Unit 08 - Creative Media Industry Awareness

(08.1) Know how the Creative Media Sector is structured

1.1 Describe the industries within the Creative Media Sector

There are many different industries within the Creative Media Sector. As a young child growing up, I’ve developed interests in different areas over the years. As a keen artist I’ve always loved the idea of being an Illustrator and Writer. This has been a lifetime interest from a young age and is still my dream goal today. 

As a teenager I also had a phase of wanting to become a Games Designer. Also now I’m interested in Graphic Design and Digital Art for which I use Photoshop a lot. 

(Above: ‘Castle in the Sky’)

(Above: ‘Feline Meow’)

By working at DCAS, this has opened up further interests that are also industries in the Creative Media Sector. Filming, Photography, Animation. 

Others include: Forms of advertising and marketing, designing of products: Fashion, interior, buildings, working in TV, radio or film. It is a wide-spread industry with a lot of choice. 

1.2 Describe cross-industry ownership in the Creative Media Sector

This happens a lot in the Creative Media Industry. Companies often decide to join forces to generate more income and a wider audience. A lot of the time when this happens, one of the companies would be the more powerful, like the time when Microsoft bought Skype. 

Another example is shows and films. For example, I used to watch a series on BBC. It was produced by The Shine Group, but they obviously joined up with the BBC because they aired it on their channel. 

(Above: BBC's 'Merlin')

1.3 Explain the relevant relationships between a range of industries within the Creative Media Sector

In the process of creating a product, whether it be a magazine, computer game, movie etc. just to create that one product would involve a large number of people, all with different jobs in the Creative Media Sector. 

I’ve used my favourite film as an example. 

Film: ‘The Legend of Zorro’

Release Date: 24th October 2005

Director: Martin Campbell

Produced by: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Lloyd Phillips

Screenplay by: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio

Based on: ‘Zorro’ by Johnston McCulley

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rufus Sewell, Nick Chinlund

Music by: James Horner

Cinematography: Phil Meheux

Edited by: Stuart Baird

Production Company: Spyglass Entertainment, Amblin Entertainment

Distributed by: Columbia Pictures

Box Office: 142.4 million USD

Straight away you can see how much goes into the making of a movie and how many different jobs are essential to making it. Lots of jobs means lots of communication in order to achieve perfection.

(Above: Director Martin Campbell liaising with actor Antonio Banderas)

(Above: 'The Legend of Zorro' DVD cover)

Advertising is also an important factor in the film industry and creative media. A lot of time and effort goes into the design of movie posters and DVD covers. After the designing process, it’s down to print, publishing and social media to ensure the film is well advertised online, in magazines and generally round and about.

(8.2) Understand a specific creative media project lifecycle 

2.1 Describe the stages of a specific Creative Media project life cycle

To begin with, a project brief will be planned and created, whether it be for a new furniture design or a new piece of software. When planning the product, it would also be essential to go out and look at similar products on the market. This way it would make it easier to design, knowing what features people like the most. The next step would be to discuss further then make a start on some concept designs. This could take many stages until an idea is finalised. The team would meet again and make alterations until everyone is happy with the final idea and the project can commence. 

This goes to any creative project, whether it be the production of a movie, the writing and publishing of a book, designing a new app etc. It will all start at the beginning and work its way through many processes, team decisions and alterations. 

2.2 Explain and justify resources required for a specific project

We do a lot of projects here at DCAS so it’s important to be organised and prepared. My three main examples are: Filming projects, Art session ideas and creating marketing material for both print and social media. 

If we have something coming up like a council meeting, we first take into a measure the date it’s on and who is going to be available to film and also who can be made available to film. We make a list of all the things we are going to need and all the people going are each assigned a specific job. For the last meeting, I was in charge of making sure we had everything together that was on the list: Cameras, tripods, sound desk, cables etc. We make sure that on the day, we get there well in time to set everything up, adjust the white balance of the cameras, get the angles right and in focus. 

