Level |
Artistic Skills |
Technical Computer Graphic Skills |
Portfolio |
Software |
Years |
I |
Has decent eye for layout, spacing,
and type. Color experience may be limited but may have worked
with spot colors (e.g., in charts and graphs). |
Uses graphic elements provided
by others. Can set up files for laser printing or screen
display and do minor troubleshooting on prepress files. Also
can identify fonts. May or may not have experience on press. |
Comps and art school drawings.
Black and white or 2-color printed flyers, postcards, mailers,
flowcharts, and other conceptual roughs. |
QuarkXPress, PageMaker,
or InDesign
Possibly:
Illustrator or FreeHand
Photoshop |
|
II |
Good eye for layout, type, and
color. Can integrate supplied photos and illustrations with
text. Also can organize fairly complex and chaotic source
materials into a simpler, integrated, coherent printed piece. |
Can usually produce files
that will image to prepress film without extensive rebuilding.
Understands basics of different file and font formats. Very
basic understanding of CMYK (color-separation) issues. Limited
experience on press. |
One or two full-color brochures,
perhaps without color photos. One or two logos actually executed
for clients. Stationery, labels, simple packaging designs,
or design comps. Experience with multiple page documents
(newsletters brochures, etc.). |
QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign
Illustrator or FreeHand
Photoshop |
2+
1+
1+ |
III |
As above. Understands readability
issues in typography. Can montage photos and decide when
to use various effects. Some drawing skills. Has a unique
and personal design style evident in work. |
Can produce files that will
consistently image properly to film in prepress stage. Understands
color separation and optimization of scanned images. Can
perform trapping in page layout or drawing program. Has extensive
experience on press. Knows about postal requirements. |
Full-color, even 6-color brochures,
direct mail pieces, or other printed pieces; some with color
photos. Various bindings, die-cuts, varnishes, inserts, etc.
Possibly complex packaging designs and some Web samples. |
QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign
Illustrator or FreeHand
Photoshop
DeBabelizer
Probably will have some Web experience: Dreamweaver / Fireworks |
2+
1+
1+
1+ |
IV |
Creative conceptual initiator.
Draws well. Strategically oriented; relates design work to
clients’ goals and businesses; can persuade or influence
clients effectively. Can produce stunning polished comps
(comprehensive layouts) for clients. Understands different
trends and “looks” in design; can alter style
for different contexts. Experienced with directing photographers,
retouchers, production artists, and illustrators. |
Designer tech-wizard. Understands
how to troubleshoot PostScript problem files. Knowledgeable
about page layout shortcuts, third-party extensions, and
prepress, press, and bindery issues. Can create multipage
die-cuts and duotones and optimize a “fake spot color” (in
CMYK) better than Pantone’s own guide. Has existing
relationships with vendors. Supervises printers with expertise,
driving them to achieve the highest quality within the project’s
budgetary and equipment limits. |
Brochures, annual reports, posters,
and / or coordinated packaging suites or other polished work
for Fortune 500 clients. If publication designer, has created
the “look” for glossy magazines, daily newspapers, “coffee-table” books,
or best-selling children’s books. Possibly has work
in major design annuals. Has own Web site. |
(prepress; MacOS)
QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign
Illustrator or FreeHand
Photoshop
DeBabelizer
Probably has knowledge of numerous other programs and utilities
and system troubleshooting.
Probably will have some Web experience: Dreamweaver / Fireworks |
10+
2+
1+
1+
1+
1+
|
