Departments› Computer Science› Module II› Graphic Design› Ch 4: Image Creation and editing
Computer Science  ·  Level 6
Graphic Design
Chapter 4: Image Creation and editing
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⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify the key software and tools used in graphic design and photography.
  • Recognize and name different image file types accurately.
  • Create letter forms, lines of type, and body copy correctly for your designs.
  • Effectively create and manipulate images using graphic design tools.

These skills will help you bring your creative ideas to life and produce professional-quality graphic designs that stand out in the trade.

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Create a Vector-Based Logo Using Basic Shapes and Colors

Computer Science · Level 6
Graphic Design
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Design a vector-based logo of 500mm x 500mm using basic shapes and colors as per the provided brief.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Computer with installed Adobe IllustratorUSB flash drive
Keyboard
Mouse
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Computer with installed Adobe Illustrator1 Pc per Candidate
2Keyboard and Mouse1 Set per Candidate
3USB flash drive (for saving work)1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Software Setup and Page Preparation
Observed computer laboratory rules
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Launched Adobe Illustrator software successfully
(Award 1 mark or zero)		1
Set up new document with 500mm x 500mm artboard size
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total5
TASK 2: Vector Image Creation
Used basic vector shapes (circles, rectangles, polygons) appropriately
(Award 1 mark for each shape type used correctly or zero)		3
Applied color fills and strokes as per brief
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Grouped and aligned shapes properly to form a logo
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Used layers to organize vector elements
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total10
TASK 3: Typography and Finishing
Added text element with business name
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Applied appropriate font style and size
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Applied vector effects such as shadows or gradients where appropriate
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Saved the file correctly as 'vectorlogo.ai'
(Award 2 marks or zero)		2
Sub-Total8
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Final logo measures 500mm x 500mm with correct dimensions
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
All shapes are vector-based and editable
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Colors correspond to the brief and are consistent
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Typography is clear, legible, and styled as required
(Award 3 marks or zero)		3
Sub-Total12
GRAND TOTAL35
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Photo Editing and Retouching of a Portrait Photograph

Computer Science · Level 6
Graphic Design
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Edit and retouch the provided portrait photograph sized 3000mm x 4000mm pixels by adjusting brightness, contrast, and removing blemishes to enhance image quality.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Computer workstation with installed Adobe PhotoshopHigh-resolution portrait photograph file (JPEG format, 3000x4000 pixels)
Keyboard and mouse
Graphics tablet (optional)
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Computer workstation with installed Adobe Photoshop1 Pc per Candidate
2Keyboard and mouse1 Set per Candidate
3High-resolution portrait photograph file (JPEG format, 3000x4000 pixels)1 File per Candidate
4Graphics tablet (optional)1 Pc per 3 Candidates
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Photo Editing and Retouching
Observed use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workstation ergonomics
(Award 2 marks for compliance, zero if not)		2
Launched Adobe Photoshop and opened the correct photograph file
(Award 1 mark for launching software, 1 mark for opening correct file)		2
Adjusted brightness and contrast settings appropriately to enhance photo quality
(Award 2 marks each for effective brightness and contrast adjustment)		4
Used retouching tools to remove visible blemishes and imperfections
(Award up to 6 marks for thorough blemish removal and seamless retouching)		6
Applied additional editing techniques such as sharpening or noise reduction where appropriate
(Award up to 3 marks for relevant additional editing techniques)		3
Saved the edited photograph correctly in both PSD and JPEG formats with specified filenames
(Award 2 marks for saving PSD, 1 mark for JPEG)		3
Closed software properly and cleared workstation
(Award 1 mark for proper closing and cleanup)		1
Sub-Total21
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Brightness and contrast levels adjusted to enhance image clarity without overexposure
(Award 5 marks for correct and balanced adjustment)		5
Blemishes and imperfections removed with no visible editing artifacts
(Award 8 marks for flawless retouching)		8
Final image saved correctly as 'edited_portrait.psd' and 'edited_portrait.jpg'
(Award 3 marks for correct file naming and formats)		3
Sub-Total16
GRAND TOTAL37
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Create a composite image by layering and masking multiple imagesPractical 3
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🔒Resize and crop a digital image to specified dimensionsPractical 5
🔒Create and format text within a promotional imagePractical 6
🔒Apply filters and effects to enhance a digital imagePractical 7
🔒Image Format Conversion and Optimization for Web and PrintPractical 8
🔒Create a detailed digital illustration of a Kenyan wildlife scenePractical 9
🔒Prepare and adjust images for print layout with correct resolution and bleedPractical 10
Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • Identify the key software and tools used in graphic design and photography.
  • Recognize and name different image file types accurately.
  • Create letter forms, lines of type, and body copy correctly for your designs.
  • Effectively create and manipulate images using graphic design tools.

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

Sign in to record how you're doing.

← Ch 3: Typography techniques Ch 5: Layout design →