Course Title: Engage in the business of graphic design

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: GRAP5373C

Course Title: Engage in the business of graphic design

School: 320T Architecture & Urban Design

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C6152 - Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design

Course Contact: Alistair Briggs

Course Contact Phone: +61 9925 9446

Course Contact Email: alistair.briggs@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nicola Hardy

nicola.hardy@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 65

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None required.

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to adopt a professional, commercial approach to the business of graphic design. You will gain an understanding of the different professional associations, working with clients, how to cost graphic design work as well as approaches to marketing your design services. You will also engage in a period of work placement.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAGRD601 Engage in the business of graphic design

Element:

1 Adopt professional work practices

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Develop and maintain a professional work ethic to support graphic design practice

1.2 Collaborate, communicate and share ideas with other professionals about creative and commercial aspects of graphic design

1.3 Evaluate the skills and knowledge needed to operate as a professional graphic designer

1.4 Evaluate own current skills and abilities and the need for further professional development

1.5 Evaluate all aspects of own practice on an ongoing basis

Element:

2 Develop commercial skills for graphic design

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Assess the key commercial relationships that operate in the graphic design sector, and how they are affected by changing trends

2.2 Investigate costing practices and charges for graphic design work in different industry contexts

2.3 Assess the opportunities used by graphic designers to promote their services

2.4 Analyse the client perspective of graphic design and its impact on professional practice

2.5 Evaluate relevant information to build own approach to the commercial position of own practice

Element:

3 Analyse the rights and obligations of graphic designers

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate the legal and moral rights and obligations of graphic designers

3.2 Practise work and business in ways that meet legal and moral obligations

3.3 Pursue own rights as a graphic designer consistent with own professional and ethical standards

Element:

4 Pursue professional graphic design opportunities

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Evaluate new work opportunities for graphic designers at a local and global level

4.2 Identify and evaluate opportunities that exist in current and developing graphic design trends


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources.
You will complete exercises and industry-related projects. You will also be required to undertake WIL - Work Placement.

In class activities may include:

  • class exercises
  • tutorials
  • guest lectures or site visits
  • practical demonstrations
  • workshops
  • group discussion and activities
  • review and revision
  • peer learning
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • workshopping of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback

Out of class activities may include:

  • WIL - Work Placement
  • independent research
  • independent project based work
  • studio practice
  • online tutorials and activities
  • review and revision

 


Teaching Schedule

 Week Learning activity Assessment
 1 Courses Overview, Timeline and WIL information
Activity - What Kind of Designer Do I Want To Be?
Complete activity
 2 Introduce Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Activity - Make a CV & mini folio
Activity - Brainstorm / roughs for personal branding
Complete activity
 3

Continue with Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit

Finding work - design job seeking advice and practice
Activity - Dissect a job ad and write an application cover letter

Complete activity
 4

Continue with Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Activity - Networking and public profiles (Linked In, how to find and attend industry events)

Introduce Assessment Task 2 - WIL Presentation & Report 
Start with WIL search: where to look, how to find placement, expectations

Complete activity
 5 Continue with Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Record keeping basics - recording income, GST
Activity - apply for ABN, ABR (or write down the how to steps)
Complete activity
 6

Continue with Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Quoting, Fees and Freelancing, Clients, Contracts & Agencies.

Activity - make an invoice, make a quote

 Complete activity
 7 Continue with Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Healthy working life - mental and physical health
Activity - record strategies for maintaining a healthy working life
Complete activity
 8 Finalise Assessment Task 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit due at end of class  Pro 1 - Self Promotional Toolkit DUE
 9 Studio visit  Complete activity
 10 Time Management (information session with activity) Complete activity
 11 Sustainable Business Practice  
 12 Preparing Assessment Task 2 - WIL Presentations  
 13 Preparing Assessment Task 2 - WIL Presentations  
 14 Assessment Task 2 - WIL Presentations PDF submission & Class Presentation (extra session if needed)  WIL Presentations and report due
 15 InPlace WIL lodgement with Luke Clarke  
 16 Folio/Exhibition preparation + Coursework review  

This course (GRAP5373C - Engage in the business of graphic design - CUAGRD601) will be delivered in the same weekly session/class as ENVI5096C - Establish and maintain environmentally sustainable creative practice. - CUAPPR504, but both courses are assessed separately. See ENVI5096C course guide for details.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Design is a job. Gold, Ed

Watson-Guptill 1985

The business of graphic design : a sensible approach to marketing and managing a graphic design firm Shaughnessy, Adrian

Laurence King 2010 

What they didnt teach you in design school : the essential guide to growing your design career. Cleaver, Phil

Writer's Digest, 2014

Inside the business of graphic design : 60 leaders share their secrets of success Fishel, Catharine M.

Allworth Press 2003

How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul Monteiro, Mike

New York : A Book Apart, 2012


Other Resources

References/ recommended texts

Title: Inside the business of graphic design : 60 leaders share their secrets of success
Author: Fishel, Catharine M.
Publisher: New York : Allworth Press 2003 

Title: The business of graphic design : a sensible approach to marketing and managing a graphic design firm
Author: Gold, Ed
Publisher: New York : Watson-Guptill 1985

Title: How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul
Author: Shaughnessy, Adrian
Publisher: London : Laurence King 2010 

Title: Design is a job
Author: Monteiro, Mike.
Publisher: New York : A Book Apart, 2012.

Title: What they didn't teach you in design school : the essential guide to growing your design career.
Author: Cleaver, Phil
Publisher: S.l. : Writer's Digest, 2014

Other Resources

You are advised to look at the course myRMIT site (Canvas) and also for Google Docs and Google Groups via your student Google Account for ongoing updated information. A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the semester. Additional information relating to this will be provided on an ongoing basis.

You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in the kit list.

Amongst the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning.

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access of the library resources.
resources.

The University Library has extensive resources for Graphic Design students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/graphicartanddesign

The Library provides guides on academic referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc

 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or exercises and creative activities.
The assessment tasks are:
A folio of self promotional material.
Completion of a period of work placement.
A verbal presentation and written reflection about your WIL (work integrated learning) experience.

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.


Assessment Tasks

This course has two major assignments/assessment tasks, both of which must be completed.

In addition to these tasks, students must undertake and complete a minimum of 80 hours of Work Integrated Learning or Work Placement by the end of the course. For those going on the study tour this contributes to half of those WIL hours, so only 40 hours of WIL is required.

Feedback may be given verbally or in written form, both in class or on Canvas. You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard achieve competency. 

Assignments:

DUE WEEK 8
Project 1 - Self Promotion Toolkit
Branding andb usiness stationery, CV, cover letter sample for one job, online folio, business name and ABN.

DUE WEEK 14/15
Project 2 - Workplace Integrated Learning Presentation and report.
Work placement written reflection in the form of a class presentation and report.

This unit is assessed for competency only and the final results will use the following grade tablwe: 


CA Competency Achieved 
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment

 

 


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above) and on Canvas.

Other Information

Attendance

The major aspect of your learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity for success.

Feedback

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects. Student feedback at RMIT (unresolved)

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy (unresolved)

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration

Submissions

When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every summative assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use the printed form provided. For digital online submission please use e-Submission process. Information regarding the e-Submission process

On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your overall grade for each assessment task.



The following adjustments for late submission will be made: Work submitted late will be assessed for competency only. Submissions are only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity (unresolved)

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview