In a book titled The Belgians: an unexpected fashion story, there was a page as shown above that displayed fashion show invites for the Raf Simons collection. This is an example of another way the cover page poster could be mocked up. Instead of a poster design that featured a model that would have received notable exposure, include work that is rarely seen by the public.
The invite is made by freelance designer Tom Tosseyn who has 12 years experience in the fashion industry designing for various high fashion labels. In searching more of his work to find more invites he may have designed for Simons, it seems that fashion invites are rarely ever released into the public eye.
A simple google search yielded less than expected results. Regardless of this its clear to see that these invites are minimal in their visual and are designed simply to inform the reader of the details and to reflect the brands professional image. Not of the theme on the runway. Therefore if the choice is to include a supposed invite as the poster, it would have to be an original design. I could also take this idea and transform the invite into something more engaging, conveying the atmosphere of the fashion show or incorporate some of the recognizable designs of the collection to tease the reader.
In the recent collaboration with German publisher Steidl and Theseus Chan of WERK magazine, the the publication brought up an interesting idea of how each publication will be uniquely different based on the readers interaction. Upon receiving the book, the entirety of it is sealed, forcing the reader to interact with the publication to gain access to the content inside.
The reader can cut through the tape like in this example or slowly peel it off. With each method the book becomes unique to each reader and as a result establishes a conversation or interaction between the designer and the reader.
In terms of the publication design, my intentions aren't to go as extreme as this collaboration, however my initial ideas of including a tearable front cover which acts as a poster would hopefully relate to the idea of creating a unique reader influenced design and a conversation between the designer and reader.
Vince Frost's Design Your Life book incorporates an unconventional way to display copy on the page. The irregular white boxes capture the readers attention whilst effectively communicating a informational hierarchy through the offset arrangement. What is also effective is his use of visual contrast achieved through the detailed or focused image against the blown up image used in the background. The blown up image forms an neutral background which relates to content found in the 'focused' image. Furthermore this effect of having a neutral background doesn't take much of the attention away from the intended message.
These two compositions represent how captions/quotes can be incorporated in this format. From these examples even though the layouts change with each page, the hierarchy stays consistent which keeps the content identifiable and easy to navigate.
Looking at other high fashion publications for inspiration, Maison Martin Margiela's self titled book has a unique way of composing its content on its pages.
Being famous for applying his 'grunge' techniques to his garment design such as deconstruction, recycling and creating raw finishes, the compositions reflect Margiela's mentality and approach to fashion design.
The overall effect of composing the images on the page as scans of varied forms of physical images deconstructs the high glossy, perfectly laid out images usually found in high fashion publications. Furthermore the layout of these images don't conform to an apparent grid system, the images are composed haphazardly as though based on emotion and the content shown in the photos. The overall result is one that reflects Margiela's rawness that is conveyed through the unpolished aesthetic of the compositions. What also works through this style is the ability to combine varied forms of imagery that seamlessly compliments one another be it from the Polaroid contrasting the film photos or the cut outs of mock ups that relate to the mood/theme of the composition. What this effectively creates is a sort of mood board which is something I want to recreate or draw connections from through the composition of Simon's influences. Through this mood board, the reader is exposed to Margiela's thought process and the inner workings of the fashion house.
The addition of a shop front was something I rarely see displayed in fashion editorials. With fashion houses having a large influence on the retail market, showing any old front would be pointless. Displaying a front that carries some form symbolism and highlights a milestone would be more engaging. It can also give the reader an insight on how the image of the fashion brand is reflected in its shops.
The addition of a article cutout is an interesting approach in providing copy instead of traditional type. This aspect can be taken to the publication by giving the reader a slightly more engaging way to read about Raf Simons through a key interview or article.
This addition can be taken a step further by displaying the articles in a separate form within the publication which allows for the spreads to concentrate more on the composition of images. This also poses as an opportunity to experiment with different kinds of stock that may help contrast and differentiate the forms of content for the reader.
