Currency Redesign
For this project, we had to choose a preexisting custom designed currency to redesign. The purpose of this project was to learn how to implement a story/meaning and be purposeful behind our designs. We also had to take into account the audience of who would be using the currency, implementing counterfeit elements and recognizable imagery.
Research:
Before we solidified what currency we wanted to redesign and how, we researched information about the current currency and the place. After compiling this information, we then created mood boards to help convey our stories/intent.
The first place I researched was New Zealand. I found that the original design reflected prominent citizens/historical figures of New Zealand on the front and local birds and plants on the back. Instead, I want to focus on the culture, specifically the Māori culture since it’s a key aspect of New Zealand. A lot of aspects of this culture are important and help shape that of New Zealand. I would combine important symbols of the Maori culture with that of New Zealand, like different Maori symbols and patterns with New Zealand’s national flower, plant and bird.
For my second idea, instead of focusing on a specific location, I thought of the board game monopoly since it has its own currency (although fake). In the game monopoly, the ideas of power and wealth are key. It is also a popular game with very well known pieces. Currently, the money in the game is very simple and to the point, so I wanted to make it more personable and represent the game more. I would include imagery from key events from the game like the pawns, houses, train, etc. Because it is a game, I would make it easily distinguishable so one can grab the money quickly, resulting in each bill being a different color like it currently is.
Design Process:
I ultimately decided on redesigning the monopoly currency because I thought it was a unique approach to the assignment while also being fun and challenging. To get a feel for what style I wanted to use, using procreate, I did different sketches of the background and Mr. Monopoly using Art Deco, geometric and psychedelic. After testing them all out, I liked the Art Deco and psychedelic styles the best even though they are complete opposites.
Using Illustrator, I tried different versions, one with the psychedelic style and the other with Art Deco. I found that I liked different aspects of each for different reasons. However, the main thing about them was that they were very simple and similar to the original design. They still resembled that of a game rather than real money which is what I wanted to challenge myself to do.
Instead of focusing on one specific style, I tried combining the two. I liked the Art Deco style because it went with the idea of wealth associated with the game. On the other hand I liked the psychedelic style because it reminds the players that this is a game and should be fun. I focused more on playing around with different compositions and colors (although still keeping it monochromatic with a touch of yellow/gold for Art Deco).
Outcome:
For my final design, I combined both the Art Deco and psychedelic styles. I wanted to contrast the idea of wealth associated with the game with the more fun side of it since after all it is a game and should be fun. The psychedelic style is most apparent with the illusionistic background while the art deco style is resulted from the congrats of black and gold as well as the luxurious border and style. As the bills increase in value, Mr. Monopoly gets happier and happier since he gets more money. I kept the original size of the bills and colors associated with them because they are so iconic and recognizable. Since I wanted the bills to resemble a more realistic version of money, I added some security measures, playing with layering and details. All of the imagery is also a reference to the game. I think that the final design is easy to identify as belonging to the game, easy to tell what each bill is at a glance, and is overall a fun and unique approach to such a classic and well known game.