Because of my creativity, I’m sometimes asked to come up with group activity ideas for the art sessions. When I have an idea, I’m asked to make it to see that it’s doable, also that it’s not going to be too difficult for the young people. If the idea is successful, I have to make sure we have all the resources we need. I usually make sure we are stocked up the day before the session. This gives me the chance to go out and buy anything else we may need. It’s also important that we have the right quantities. For example, there are far more young people who go to the Thursday art session, whereas the one on Monday is a much smaller group and more focused. I set up earlier on the day of the session and make sure everything needed is there. 

Sometimes I have to design a poster or flier so for this I just need Photoshop resource-wise. I have to use the work macbook for this as I don’t have it on my personal one. Sometimes I can find it useful to have a bit of scrap paper and a pencil by my side if I ever feel the need to draw down some rough ideas or notes. It’s important to know what the design is going to be used for and as I’d mentioned in Unit 35, there is a big difference in images used for print and images to be used digitally. I tend to design a few ideas, especially if the design is for a client. This gives them more choice and the option to even suggest maybe combining a few ideas from each. 

(Above: DCAS Sticker Design)

Whatever the project is, we always ensure we have all the resources we need beforehand. 

(08.3) Understand the role of a specific team within the organisation of which it is part

3.1 Describe the vision, mission and values of a specific Creative Media organisation

As I love Creative Writing, I’ve chosen Bloomsbury Publishing.

3.2 Explain how a specific Creative Media organisation is funded, governed and regulated

3.3 Explain the role of a specific team within the organisation

I had a look on their website at the different jobs involved and jobs available. A key team in the business would be Editorial and Proofreading. This is a vital need in the publishing industry as they will receive many manuscripts. However, most publishing houses no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts so writers are best at trying their luck on getting an agent. 

3.4 Explain the relationship between the specific team and others within the organisation

Most of the jobs in this business would involve a lot of liaising. For example after proofreading and deciding that a novel is worthy of being published, this then falls to the printing team. Also, that next best-seller will need a cover designing, and a strong social media team will need to make sure that book is promoted and that information is up-to-date on their website. It’s important that all the teams in the business liaise, especially as they have the high reputation of being the publishers of the Harry Potter books. 

(08.4) Understand individual team roles and responsibilities within a specific project lifecycle

4.1 Explain the individual roles within a specific team

At my place of work, we all have our main duties and key areas. As the Creative and Digital apprentice my duties mainly involve filming events and assisting and planning the sessions, particularly the art ones. I’m line managed by the person who does all the art sessions. She also does a lot of work in Photoshop and web designing. I work alongside two other apprentices. One works in Music Production and Marketing and the other in social media. The social media apprentice uses Crowd Control to pre schedule tweets and posts. We find that a lot of our duties tend to cross over and we work well as a team, but are also able to work on our own initiative.

4.2 Explain their responsibilities and outputs within a specific project life cycle

My example is of a recent council meeting we filmed. Our centre manager put myself and the other apprentices in charge of key areas when preparing for the day. My job in this specific project was to type up a list of all the things we needed, then make sure we had everything together. 

4.3 Describe examples of interdependence between team members

In our organisation we all trust and rely on each other. It’s important when filming we all try to get the best footage possible. In order to edit using all the angles, it’s important that we all try to keep our footage smooth and focused. We all trust each other to put 100% into the work we do. Our managers trust us to go with our own initiative which gives us the confidence to work creatively and try out new techniques. 

Unit 10 - Awareness of Health and Safety in the Creative Media Sector

(10.1) Understand the relevant health and safety regulations in the creative media sector

1.1 Describe key elements of health and safety regulations, relevant to working in the Creative Media Sector

Policies and procedures - It’s important that we have these in place and that risk assessments are regularly updated. 

Organisation - To ensure measures are taken to avoid potential hazards, such as taping down wires and keeping liquids away from electronic equipment. 

Correct lifting procedures - Especially as where I work we do a lot of roadie duties, it’s important that we lift equipment correctly and safely. 

Safe usage of electronics - Using equipment safely and being trained on how to use it correctly. 

