CLUSTER Fine Arts & Humanities

CONCENTRATION Graphic Communications

WVEIS CODE FH1830

National Competencies http://www.gaerf.org/PrintED/Competencies.aspx

ONET Codes 43-9031.00 - Desktop Publishers 27-1014.00 - Multimedia Artists and Animators 51-5111.00 - Prepress Technicians and Workers 43-9081.00 - Proofreaders and Copy Markers 51-5113.00 - Print Binding and Finishing Workers 51-5112.00 - Printing Press Operators

Sample of job titles upon completion of the concentration: Computer Typesetter, Prepress Technician, Electronic Prepress Operator (EPP Operator), Plate Maker, Plate Mounter, Pre-Press Proofer, Prepress Stripper

Sample of job titles upon completion of additional education (if applicable): Art Director, Electronic Console Display Operator, Graphic Artist, Mac Operator, Production Manager, Desktop Publishing Specialist, Electronic Imager, Advertising Associate, Creative Director, Animator, Art Director, Artist, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, 3D Artist, 3D Animator, Animation Director, Prepress Operator, Pre-Press Technician, Desktop Operator, Electronic Prepress Technician (EPP Tech), Copy Editor, Proofreader, Assistant Editor, Desk Editor, Page Designer, Production Assistant, Content Editor, Copyholder, Editorial Assistant

INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS http://www.gaerf.org/PrintED.aspx

REQUIRED COURSES (Sequence Preferred)

WVEIS Code Course 1835 Fundamentals of Graphic Communication 1839 Image Assembly and Platemaking 1833 Electronic Imaging 1841 Offset Press and Bindery

ELECTIVE COURSES 1831 Photography and Dark Room Procedures 1832 Color Processing 1834 Digital Pre-Press 1837 Application in Graphic Communications 1859 Graphic Design Applications 1855 Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing

1 SKILL SETS Career Preparation Skills Safety Leadership Development Customer Service Literacy and Numeracy Digital File Preparation Image Capture Color Theory Digital File Output Bindery Operations Production and Processing of Assembly and Platemaking Orientation Type Page Layout Image Capture—Preparing Digital Files Illustration PDF Offset Press Operations Binding and Finishing

2 Career Preparation, Safety, Leadership Development, Customer Service and Literacy and Numeracy skill sets should be integrated throughout the concentration as remaining skill sets are delivered.

Skill Set Career Preparation Skills Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 career paths. FH.1  goal development and achievement.  attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.  communication in varied contexts.

Performance Objectives Students will

FH.2  relate skills and abilities to possible career pathways. FH.3  explain methods of goal development. FH.4  discuss methods of time management and task coordination. FH.5  practice professionalism in punctuality, appropriate dress, task completion, etc. FH.6  investigate methods of supervision such as giving and receiving feedback and instruction. FH.7  develop and present a statement of their personal work ethic beliefs. FH.8  prepare an application, cover letter, resume and thank you letter. FH.9  create an employment portfolio for use when applying for projects. FH.10  Practice simulated job interviews Skill Set Safety Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

FH.11  safety procedures.  accident reporting agencies.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Performance Objectives Students will

FH.12  recognize the main causes of accidents. FH.13  research agencies that are responsible for emergencies in the workplace. FH.14  develop a plan which outlines the procedures for handling an accident. FH.15  demonstrate operating instructions before using any equipment. FH.16  establish procedures for safe evacuation of the worksite in the event of an emergency. FH.17  follow safety and security procedures. FH.18  wear PPE as required for specified task. Skill Set Leadership Development Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

FH.19  public speaking.  parliamentary law.  leadership concepts.  characteristics of effective teams and organizations

3 FH.20  develop and deliver speeches. FH.21  participate in meetings using parliamentary procedure. FH.22  attend leadership conferences and training (local, state and/or national). FH.23  volunteer in community service opportunities. FH.24  participate in career development events. Skill Set Customer Service Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

FH.25  customer needs assessment.  quality standards for services.  evaluation of customer satisfaction. Performance Objectives Students will

FH.26  confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints. FH.27  keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken. FH.28  check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems. FH.29  determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing. FH.30  refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation. Skill Set Literacy and Numeracy Knowledge objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

FH.31  literacy and numeracy skills required to solve complex  real-world problems associated with their career/technical content area  improve their thinking and reasoning skills. Performance Objectives Students will