Given the context and large form factor of the book, the vast array of images and the accompanying composition are appropriate. The publication design on the other hand is limited in its spread count and thus the images chosen for the publication should be refined and condensed to a point which entirely relates to the page construction and career of Simons.
Taking this idea further, the note designs are broken down into different themes.
This design focuses on deforestation which links in well with the note being made from recycled paper. The intaglio illustration that is commonly seen in currency design will resemble the cross cut of a tree.
The amount of rings can correlate to a significant aspect of climate change. For example the amount of rings that relate to the year since climate change became a major concern in the world. On one side of the note, the design will show the destruction of deforestation e.g. a burned down forest, whilst the other will show the flora fauna we're saving by not having such a harsh impact on the environment. With this in mind the cross section of the tree could reflect this change, an unhealthy, faded illustrated cross section for the deforestation and a healthy, detailed illustration for if we saved the environment.
The second theme is to create a note that comments on the ice caps melting. So this design will incorporate a typical scene of a polar stranded on an ice berg as a result of global warming. In the background, a piece of ice of an ice shelf breaking away. The second side would show the receding snow line of a mountain.
The third theme is based on the destruction of man onto nature. One side shows a landfill which highlights the amount of rubbish humans throw away and its impact on the environment. The other side shows an oil spill which always has a large negative impact on the environment and gains worldwide news coverage.
This theme is based on the constant call to improve our habits of littering, wasting products, and the impact of plastic onto wildlife. This is represented by the turtle being caught in a drinks wrapper, swimming above a destroyed coral reef. Also in this scene, are the small flecks of plastic that are similar to the flecks of grain in recycled paper. The other side shows a beached whale on littered grounds with an oil tanker in the distance.
General ideas that can be applied to any theme
- Each note has a corresponding UV ink design to its theme. E.g. for the deforestation theme, a UV design depicting a forest fire. This was inspired by the Norwegian passport which uses an engaging UV design that reflects the font design.
- Each note has the statistics of climate change.
- The notes to use no inks apart from the value. The notes use embossing as the main design. It limits the inks used and thus saving the environment. The only inks used are the UV.
- Notes show the before and after of climate change.
Feedback
When asked about what people think about climate change, these were the responses.
- Glaciers melting, polar bears being under threat, deforestation
- Ice caps melting
- Endangered animals, pollution
- Flooding, earthquakes
When asked about which themed bank note has the strongest visual identity, there wasn't a clear preference on which was the strongest idea. This lack of preference in a way can represent the broad range of issues that surround climate change.
In terms of which general idea was the most popular, people were most drawn to having a corresponding UV design and having the UV design as statistics.
Suggested ideas
To do an info graphic inspired note design that shows the impact of climate change on selected environments. For example the progression, deforestation or the gradual reduction of glaciers, the progression of the ice caps melting or a chart of rising heat.
Another idea is to make the UV designs embossed, adding to the tactile feel of the note and security.
Pentagram's identity for the MoMA in Nyc takes a unique approach in displaying the artists work alongside the logo of the museum. This technique is useful in enticing the public to visit the museum who don't have prior knowledge on what to expect. The white back ground allows for the art work to stand out on the poster. Furthermore the stark white back ground against the bold black font of MoMA's typeface stands out within context. This is important in engaging the viewer from a distance and increasing the museums exposure in the public environment.
In terms of this brief this approach can be taken by displaying some of the artwork created by the students and displaying them out in the public. This approach could potentially draw more visitors as the problem with independent art exhibitions is that there are no big, recognisable names such as MoMA, Tate Modern that can help and establish the exhibitions credibility. By showcasing the work, it could interest visitors in artwork that they may not have prior knowledge about.