1.2 Explain safe working practices for a specific job role in the Creative Media Sector

As a Creative and Digital Media Apprentice, my duties can vary. I help out mainly with the art sessions, sometimes I do filming work. I recently assisted at the filming of a council meeting. It’s important that all the wires are taped down securely so nobody is at risk of tripping. When setting up cameras and tripods, we need to make sure we are not in the way or blocking any exits. Whenever we need to use lighting, people are aware of the lights getting hot and we make sure they have fully cooled before packing away. In the art sessions, we need to be aware of young people using sharp items such as craft knives, or anything that can get hot. Also supervising them when they are online to ensure they are safe and not on websites they shouldn’t be on. With roadie duties and setting up for Music nights, there is a lot of heavy lifting involved so it’s important that we lift things correctly. If something is extra heavy it takes more than one person. We also make sure no equipment is blocking any exits. While we have our main areas to focus on, we are watchful of hazards in general for simple things, such as spillages. 

1.3 Describe the main employer responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act

By law it is essential that employers create and carry out risk assessments. These should be carried out at the address of the organisation and all risks should be recorded. It is down to the employer to train employees on how to deal with risks and hazards. They should also ensure that their employees know how they are protected. It is their duty to consult their employees on any health and safety issues. They must make sure that their employees are protected against anything that can cause harm to themselves and others. 

(10.2) Be able to comply with relevant health and safety procedures

2.1 Describe the differences between hazards and risks

Hazards are things that are considered a danger and risks are things that could potentially lead to the result of a hazard. There are many risks and hazards in the workplace, probably more than we are aware of. The content of these will vary depending on the job. For example, a roadie would need to be aware of heavy lifting procedures and the safe usage of electronic equipment. All organisations should have Health and Safety policies and procedures. 

2.2  Carry out a Risk Assessment/

2.3 Report identified hazards and risks to appropriate parties/

2.4 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety in a specific Creative Media job role

Organisation - Donut Creative Arts Studio

Activity/Workshop - Artbox/ Art Studio

Department - Children’s Services

All us apprentices have been given the job of creating a risk assessment in each of the areas we are mainly in charge of. We have been told to complete the main parts and we are all going to finish them properly as a group, as our employer is still teaching us on how to do them. It has made us all more aware of health and safety and its importance. So far we haven’t needed to report any hazards as such. Sometimes the young people get a bit carried away, but only on small things rather than anything fatal. However, we still warn them of the dangers and supervise them. If anything fatal did occur in say one of the art sessions, I would report it straight away to my line manager, who also runs those sessions. 

In our place of work, our main way of reducing risks is as simple as just being tidy and organised. Due to the nature of what we do, we often face clutter, whether it be instruments and music setups, or if we’ve had a show on the previous night and there are still tables and chairs scattered about, these obstacles could block exits. Normally we have a caretaker to clear them away, but he leaves all the electronic equipment to us. We have to be aware of when he’s in, so if he has a day off, it is then down to us to ensure that everything is put away safely and that there is easy access around the building and to all exits. 

Unit 06 - Ensure your own actions reduce risks to Health and Safety

(06.1) Understand hazards and risks in the work place

1.1 Define hazards and risks

Hazards are things that are considered a danger and risks are things that could potentially lead to the result of a hazard. There are many risks and hazards in the workplace, probably more than we are aware of. The content of these will vary depending on the job. For example, a roadie would need to be aware of heavy lifting procedures and the safe usage of electronic equipment. All organisations should have Health and Safety policies and procedures. 

1.2 Outline key hazards and risks in own workplace, describing safe working practices

Because we have to set up for music nights at our organisation, and various events now and then, we have to set up equipment such as instruments, bass amps, PA systems etc. so there is a lot of heavy lifting involved. We make sure we lift things properly and bend our knees correctly. Or for things that are overwhelmingly heavy, two people will lift. We also need to be aware of electric shock, making sure we are connecting things safely with the correct wires and power supplies. Any faulty equipment needs to be made aware of straight away. 

I work on all the art sessions we do, so there are also aspects of things like inhaling chemical fumes and spray paints. We always ensure that the young people are safe and in appropriate protective attire. It’s just a case of being vigilant and keeping a look out. If water gets spilt, people are made aware and it is mopped up as soon as possible. Young people are not to have drinks near the computers or any other electrical appliances. We supervise at all times when young people are using sharp tools that could cause harm, such as craft knives. 

1.3 Outline key hazards and risks within own job role, describing precautions

We have a no running policy throughout the building and young people are aware of the policies and procedures in the event of a fire. It’s important that young people are supervised at all times and that they know how to use certain equipment properly. As we work with young people, we take safeguarding very seriously and ensure no sensitive information is exposed. I was recently asked to do a risk assessment for the art sessions, so I’m fully aware of potential risks and hazards. 

(06.2) Understand own responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace

2.1 Identify own responsibilities for Health and Safety in own workplace and job role under Health and Safety legislation, explaining the importance of personal presentation and behaviour

In our place of work, a lot of it simply comes down to common sense. Especially when young people and other visitors come to us. We try our best to keep a watchful eye on potential risks and hazards. at DCAS we are all aware of policies and procedures and complete risk assessments when required. We all tend to be aware of the area we work in, so my focus is more on the art sessions, however, we’re encouraged to be watchful in general at all times. 

As we work for Derbyshire County Council, we are technically corporate parents, so it is important that we are seen as role models to the young people who attend. It’s important that the environment they are working in is safe and that while we’re mentoring them we make sure they are aware of Health and Safety. 

2.2 Describe procedures for dealing with risks outside the scope own responsibility, identifying the appropriate personnel with whom to liaise in own workplace

Even when situations occur in an area that’s not generally our responsible area, this doesn’t give us an excuse to say “Not my problem.” It’s important that we work together as a team, support each other and all have an equal input. 

If anyone has any health problems, we have trained first aiders in the building and first aid kits around the building. Ideally, big companies should have a maintenance book where hazards are noted down, such as a faulty socket or damaged equipment. 

In our place of work, any problems would generally be reported to the manager, but if not any other staff member. 

(06.3) Be able to evaluate hazards and risks in the workplace

3.1 Identify workplace instructions relevant to own job

At DCAS we have a folder with all our policies, procedures and risk assessments in. Just as in all other organisations, we have a procedure for the event of fire. We have a no running policy for the young people. By working in the art sessions, I need to be watchful and aware of young people using toxic substances and that they are protected against harmful fumes. Also to be aware of people with Asthma and/ or breathing difficulties. Also to be vigilant when they are using craft knives and sharp tools. We make sure the young people either know how to use them safely, or we help them out. 

3.2 Identify any unsafe practices in own workplace and job role

Unsafe practices in my job role could include incorrect lifting, incorrect usage of electronics, using substances in the art sessions without protective clothing etc. It’s important that we know exactly what we are doing so we set a good example to the young people.

3.3 Check which potentially unsafe working practices present the highest risk to self and others

The main thing that springs to mind is evacuation procedures. It’s important that no entrances and fire exits are blocked. Things that could be fatal are of more importance, such as electric shock and things that can physically harm. In our control room, where the sound desk is, we have pieces of equipment that could send high voltage electric shocks if not turned off properly. Young people are supervised at all times, especially when using things that could cause harm to themselves and others. 

3.4 Take action to address any hazards in accordance with workplace procedures and legal requirements

The best way round this is to do risk assessments and ensure they are up-to-date and accurate. This way you’ll be able to see if your organisation is up to safety standards. Like at our place, when doing risk assessments, it’s a good idea to each take an area and then go over them as a team. This gives other people the chance to make any suggestion for risks or hazards you may have missed out. 

(06.4) Be able to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace

4.1 Work safely in accordance with own level of competence, relevant instructions and legal requirements, following environmentally friendly practices

In our place of work, we have a lot of technical equipment such as instruments, PA systems, amps, sound desks, lighting etc. For the sake of our own health and safety it’s important that we know how to use equipment and have had the relevant training and direction before we attempt to use anything. We also dispose of broken equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. Once we had these old printer cartridges that were of no use anymore. My manager asked if I could look into disposing of them in an environmentally friendly manner. I looked on their website and found that they did a free courier service not just for delivery, but for disposal too. So we did this rather than just throwing them in the bin. 