FH.32  utilize a variety of technical sources (e.g., Internet, manuals, journals, directions, reports, etc.) to complete career/technical assignments and projects FH.33  demonstrate writing skills required to complete career/technical assignments and projects FH.34  demonstrate accuracy in calculating and measuring graphical work required to complete career/technical assignments and projects FH.35  analyze tables, charts, graphs and multiple data sources to complete career/technical assignments and projects

4 Fundamentals of Graphic Communication WVEIS 1835

Skill Set Digital File Preparation Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 professional prepress software applications and uses, including: page layout 1835.1 (QuarkXPress, InDesign); image editing (Photoshop); illustration (Illustrator); Portable Document Format (PDF) generation and editing (Acrobat, PitStop); and, imposition (Preps).  the disadvantages of using office/home-based software for professional graphic purposes.  the difference between a raster image and a vector graphic image.  the advantages/disadvantages of removable storage media.  the significance of PDF as it pertains to the printing industry.  the difference between supplying PDF files versus native files for print.  identify various file formats and their extensions: .doc; .qxd; .pdf; .tif; .eps; .rtf; .raw; .jpg; .bmp; .txt; .indd; .psd; .ai; .pub; .html; .gif; .xls; .zip; .dmg; .png; .dng.  the purpose of a folding dummy.  the purpose of imposition.

1835.2  utilize professional prepress software applications and uses, including: page layout (QuarkXPress, InDesign); image editing (Photoshop); illustration (Illustrator); Portable Document Format (PDF) generation and editing (Acrobat, PitStop); and, imposition (Preps). 1835.3  develop PDFs 1835.4  create various file extensions: doc; .qxd; .pdf; .tif; .eps; .rtf; .raw; .jpg; .bmp; .txt; .indd; .psd; .ai; .pub; .html; .gif; .xls; .zip; .dmg; .png; .dng.

Skill Set Digital File Preparation Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 basic scanning hardware. 1835.5  basic digital camera hardware.

 the difference between line art and continuous tone originals. Performance Objectives Students will

1835.6  scan images and documents 1835.7  take photos with digital cameras

5 Skill Set Color Theory Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 additive and subtractive color theory. 1835.8  the effect of lighting on color perception.  the effect of the surround on color perception.  the significance of viewing conditions in the graphic communications industry.

 the influence of the substrate on color reproduction. Skill Set Digital File Output Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 trapping and why it is necessary. 1835.9  the purpose of proofing.  the difference between hard and soft proofs.  digital platemaking equipment for offset plates.  the difference between static output and variable output.

 the process of creating digital output from a computer file. Performance Objectives Students will

1835.10  trap files 1835.11  proof files 1835.12  use platemaking equipment to create offset plates

6 Bindery Operations Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1835.13  the differences between, and the advantages/disadvantages of: in-line; off-line; and, near-line finishing.  basic paper types, weights, grades and classifications commonly used in the printing industry.  operational and safety features of a paper cutter.  grain direction of paper, and explain its importance.  padding equipment materials and hand tools.  stapling and stitching equipment materials and supplies.  punching/drilling equipment and tools.  folding equipment.  basic folds for printed products.  collating equipment.  die cut products, embossing and foil stamping products, and procedures/equipment used for each.  different binding methods and applications, including: case binding; perfect binding; saddle stitching; and, lay-flat.  mailing and distribution processs.

1835.14  calculate basic paper cuts from a parent sheet. 1835.15  create an accurate master cutting diagram for making cuts.

7 Image Assembly and Platemaking WVEIS 1839

Skill Set Production and Processing of Assembly and Platemaking Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1839.1  plate equipment  quality control  principles involved in production of images

8 Performance Objectives Students will

1839.2  operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film. 1839.3  examine photographic images for obvious imperfections prior to plate making. 1839.4  operate presses to print proofs of plates, monitoring printing quality to ensure that it is adequate. 1839.5  monitor contact between cover glass and masks inside vacuum frames, in order to prevent flaws resulting from overexposure or light reflection.

1839.6  transfer images from master plates to unexposed plates, and immerse plates in developing solutions to develop images. 1839.7  examine unexposed photographic plates to detect flaws or foreign particles prior to printing. 1839.8  lower vacuum frames onto plate-film assemblies, activate vacuums to establish contact between film and plates, and set timers to activate ultraviolet lights that expose plates. 1839.9  examine finished plates to detect flaws, verify conformity with master plates, and measure dot sizes and centers, using light-boxes and microscopes. 1839.10  perform close alignment or registration of double and single flats to sensitized plates prior to exposure, in order to produce composite images. 1839.11  remove plate-film assemblies from vacuum frames, and place exposed plates in automatic processors to develop images and dry plates. 1839.12  position and angle screens for proper exposure. 1839.13  inspect developed film for specified results and quality, using magnifying glasses and scopes; forward acceptable negatives or positives to other workers or to customers.  punch holes in light-sensitive plates and insert pins in holes to prepare plates 1839.14 for contact with positive or negative film. 1839.15  unload exposed film from scanners, and place film in automatic processors to develop images. 1839.16  place masking paper on areas of plates not covered by positives or negatives, in order to prevent exposure. 1839.17  mount negatives and plates in cameras, set exposure controls, and expose plates to light through negatives in order to transfer images onto plates.  perform tests to determine lengths of exposures, by exposing plates, scanning line copy, and comparing exposures to tone range scales. 1839.18  mix solutions such as developing solutions and colored coating solutions.  activate scanners to produce positive or negative films for the black-and-white, 1839.19 cyan, yellow, and magenta separations from each original copy. 1839.20  select proper types of plates according to press run lengths.  reposition lamps and adjust aperture controls in order to provide high quality 1839.21 images. 1839.22  analyze originals to evaluate color density, gradation highlights, middle tones, and shadows, using densitometers and knowledge of light and color. 1839.23  perform minor deletions, additions, or corrections to completed plates, on or off printing presses, using tusche, printing ink, erasers, and needles.

9 10 Electronic Imaging WVEIS 1833

Skill Set Orientation Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 the basic principles of design (i.e., unity, contrast, page proportions, balance, 1833.1 etc.)  line images and appropriate resolutions.  continuous tone/halftone images and appropriate resolutions.  basic process color principles and methods of reproduction.  define PostScript.  the types and procedures for using removable storage media.  the use of File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in transferring files from one computer to another.  preflighting and its purpose.  computer-to-plate, computer-to-press, and variable data printing.

1833.2  read and interpret production information on job docket/ticket. 1833.3  demonstrate keyboard typing proficiency. 1833.4  prepare a series of hand-drawn sketches or computer-generated layouts incorporating appropriate marks (i.e., gutters, register marks, fold lines, etc.) 1833.5  preflight a native file using application preflight software and/or a manual checklist. 1833.6  preflight a Portable Document Format (PDF) file using application preflight software and/or a manual checklist.

Skill Set Type Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1833.7  the use of caps, lowercase, uppercase, small caps, ligatures, and glyphs.

1833.8  measure type in points using the appropriate tools. 1833.9  explain x-height, mean-line, baseline, ascenders, descenders, leading, and their roles in measuring and designing with type. 1833.10  define the use of glyphs in publications. 1833.11  distinguish between display (headline) type and body (text) type by their point sizes and type styles. 1833.12  list the basic type style classifications and their uses. 1833.13  describe the appropriate use of type family members (e.g., bold, italic, Roman, etc.) 1833.14  explain letter spacing, tracking, and kerning of type characters. 1833.15  explain typographic ems and ens and their associated dashes.  define the use of type arrangements, e.g., flush left–ragged right, flush right–

11 1833.16 ragged left, centered, and justified.  explain the differences between TrueType, Postscript Type 1, and Open Type 1833.17 fonts.  demonstrate or explain the proper use of loading, displaying and organizing 1833.18 fonts using a font management software application.  explain the use of caps, lowercase, uppercase, small caps, ligatures, and 1833.19 glyphs.

Skill Set Page Layout Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1833.20  PDF creation  page/document design  proofreading  altering images