Despite not being an art exhibition, dn&co's take on street level branding is an effective way to use the architecture of the building to advertise. The idea of having large lit-up ceiling signage favours the large amount of windows Bank House has. The advantage of this style is that it works around any limitations of placing the branding on the actual building. Furthermore because of its unique placement, the viewer is forced to look into the space of the signage, possibly drawing interest.
Pentagram's work on the identity and seasonal campaign for the Atlantic theater company in New York City uses a unique form that is versatile enough to become an theatre's identifier and a visual layout for their ad campaign. This constant enforcement of the form in the branding allows for Atlantic to get away with simply showing the form as a sign as shown below.
In terms of this brief, there is an opportunity to pick out a unique yet recognisable form from a bank note design and transform it into the identity of the exhibition. Because the form is from the existing bank note design, the identifier is already ever present, increasing the exposure of the exhibition. However this can only happen if the advertising for the exhibition itself is prevalent enough to make the connection.
This use of a versatile form as a identity is also seen in Experimental Jetset's redesign of Whitney Museum's identity. Unlike the form associated with the Atlantic Theatre Company, this form is discreet enough to be used alongside the artwork showcased in the museum. By doing so, Experimental Jetset's solution incorporates elements of MoMA's and Atlantic Theatre's identity that make them successful. Furthermore because of the form's design, it is able to be used as a way finding system within the museum.
This in turn creates consistency throughout the entirety of Whitney's identity.
After pitching the multiple ideas to the crit group, people were most favoured towards the eco conscious bank notes. Comments were made to further develop some of the aspects that made the bank notes environmentally friendly.
Because the notes are being made from recycled paper, the durability of the paper will be lower than the paper that is used in circulation today. This is a big concern because of how much we interact with our money and the amount of transactions that can occurs just in a day. Therefore to increase the durability of the note, may be it could be strengthened by a film of polymer. However this would devoid the whole idea of the note being environmentally friendly.
Instead of simply printing the note just in one colour, there was a suggestion to take the idea of saving ink further and experiment with embossing. This idea holds a lot of potential in terms of drastically saving the amount of ink used during the printing process. By incorporating the aspect of embossing, it allows for the note design to only use ink on the essential areas that help identify the note to the user. For example just having the notes value printed in ink and the rest of the design is embossed. Embossing is also an opportunity to increase the designs engagement with the user.
There was a suggestion to maybe experiment with making handmade paper, further developing that idea of using recycled paper. However in the context of bank notes, this method may not be appropriate for the mass production bank notes require.
The type of inks used are also a factor to consider when aiming for a eco-friendly note.
In the book SustainAble by Aaris Sherin, water based inks are the best overall option in terms of being able to use it in mass amounts as well as reduce the impact printers have on the environment. Water based inks release no VOCs and are easier to clean up compared to their vegetable and petroleum based inks. VOCs are the fumes emitted from solvents, inks, and cleaners used in the printing process. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can negatively impact the persons health and is a major contributor to the ozone depletion in the atmosphere. However one of the main drawbacks of water based inks are that they are not in wide use. Furthermore by limiting the amount of inks used within the design, it also reduces the amount of heavy metals such as barium, copper and zinc used to produce colour pigments, seeping into the ground water.
Whilst there are more alternative ways to print inks that are more environmentally friendly such as Waterless Printing, however in terms of the brief, the process is narrowed down to monoprint, screenprint and digital. But within these options, there are opportunities to experiment and push what can be done with these inks.
Using recycled paper does have it drawbacks, according to SustainAble, paper can be recycled only up to six times before the natural fibers begin to break and are too short to be used to make new paper. The more time fibers have been reused, the lower the grade of paper that can be made from them and greater amounts of virgin fiber that needs to be added to counter the quality of recycled content.