4.2 Manage any health and safety risks within own capability and responsibility

After being assigned to complete the risk assessments for the art sessions, this has become my main area of responsibility. I have to make sure the media suite is tidy and safe to use, that there are no trip hazards such as wires. Then during sessions, to make sure the working environment remains safe and that the young people are well supervised. After the sessions I ensure the room is tidy and that all the iMacs are shut down. 

4.3 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety to the appropriate personnel

All employees at DCAS are trained in how to use specific equipment and the dangers of improper usage. Young people too are made aware of risks and hazards. 

4.4 Report any differences between workplace and suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions

To me, workplace could vary depending on the organisation and what they do. Suppliers and manufacturers suggests warehouse and factory environments. A lot of their instructions would be around heavy lifting procedures and operating machinery. Also some employees in those sectors may be required to be able to operate a fork lift truck, for which a license is needed. 

4.5 Ensure that own personal presentation and behaviour meets the requirements of relevant instructions, procedures and legal requirements

It’s important that we present ourselves in a manner that shows we are aware of health and safety and how important it is within our organisation. We make sure we are following the correct procedures i.e. ensuring exits aren’t blocked, having fire extinguishers and first aid kits around the building. Also making it clear we have people who can do first aid in the building. If any hazards occur, we see to them as soon as possible in a calm and collected manner. Any hazards we have are usually minor, but still get seen to right away. 

Unit 35 - Undertake Technical Adjustment of Images

(35.1) Understand key issues relating to technical adjustment of Images

1.1 Explain the principles of colour theory, colour mode and colour management

Colour theory is a guide to colour mixing and usage of combined colours. This is a full colour spectrum, often know as the colour wheel. There are three colour modes. RGB mode stands for: Red, Green, Blue. This is what is used for screens on all digital devices. These colours blended at different levels create other colours. The colours all add up to white on full intensity. This is the colour mode you will see on web images. CMYK is a mode used in the process of printing, standing for: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (Though really the K stands for Key, meaning the printing plates of the other colours are carefully keyed (aligned) with the key of the black key plate). You’ll notice these colours on all ink cartridges. 

There is also Greyscale colour mode. This is a mode used for black and white images. It only has one channel, meaning that after the conversion from RGB, all that is left are the lightness values. After saving an image as Greyscale, all the data has been thrown away so there is no way of going back to colour. Most people who do this use a copy rather than an original image. 

Colour is a very important thing to consider when I am editing images. Photoshop is my favourite Digital Imagery software. I did a short course on it and find it enjoyable to use. I’ve created all sorts of things from montages to putting the sea in Chesterfield! I’ve had a go at digital colouring. I’ve used it for all sorts of crazy projects! Also with the help of tutorials online, I’m still learning tips and tricks to try out.

I love how anything is possible with Photoshop!

When making a montage of my favourite film, ‘The Legend of Zorro’, I had to consider a lot when it came to colour. As it has a sort of western style theme, I noticed that orange and black seemed to feature a lot, so it was important to me that all the images blended well together and complimented each other, and that the filters and effects I used worked.

As a keen illustrator I’d like to look into digital colouring on Photoshop/ Illustrator in more finer detail. Especially with Manga art.  

1.2 Explain the Importance of Technical Compatibility in Images with Specified Requirements/ 

1.3 Explain the Effect of Image Pixel Dimensions, resolution and bit depth on file size

This is very important as certain file formats may only work with certain browsers and operating systems. It’s important to know what the image is going to be used for and what format the client wants it in. There is a huge difference in resolution and size between RGB and CMYK colour modes. 

