EL3 U15 - Guidance

1. The learner will obtain, insert and combine information for images

1.1 I can identify and briefly explain what images are needed

Candidates should be able to identify what they are going to work on and why.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

This could be a centre set task such as asking for a logo for a newsletter or image for a website page, but could also be the candidates own requirements. Ideally it should be for a client as this will give feedback and be a more realistic representation of the process in a work place. The candidate needs some brief explanation of why they think it might be suitable and may need guidance on this.

1.2 I can obtain, input and prepare images to meet defined needs

Candidates should be able to find the elements they need and get them ready for use.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Candidates might be mixing a number of elements such as text and images into a final piece and in each cases they need to make sure that they are going to work and are the right format, dimensions etc.

1.3 I can explain briefly what generic copyright and other constraints apply to the use of images

Candidates should be able to identify legal issues that apply.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Most materials that are available, either in printed formats or digital, are controlled by various rues and regulations such as copyright or patents. Candidates at this level need to have a basic familiarity with these issues and know when working to check for them before using the protected works. They should be able to articulate, albeit simply, what effect these have on activity.

1.4 I can effectively combine information of different types or from different sources for images

Candidates should be able to demonstrate competence with using different elements in their designs.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Images may not be purely graphic, they might also contain text and other digital pieces and candidates need to show that they are comfortable with mixing and combining these into a final design.

1.5 I can explain which file format to use for saving and exchanging images

Candidates should be able to identify and explain interoperability.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Images created in proprietary file formats are of little use when trying to share designs. In many cases, graphic artists will create images so that other creative staff can use them, for example in publishing or web site design. If the images are not made to work with other system, they are of little real use. Candidates should show an awareness for these issues and make sure that they save and output their work in a format that is usable more widely than in the application it was created with.

2. The learner will use imaging software tools to create images

2.1 I can use suitable tools and techniques to create a range of images

Candidates should be able to show good skills in using graphics software applications.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Each graphics package will vary in the layout, but will have a general set of features and tools that can be used. Some of these will be quite complex and require a great deal of time and effort to master. At this level, candidates should show they can use the tools comfortably and achieve a decent level of effects with the techniques they have mastered and understood. The toolbar blow id from the Gimp program and shows some of the main tools available.

 

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Most of the tools are obvious by their icon as to their purpose, but some are less than clear. 2.2 I can use a range of tools and techniques to create different images

Candidates should be able to use basic tools to achieve an objective.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

It might be useful to have a set task here that will guarantee that candidates use some of the basic editing and manipulation tools to produce a small number of modified images from an original if they are not sure how to generate their own. Otherwise, they can be asked to create 2 different styles of images.

2.3 I can check images meet clear needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary

Candidates should be able to make sure an image meets a specific need.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

If working with a client it is easy enough to show a process of correction and adjustment as the designer meets the enduser's needs. If using a centre set assignment, it might be useful to build in some aspect of adjustment, perhaps simulating the client changing their mind on some fundamental aspects of colour or positioning to give candidates the opportunity to change the designs to suit.

3. The learner will use imaging software tools to edit and manipulate images

3.1 I can use a range of tools and techniques to manipulate and edit images

Candidates should be able to use basic tools to achieve an objective.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

It might be useful to have a set task here that will guarantee that candidates use some of the basic editing and manipulation tools to produce a modified image from an original if they are not sure how to generate their own.

3.2 I can explain the best tools to manipulate and edit images

Candidates should be able to explain how the different tools are fit for their purpose

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

They may need some help with the details, but candidates should be able to explain how the tools they use are good at
what they do and how they help with the tasks.

3.3 I can reflect on why the tools I use are good for the tasks

Candidates should be able to use basic tools to achieve an objective.

Evidence: Direct observation, planning and recording documents from day to day activities.

Additional information and guidance

Candidates should be comfortable using some tools for their tasks and should be encourage to think about and discuss why they work, and if they don’t work as well as they hoped, what they might also try.