Eco Friendly Money
With all the issues that surround the topic of global warming and lowering our carbon footprint on the Earth, this idea is based around using recycled paper that aims to save costs on printing new bills and lowers the impact on trees being cut down. Taking this "saving" notion further, the inks could be limited to one single colour. This reduces the usage of inks, lowering costs and possibly the need for equipment to print the other colours present in today's money. In order to help people distinguish the value of the notes, they will preferably be graded by size and by the level at which they have been recycled. E.g. the darker the grain of the paper, the more it has been recycled which will be used on the lower valued notes that are more commonly used.
Scannable Notes
This idea takes the form of paper currency and adjusts it to the ever digital landscape we live in. The idea is that everyone has a copy of each note in circulation. The note will have a bar code on it that is linked to your bank account. Following the same process as items being scanned in supermarkets, the bar code offers a quick and hassle free way to pay for cheap items. The "change" that is produced after scanning simply goes back to your bank account after the note has charged its worth. This idea allows for a quicker transaction than a credit card. These scannable notes would be attainable from the ATM. The ATM then produces a custom serial bar that is specific to the users bank account. This in effect reduces the need to produce paper money. This scannable idea also holds potential to be a way to use Bit coin which has been garnering recent exposure as an alternative way to use money.
"Money of the people"
Expanding on the idea that the people of the country should feel more connected to the money they are handling, this idea is based around the notion that the people can make a mark on their currency. Currently, the notes of today have depictions of monarchy and forms that are rather intangible to the everyday person. To help create that connection between money and the people, the note will have an empty area where people can put their own "stamp" on the country's money. This idea has potential to become collectors items with artwork made on them by celebrities, famous artists, politicians that put them into circulation. This idea would also increase the users engagement with money. Right now we simply use money and not take in consideration the design. This varying design possibility could help increase the public's engagement with currency design and shape the overall visual of the nations bank note.
Achievements in humanity
This idea revolves around the idea to create one unified currency for the world. In doing so the designs are focused on the significant achievements of man throughout civilisation. That means milestones such as agriculture, engineering, education, economics, electricity and medicine. This keeps the subject of the currency unbiased to any nation and celebrates the world as a whole.
Region specific currency
This idea is based around the idea of producing notes that are representative of the region they are circulated in. Take for example in the UK where there is a clear divide between north and southern cultures. This design could promote a form of nationalism and in turn help diversify the current monotonous designs.
I chose to look at the lowest value in these currencies as they are the values that are seen the most. Even though it is a small selection of notes, it highlights the fact that currency design uses very noticeable and very common characteristics to display the nation. In essence the notes are broken down into roughly 10 design components.
The number displaying the notes worth
The image of the figure head on the right side
The bank that circulates the note
The serial number on the left side
A phrase or motto
Intricate line designs
A metallic foil
Crest/symbol of the nation
A noticeable white space is used to imprint a watermark
And within each one we can see that there is a similar characteristic about them as well. Apart from the British pound, all the notes use a serif font to display the notes value. This use of serif font extends to the whole of the note's copy, creating a more traditional and antiquated look for the bank note. I assume a serif font is preferred because it would be harder to forge compared to sans serif.
The image of the figure head is of a person that was in power or highly influential in the nations society.
The intricate patterns are made up of lines that are incredibly detailed to prevent forgery. The design of the lines are also meant to act as the "background" of the note design.
Furthermore, the notes themselves are often made of paper. This is probably due to its realitvely cheap and easy way for money to be represented and mass produced for the population. However there are some countries that have changed from a paper based currency to plastic.
Overall a plastic based currency has provided with many advantages over paper. These notes last for 2.5 times longer than paper banknotes when in circulation. They will survive a spin in the washing machine and are hard to tear, eliminating the worry of destroying the money's value. And because of versatility of plastic, a transparent window is included within the notes design which increases its protection against counterfeits. As a result of their increased durability, they end up being cheaper to produce in the long run. The material of the new note is thus another factor to consider when designing. The new material could be designed in terms of its usability or appropriateness to its nation. For example if the country has a unique paper making process of its own that can be represented through its currency which in turn could help increase nationalism.
