Currency Inspiration
In order source design inspiration, for the revitalisation of currency, I researched a range of different forms tat had engaging concepts and aesthetics making them successful resolutions to their respective briefs. As an introduction to this I found a great informative article on Exploring the design of banknotes, this ran through the history of banknote design from ancient Chinese notes to more contemporary designs that were launched as competitions and re-designs of existing currencies. This got me thinking contextually about approbate aesthetics of currency and how other designs have utilised cultural identity and aesthetic to create engaging banknote designs.
Aruban Florin
Through my research I found the design of the Aruban Floren particularly engaging the bold colour palette and high impact imagery work well to create a contemporary aesthetic that is representative of a dynamic currency. I found the geometric graphic motif particularly engaging with its texture and detail that hints back to the island’s Carib heritage, this provided me with new inspiration that contrasted what I thought a banknote had to look like with imagery of archaic outdated national treasures and dull corporate colour palettes. This simple pattern is more representative of my personal style and will inspire me when creating design concepts for my own currency.
Researching further into the design of this banknote, I found it was of primary importance to the designer to use elements which are fundamentally Aruban. Therefore, images of the Aruban animal wild life were combined with decorative motives found on pre-columbian pottery, thus emphasizing the relation between past and present. This concept is sympathetic to the islands heritage yet provides a contemporary aesthetic that depicts the versatility of its currency and commerce which works successfully.
Matt Dent Mint Coinage
Another form of currency that struck me with inspiration was Matt Dent's shield design for the British decimal coin collection. Initially advertised as a public competition for 6 separate coins Matts concept was so strong that he won the whole completion. His concept allowed people to playfully engage with money creating excitement around a collection to create the British Coat of Arms. His concept was inspired by the way in which we enjoyed and played with foreign coinage and could be extended universally with kids and adults being entertained by the explorative concept behind the series.
I particularly liked the use of concept and inspiration behind these series demonstrating how a strong concept can change the clients brief entirely, and as a result has reengaged the nation with its coinage taking an interest in its playful concept that made coinage relevant again.
Amongst other inspiration is the widely publicised redesign of the Norwegian bank note heralded as an instant design classic. Two Oslo studios took a side each – Snøhetta submitted a modern, pixel motif, while the Metric System offered more traditional images with an overarching sea theme representative of Norway's 64,000 mile coastline. I particularly liked the use conceptual idea generation throughout the design process creating a uniquely versatile currency that conforms to its publicised title of 'the worlds best money'
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