Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Professional opportunities may be found in:
advertising agencies
graphic design studios
large organisations across all sectors that employ in-house graphic designers
media organisations:
electronic
print
printing businesses
sole practice.
Professional relationships may be with:
artists
illustrators
other designers
paper manufacturers
printers.
Business practices may relate to:
advertising of work
communication protocols
documentation formats
roles and responsibilities in projects
typical contractual issues
ways of estimating and costing work.
Industry networks and sources may include:
design associations
enterprises
mentors
peers.
Graphic design trends may relate to:
changing social mores
convergence with other professions and industries
economic climate
habits of different age groups or genders
impact of technology
lifestyle trends
political environment.
Formal and informal research strategies may include:
analysing and comparing information
discussion with others
note taking
observing the work of others
reflecting on own experience.
Fundamental skills may include:
capacity to learn
critical thinking
design expertise
visual literacy.
Professional tools may include:
drawing expertise
industry networking
proficiency with software.
Critical analysis may include:
comparing
considering merit
contrasting
critiquing
discussion and debate
reflecting.
Systems and habits may include:
attending industry events
ensuring regular receipt of industry information
networking with peers
participating in industry projects
undertaking program of professional development.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
use a range of professional graphic design business practices in a work project
undertake coherent and relevant research into current and emerging graphic design practice
develop an informed response to current and emerging graphic design trends in the context of own professional practice
apply knowledge of the graphic design industry, its key relationships and ways of doing business.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a range of graphic design information sources.
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:
evaluation of the ways in which the candidate integrates industry focus into work projects
evaluation of presentation prepared by the candidate about own research into graphic design practice
questioning and discussion about candidate’s industry knowledge
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
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.