OUDG406// A Licence to Print Money 01

Interpretation of the brief //

My interpretation of the brief 'License to Print Money' is to investigate the possible messages a bank note can convey. As currency goes through almost everyones hands, I want to explore this platform to convey a message, possibly of the world around us or serious problems we all face today. I want to explore an illustrative style, selecting the most appropriate traditional print technique to broaden my design skills and fuel experimentation. My aims are to produce a technically sound bank note (or range of bank notes) to exhibit at Bank House, as well as exploring the biggest issues of today creatively.

Current Bank Notes //

Litho, Intaglio are unfortunately unavailable for a 'traditional' print, yet alternatives include Screen Printing, Mono printing, Lino Printing and even stencilling. Letterpress is still a strong option, possibly one to incorporate allowing a fluid transition from the current bank notes to the exhibition piece.

As the bank notes are soon moving over to Polymer, as currently implemented in Australia, the production of a traditional print on plastic, acetate or vinyl could be avenues to explore. Alternatively, the stock choice will need to convey the same message as the one on the note. If I opted to design a ultra modern bank note, perhaps a grainy stock or fabric would be less appropriate than a polymer-esc material.

Alternative Bank Note research //

Behance showcase's a range of currency, created by young and evolving designers, exploring colourful and creative modes of communication. As these are digitally rendered outcomes, I will need to keep considerations in mind for printing, especially where fine detail/small type is concerned.

Sourced from Behance and created by an unknown artist, the vivid use of colour and texture embodies friendly Dutch culture, alongside the visual content showcasing their unique heritage. A range of type sizes have been used, suggesting a digitally rendered outcome or Letterpress production. The strong use of blues and reds suggest the colours of the Dutch flag, alongside the typeface resemblant of Din, the typeface of choice for numberplate throughout most of Europe and Scandinavia.

Created by another unknown artist, the immense detail is barely visible without zooming in. The soft colour gradient gives a three dimensional perception, suggesting the animals are practically coming off the page. The complementary colours suggest a warmth, contrasting with the current perceptions of Greenland/Denmark who generally associate with colder colours. Again, a link is made between bank note design and cultural heritage, exploring the polar bear and aquatic life with a subtle air of remembrance and admiration. 

A slightly more abstract take on a bank note, created by New York designer Bryan Rodriguez. Her colourful style reflects the current Graphic Design trends, suggesting the could become outdated fairly quick due to their busy graphical nature. The choice of warm colours and imagery reflect the culture of Mexico (and other Latin American cultures), exploring all aspects of society. If a design like this was traditionally printed, opting for a two/three colour Screen print may be the most effective, allowing detail, tone and photography to still be prominent. 

Again exploring colour and composition through bank notes. On the left is an example of Australian currency printed on Polymer. The fine detail is still achievable when printing on plastic, with subtle linear components running through the Australian Design similar to ours. An unusual choice of typeface has been chosen for the numeric value, with the first digit being slightly larger in scale than others. Perhaps this is for instant legibility or suggesting reform?. In all examples of currency, colour has played a huge part in suggesting the cultural significance, alongside further perpetuating the reason why the banknote was created. Martin Woodtli's Swiss banknote design is iconically Scandinavian, incorporating the national flag on a crisp colour background. A vertical composition has been chosen adding another intriguing dimension to the modern note. Perhaps this is to suggest evolution and modernity, other than fulfilling a practical purpose?

The production of money in vast quantities. To produce this with the resources available would be most possible via screen print, with the screen print process allowing multiple reproductions of the same design fairly quickly.

Bank Note Exhibition //

Money Talk Exhibition, Manchester earlier this year was the perfect opportunity to explore the meaning of money and all the associations in history and society.