RGB/ Screen resolution, for example, images online have a PPI (Pixels Per Inch) of 72, whereas CMYK/ Print Resolution is 300 PPI. DPI (Dots Per Inch) means the measurement of printed images, while PPI is the on-screen measuring method. This is why when we print out images from the internet, they are often blurry and pixelated, yet on-screen they appear perfect. This is because their resolution isn’t high enough. So say if a client wanted an image editing to be uploaded onto their company website, the PPI wouldn’t need to be big. I’ve also noticed this when customising my blog, with certain images not suitable because they are too big. When saving an image in, for example, Photoshop, you can change the quality of the image. Although selecting a higher quality will make the file bigger. Another way of reducing the file size is to compress all the layers into one and save it into something like a JPEG. 

1.4 Explain the importance of having accurate, technical and descriptive Metadata

Metadata is very important when it comes to copyright and the protection of our images online. It’s important to make sure images have all the information they need such as: Who took the photo, where and when it was taken, what time. 

It’s important for images to be protected from these risks, for the sake of the photographer’s work and the business they work for. 

1.5 Identify the merits of appropriate equipment, software, methods and material for different imaging requirements

Having appropriate equipment, software, methods and material is essential in the Creative Media Industry. We have so much choice at our fingertips. Although they are ridiculously expensive, I love Photoshop and Illustrator. They are both pieces of software that are frequently used in this industry, and each work well for different tasks. For example, Adobe Illustrator would work beautifully with a graphics tablet (Something I would really like to own and use for my drawings).

Getting the things we need can be very confusing and costly for a lot of people. For people who are new to digital imagery and have very rarely edited anything before, it may be a good idea to get a cheaper piece of software to begin with rather than splashing out on Photoshop straight away. A good example for Mac users, such as myself, is Affinity Photo which you can buy from the app store for around £30. Or even better, a free piece of software called GIMP which is available for both Mac and Windows. I started with this when I was new to digital imagery. 

1.6 Explain the reasons for using different file formats for digital images, identifying the differences between them 

JPEG: This is one of the most common image formats. It is a compressed file with a small size, so is a good format to use for web images. These files can be edited many times. 

PSD: This is the format we’d be working on in Photoshop. This means we can edit images creatively over a range of layers. This allows us to be creative in the editing process. You can also vectorise and rasterise your images. 

TIFF: This format is often used to store images with strong graphics. Photoshop would store information from these files. 

CAMERA RAW: This is used with Adobe to prepare images for editing.

GIF: I see a lot of these on the internet, particularly Facebook. These are images containing animation. These are good for limited colour images as they can only support 256 colours. 

PNG: These images are still good quality, even after compression. They aren’t very good for large images as they tend to generate large files. Unfortunately, not all web browsers support PNG.

BMP: These don’t compress as well as other formats. The files are often large, so not very good for online usage. However, they do work well with certain programs. 

(35.2) Be able to develop an editing approach to the technical adjustment of images

2.1 Agree with relevant parties the image editing workflow and procedures

I do quite a lot of various jobs on Photoshop both at work and at home. The things I do at home are usually more fun and silliness or more arty and ‘me’ related, whereas at work it’s more promotional material such as posters, banners and fliers. Whether at work or home, I take the editing process very seriously (Unless I’m just being silly like Photoshopping myself with people or swapping people’s faces about for fun!)

At work I have literally just been assigned an editing job to create a promotional flier for the Street Dance session which we run on Tuesdays. The guy who teaches wrote down all the information he wants it to contain and showed me the image he wanted to be used. It’s also important that I make sure to remember the contact details for our organisation. So now I have all the information I need, I am ready to start. 

The main important part is the image. The image is on Facebook and as it is to be printed out on a flier, I may face resolution issues. I’ll have to look at the format it is in and try to find ways around this. Luckily it’s for a flier rather than a poster, so it shouldn’t be too big a problem. Once the image is loaded into Photoshop I will make the important adjustments I usually start with. I give the picture more punch if it needs it, by tweaking the levels. Also does it need any Brightness/ Contrast tweaks. How sharp is the image? White balance? Strong observational skills are needed here to work out what needs fixing. Equally it’s also important not to go too far the other way and over-edit it. 

