documentation is completed as required

4.4. Tools, equipment and unused materials are cleaned and stored following workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to the history and techniques of art and framing artwork, restoration/preservation techniques and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate quantities and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate cutting problems, avoid re-working and avoid wastage
• use the workplace technology related to the design and construction requirements of complex ornamental frames

Required knowledge 

• major categories of art media
• liabilities and obligations relating to framing artwork
• framing materials and techniques of frame building
• elements and principles of design and the qualities/influence of colour
• materials used in artworks
• chemical reactions between artworks and framing materials
• restoration/preservation techniques
• operation requirements of equipment and work systems in work area
• understand the effect of this process on the artwork

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.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Recognise the basic categories of art and the medium used in their production
• Recognise frames and the medium used in their production
• Identify the elements and principles of design and apply them to designing an appropriate complex ornamental frame
• Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment, safety and environmental protection equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• As a minimum, design and construct a frame incorporating three types of materials, displaying techniques of moulded and carved finishes and including at least one alternate joining technique (such as fingers, biscuits, dowel, etc.)
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Customer/work requirement, design facilities, woodworking and joining tools and equipment, frame assembly and finishing requirements, workplace procedures and work area.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant artwork requiring framing, equipment, simulated work instructions and deadlines.

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.

Unit context 

• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the recognition and handling of artwork, and in identifying design requirements for framing
• OHS requirements may include legislation, standards, material safety management systems and local safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, environment legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant regulations and organisation insurance requirements
• Work may be performed in workplaces which are involved in the framing of artwork of sufficient value to require the application of framing design

Frame design 

• Addresses the requirement to consider elements and principles of design to maintain/enhance the historic, sentimental or monetary value of artwork
• Elements of design include:

• line
• direction
• shape
• size
• texture
• value
• colour

• Principles of design include:

• repetition
• alteration
• harmony
• graduation
• contrast (or opposition or conflict)
• dominance
• unity and balance

• Influences on compatibility of frame design include:

• frame package design to suit required level of preservation
• framing style to match image quality and aesthetic value
• mouldings, fittings and attachments to suit framing and hanging requirements

Ornamental frames 

• Ornamental frames are those required for artwork where its aesthetics and/or value deem it necessary
• Artwork may be 2 or 3D, and the frame fitted with ornate/elaborate embellishment

Construction technique includes :

• moulding of composite
• creating moulds
• frame preparation
• application of composite to frame and carving/ornamentation/decoration as required

Tools and equipment are to include :

• saws (circular, drop, docking and mitre)
• chisels
• underpinners
• screwdrivers
• marking out tools
• pincers
• pliers
• touch-up material
• glues and finishing tools, including files and sandpaper

Frame constructions may include but are not limited to :

• timber
• metal/alloys extrusion
• synthetic and composite construction

Personal protection equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures 

• Customer requirements
• Industry preservation standards and requirements, including legal implications
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Literature relating to the history and preservation of artwork
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Picture Framing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units