Objective: To provide every Lamar Plant with an easy and objective way to determine the levels of creativity and design skills of potential employees. This test should be administered as a final screening process once the applicants have been narrowed down to two or three artists.

Requirements: (Photoshop, Corel Draw or Illustrator, WinZip, and an internet connection) This test was designed to be taken in anyone of three brands of software: Photoshop, Corel Draw, and Illustrator. In addition to one or more of these programs, the test also requires WinZip to extract the files needed to complete the test. If you do not have WinZip installed on the testing computer, it can be downloaded for free here. Simply download the Evaluation Version on the second page, open the file and follow the on screen instructions to install. This should be done prior to the first testing session.

Directions: Once the the proper software has been loaded to the testing computer, it will be ready for the applicant. You will want to go through the test once yourself so you can familiarize yourself with the testing process so you can answer any questions the applicants may have. We would recommend staying with the applicant until the directions and downloads are complete. Once they fully understand the task ahead of them, start the one and a half hour time limit and leave them to it. You may want to check in about half way through to make sure everything is going smoothly. We would not recommend watching over their shoulder as this would make the person a little more nervous than necessary. We want them to be some what comfortable to get the best work possible for evaluation. This will be difficult enough in a new environment and on an unfamiliar computer. Make a note to stress the fact that the designs are pretty much free range so they can include extensions and the like. You may need to explain what an extensions are if they are unfamiliar with designing outdoor.

Once the test time is up, you may need to get the artist to create jpeg previews of their work if they have not done so already. They are instructed to do this at the end of the testing session, but may have waited to do this until the test is over.

Now that the jpegs are made, you will need to e-mail the designs to Rachel Tempanero and she will have them evaluated promptly. Please include: your name, plant number, the applicant's name and the names of the programs the applicant used.

The designs will be given ratings in the areas of: Layout, Balance, Use of Color, Contrast, Effectiveness, Overall Appearance, and Following Instructions. A ten point rating system will be used in each category. This test will in no way determine personality traits, work ethics, or how well the employee will work with others. We will evaluate the applicants current design skills and knowledge of the programs they use.

Round Two: Before the next applicant is tested the Creative Test folder on the desktop should be removed. Each applicant should go through every step of the test from begining to end. This will let you know how well each one follows directions. The folder with the previous applicants name should also be removed or saved in another location to keep the other applicants from viewing their designs.

If you have any questions concerning this test you may contact Rachel Tempanero , Jay Boe, or Mark Rankin at Lamar Graphics, 1-225-923-3113.