2.2 Select the most suitable hardware and software for the image editing

I mainly like to work in Photoshop. We have it on most of our Macs at work and I have it on my old Windows Dell laptop at home. However, as the one I have at home is a Windows version, it wouldn’t let me put it on my new Macbook. So if I ever want to do some serious editing at home, I have to use my old computer. 

2.3 Retrieve all relevant material from image sources as required

The image I needed was on the Dance teacher’s Facebook account, so he just asked me to find it on his profile. Once I found the image, I right clicked on it and saved it to the downloads folder on one of the work MacBooks. I then dragged it into my folder. To keep things organised, I created a sub folder called: Street Dance Flier 

This makes things more organised and easy to find. 

2.4 Import retrieved images into the Editing Software

I opened up Adobe Photoshop on the work Macbook. At the top left of the screen I clicked file and new. I set the width to 1000 pixels and the height to 700 pixels. I then had a background to work on. I used the bucket fill tool to turn this black.

I then opened the image from Facebook in another window by going to file and open then selecting the image. 

As it is for a vibrant and youth-appealing session, I began to think about things like font and lighting effects. Straight away from the image I decided I needed a graffiti style font. I downloaded one off the internet called ‘Marsneveneksk’. For awesome lighting effects, I remembered something on GIMP called Fractal Explorer. I opened up GIMP on my personal Macbook and played around with the effects. 

With each one I created and selected, I edited the Brightness and Contrast before saving to make them more punchy and vibrant. I then transferred them onto the work Macbook in my folder and decided on one to use.

In Photoshop, I started with the background and fractal effect opened. I copied and pasted the effect onto the black background and gave it a layer mask. This means that you can use a brush with varied opacity and flow settings to fade areas of images both in and out. I’ve used this option a lot before. It works beautifully when creating montages with the images blending together. 

I cut the image out of the photo leaving a little bit of background. I copied and pasted this onto the effect and again created a later mask to tidy it up round the edges. By double clicking on this layer, I brought up the layer style menu and selected Outer Glow and Drop Shadow. I then tweaked with the settings until I was happy with the glow around the image. I created a text layer for the writing and typed in the information he had given me. I decided on a lively lime green. I decided not to do all of it in the same font as it makes the title stand out a lot more. I added Outer Glow and Drop Shadow so that the writing didn’t look flat, but using a dark Outer Glow instead. Also not forgetting to add our organisation’s online details. I rearranged things and tweaked various opacities until I was happy. After completing the first idea, I wondered if there was too much going on, so I did a more simplified version without the fractal effect and with a bit more of the original image background showing. 

I also created a third version with even more of the original image background on show. This gives the client more to choose from. 

2.5 Check the visual and technical compatibility of the elements to be combined in the editing process

I still have to await the client’s response before I can move further from psd format. Though once a final image is agreed on and the client is content, I’ll save it as a JPEG. This format is reliable and used most. They are great for colour quality and are easy to open on Mac and Photoshop.

2.6 Identify how to treat incompatible elements, following workplace procedures and relevant guidelines

It’s always a good idea to keep hold of the psd file version even when you have saved it to your chosen format. At least then if the format wasn’t compatible with whatever it was being used for, you could always open the psd version and save it as the correct format. 

(35.3) Be able to produce image files to meet the client’s requirements

3.1 Produce appropriate edited images to meet all the clients requirements and workplace standards

3.2 Produce preliminary proofs, discussing and agreeing any further editing with the client/ 

3.3 Liaise with colleagues and/ or client as necessary to resolve any identified problems/

3.4 Carry out any further editing to produce final image files

These are the final images. Before This I showed the client the rough idea. He liked them, but a problem I encountered was that they had printed out very dark so I had to brighten them up a lot so they would print well. My manager was also around and with his wide knowledge of digital imagery, gave me a few suggestions on what to change. He suggested the font for the middle part of the text so that there is more of a balance between the title and our organisation details. He also encouraged me to bring the content in more or widen the canvas size so that in the printing process, no text is too near the edge and at risk of being trimmed off slightly. Also just advice on the general layout of the text. I converted the psd files to JPEGs and brightened them up a lot so they would print better, and they did. All in all, after the changes had been made, I showed the client my final printed images and he was happy with them both. 