1833.21  select professional software for page layout. 1833.22  demonstrate the use of a digital dictionary and spell checker. 1833.23  demonstrate proper line and page breaks including hyphenation, widows and orphans. 1833.24  demonstrate a functional knowledge of computer menus, shortcut keys, and palettes in page layout software. 1833.25  demonstrate text alignment (flush left, flush right, center), vertical justification (top, center, bottom justified), and object alignment and distribution. 1833.26  demonstrate use of basic proofreading marks. 1833.27  demonstrate the proper setup of a new document including facing pages, page size and orientation, columns, margins, bleeds, and slugs. 1833.28  apply appropriate paragraph formatting to text (indents, spaces before and after, drop caps, etc.). 1833.29  place or get text from a word processed document. 1833.30  design and produce a document using specified type faces, sizes, leading, margins, indents, tabs, and colors.  identify appropriate professional software for inputting words, creating 1833.31 illustrations, editing images, and laying out pages.  follow proofreading instructions to correct documents on screen. 1833.32  place or get images. 1833.33  demonstrate cropping images. 1833.34  create a two-sided, three-panel brochure using graphics and text. 1833.35  create a multi-page document using master pages, automatic folios, paragraph 1833.36 style sheets, levels of headings, sidebars, text inset, masthead, text, and graphics.  create a document that includes tables. 1833.37  create a document using tints, reverses and manipulated type. 1833.38  produce a multi-colored flyer that includes at least two spot colors and output 1833.39 separations.  demonstrate soft proofing using an appropriate profile and explain why it is

12 1833.40 used.  make a hard copy proof with appropriate printer marks. 1833.41 1833.42  upon completion of a job, demonstrate how to preflight, proof (hard and soft), package, and create an output-appropriate PDF. Skill Set Image Capture Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

 the difference between continuous tone images, halftone images, and line art. 1833.43  the basic components and uses of flatbed scanner hardware.  uses and limitations of basic scanner software.  the various components and settings (aperture, shutter speed, image resolution, white balance, etc.) of a digital camera.

1833.44  capture digital images using a scanner and digital camera. 1833.45  demonstrate appropriate scanner/program operations for line artwork. 1833.46  demonstrate appropriate scanner/program operations for continuous tone color and grayscale images. 1833.47  transfer images from a camera and scanner to a host computer. 1833.48  describe what an International Color Consortium (ICC) profile is and its use. 1833.49  demonstrate how to convert Red-Green-Blue (RGB) images in Cyan-Magenta- Yellow-Key/black (CMYK) using various ICC profiles.  demonstrate saving scanned images into an appropriate file format. 1833.50  given an image, determine whether it is high or low resolution. 1833.51  explain the image resolution requirements for various uses (screen/web versus 1833.52 press).  download a digital image from a stock photography web site or compact disc 1833.53 (CD) and resize according to specifications provided.  using bitmap editing software, retouch, crop, make modifications, color 1833.54 corrections, and levels adjustments to prepare an image to print correctly on a printing press.

Skill Set Illustration Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1833.55  computer menus, shortcut keys, and palettes in illustration software.

1833.56  create a single color vector graphic. 1833.57  create a vector graphic using tints, fills, and color. 1833.58  create a vector graphic using manipulated type. 1833.59  trace a bitmap drawing and convert to a vector. 1833.60  edit an existing piece of vector art.

13 Skill Set PDF Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1833.61  the Portable Document Format (PDF) as an integral part of the printing industry.  the difference between a PDF and native application files  advantages and disadvantages of PDF.  the various methods used to create PDFs

1833.62  create a PDF from a native application file. 1833.63  describe the differences between the PDF (such as PDF/x-3, press quality PDF, etc.) 1833.64  describe why some PDFs are not appropriate for print production. 1833.65  demonstrate how to make minor corrections to a PDF file.

14 Offset Press and Bindery WVEIS 1841

Skill Set Offset Press operations Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1841.1  production information on job docket/ticket.  how an offset lithographic plate works.  basic systems and parts of an offset press.  the attributes of sheet-fed, web-fed, stream-fed, and perfecting presses.  the printing processes used in the press segment of the printing workflow.  basic paper types, sizes, and weights.