(35.4) Be able to save and store image files

4.1 Append image metadata in accordance with workplace systems copyright legislation/ 

4.2 Save the edited image files in the correct format ready for outputting or storage

The final images are saved on the work 13 inch Macbook Pro in my folder which is in the staff folder. The images are also backed up. They are both saved in JPEG format as this is one of the best formats for storage. 

1st Image: 819,517 bytes (823 KB on disk)

Dimensions: 1056 × 740

Name and Extension: Street Dance Final 1.jpg

2nd Image: 581,268 bytes (582 KB on disk)

Dimensions: 990 × 657

Name and Extension: Street Dance Final 2.jpg

(35.5) Understand legislation, ethics and business requirements relevant to technical adjustment of images

5.1 Identify key aspects of legislation relevant to technical adjustment of images

The main aspect of legislation is copyright. If an image is protected by copyright, the permission of the owner will be needed before the image can be downloaded. In this case certain aspects of the image may have to stay the same, for example the size. Especially if you are going to be using the image for commercial purposes on for example, a website or poster, it’s important that the original owner is credited for creating the image in the first place. 

5.2 Identify relevant aspects of Health and Safety Legislation/

5.3 Take appropriate action to minimise potential risks and hazards

Whether employer or employee, Health and Safety is an important aspect. It’s important that the working environment is safe and that any hazards are reported and attended to straight away. Also that exits are not blocked and marked clearly. Everyone needs to be aware of storing items safely and heavy lifting procedures. At our organisation we carry out risk assessments for each session we run, and one for the whole place in general. It is essential for organisations to do this when required. I recently was assigned the job of doing the risk assessment for the two art sessions we run. This gave me a chance to understand how risk assessments work, be more aware of hazards and be able to point out any more potential hazards to note down. 

5.4 Identify aspects of codes of ethics/ conduct relevant to technical adjustment of images

Within the process of editing an image, it’s important not to mislead the target audience or client. It’s important to be aware of any possible copyright restrictions on the images to be used. Luckily the image I used was the client’s own image from Facebook and he gave me the permission to edit it.

5.5 Recognise any potential legal issues arising from the nature of the images to be produced

By using the original image without the owner’s full consent. This could result in prosecution for copyright infringement. Even if you have gained their permission, there still may be elements that the original owner doesn’t want changing about the image. You should also consider the content you edit in. Is it offensive or explicit? 

5.6 Attribute intellectual property and copyright credits in accordance with copyright legislation

Intellectual Property: This refers to things that have been created from the mind and are entitled to be protected by law. Being protected by this law entitles people to have rights over their creative work, including things that have been discovered and/  or invented. Types of these rights include: copyrights, trademarks, patents and industrial design rights. 

Copyright: Copyright applies to all creative works that have been created and recorded. The rights stretch over many creations such as films, written books, art, music etc. It gives the creator/ author rights to their work and the chance to take action against negative unauthorised actions. If infringement/ plagiarism occur, legal action can be taken. This is an automatic right, and by registering with The UK Copyright Service, they will be able to provide evidence making it easier to prove and protect your rights worldwide. 

5.7 Maintain the confidentiality of photographic material as required

This is important, especially in our organisation. Sometimes during the sessions, we take photos for photographic evidence and for social media purposes for our online presence, to advertise our sessions. Young people as young as 11 come to our sessions, so it’s important to make sure they have all completed consent forms and that they don’t mind pictures being taken. We ensure that any paperwork of any kind containing sensitive information is stored away safely. 

5.8 Comply with all business/ organisation systems and procedures

This is important for maintaining an effective way of working and a professional reputation. When working on editing images, we like to get as many views and opinions from our colleagues, and go through several proof readings. Often any promotional material is shown at staff meetings, so we can all decide as a team what we think. It’s important in our organisation that all criticism is constructive and helpful. Also that we are all on the same level and in the same frame of mind.