1841.2  determine grain direction of paper and explain the importance of proper grain direction when running the press, including folds and scoring.  handle and jog paper stock (wire/felt, watermarks, and carbonless sequence). 1841.3  locate paper weight, coating, and sizes on a ream, box, or skid. 1841.4  describe the importance of paper conditioning prior to running the press. 1841.5  demonstrate and correct paper problems prior to running the press. 1841.6  compare offset ink types and uses including oil-based, rubber-based, soy-based, 1841.7 and Ultraviolet (UV).  identify ink ingredients. 1841.8  identify causes of ink problems and suggest appropriate solutions. 1841.9  explain the purpose of using spray powder on an offset press. 1841.10  explain the purpose of an infrared dryer on an offset press. 1841.11  describe the procedure for mixing and testing custom colored inks. 1841.12  explain the purpose and use of fountain solution and fountain solution additives. 1841.13  mix fountain solutions using appropriate ratios and demonstrate understanding 1841.14 and use of monitoring techniques.  perform make-ready steps for paper handling. 1841.15  perform make-ready of the inking system. 1841.16  perform make-ready of the dampening system. 1841.17  perform make-ready of the printing unit. 1841.18  print a single color one-sided job. 1841.19  print a single color properly registered two-sided job. Indicate gripper and guide 1841.20 sides.  print a single color properly registered job on carbonless stock (two-parts or three parts). 1841.21  print a single color job on envelopes.  print a job on heavy stock. 1841.22  describe sheetwise, work-and-turn, and work-and-tumble jobs, and how they 1841.23 differ. 1841.24  print a two-sided job using one of the following methods: sheetwise, work-and- turn, or work-and-tumble. 1841.25  explain the purpose of registration, crop, and bleed marks.  explain the major functions of a densitometer as a quality control device. 1841.26  print a multicolor job with register marks and color bars. Maintain accurate

15 1841.27 registration and monitor ink density. 1841.28  print a multicolor, two-sided job.  demonstrate the use of flags to count sheets during a pressrun. 1841.29  perform roller care and maintenance of inking and dampening systems. 1841.30  demonstrate ink roller, dampener roller, and cylinder pressure settings on a 1841.31 press. 1841.32  install a blanket and explain follow-up procedures.  demonstrate proper wash-up techniques for the inking system, dampening 1841.33 system, and cylinders. 1841.34  demonstrate a proper color wash.  identify problems inherent in printing heavy solid work on a duplicator press.  estimate small offset press labor costs to include make-ready, running and 1841.35 clean-up. 1841.36  estimate ink and paper costs. 1841.37  observe offset press operations in a commercial printing plant either on site or online via a virtual tour. 1841.38  explain procedures for daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on a press; 1841.39 explain importance of recording this information in a log.

1841.40  perform basic press maintenance and record the information in a log.

1841.41

Skill Set Binding and Finishing Knowledge Objectives Students will demonstrate knowledge of

1841.42  basic hand tools, equipment, and materials in bindery operations.  paper types related to their grain direction, cutting, folding and binding characteristics.

1841.43  demonstrate how to change the blade and perform preventive maintenance on an automatic paper cutter. 1841.44  estimate the cost of materials and production for performing various bindery operations. 1841.45  demonstrate proper paper handling and storage procedures. 1841.46  demonstrate basic paper jogging techniques. 1841.47  demonstrate basic paper counting techniques: measure by ream marker, weight, caliper, or other methods.  calculate basic paper cuts from a parent sheet, considering job requirements 1841.48 and grain direction.  describe how to use and set up programmable cutters. 1841.49  make accurate paper cuts using a mechanized paper cutter. 1841.50  demonstrate how to check the squareness of stock. 1841.51  collate sets in proper sequence. 1841.52  prepare folding dummies for commonly used impositions. 1841.53  demonstrate the use of folding equipment to produce a single fold, an 1841.54 accordion fold, and a gate fold.  describe and identify the uses of right angle folding, knife folding, buckle

16 1841.55 folding, and combination folding.  demonstrate the use of folding equipment to produce a right-angle fold job. 1841.56  demonstrate and properly use folding equipment to produce a high-folio lip 1841.57 signature and a low-folio lip signature and describe the advantages of both.  describe tipping in procedures.  demonstrate the use of folding equipment to perforate and score. 1841.58  demonstrate and perform preventative maintenance on a folder. 1841.59  describe and identify in-line finishing systems. 1841.60  describe and identify off-line finishing systems. 1841.61  produce correctly made pads of paper. 1841.62  describe the fundamentals and applications of saddle stitching and perfect 1841.63 binding. 1841.64  produce side and saddle stitched/stapled products.  identify spiral binding and wire binding equipment and products. 1841.65  describe the case binding process. 1841.66  identify packaging and shrink wrap equipment and materials. 1841.67  identify specialty bindery processes: foil stamping, embossing, die cutting, and 1841.68 thermography. 1841.69  identify common production problems encountered in the bindery area.  describe and identify basic mailing equipment. 1841.70  demonstrate an understanding of United States Postal Service (USPS) (sizes 1841.71 and mail class rates). 1841.72  observe a commercial bindery operation(live or virtual). 1841.73