OUGD406 - Studio Brief 2 - Evaluation

Towards the start if this brief, I set out to re-think the whole concept of currency completely and intended to create a conceptual form of bartering unique to any other. Therefore, I started to investigate sub cultures in order to find a missing link that would hugely benefit a specific group of people. This included researching a variety of diverse groups such as Buddhists, Prison Inmates and Nightclub Attendants. The project also allowed me to explore new unique techniques and printing methods which have helped expand and benefit my emerging design practice. With the final resolution, I have attempted to create a piece which is as authentic and traditional to buddhist culture as possible by using completely manual methods and keeping the design as tactile as possible. Traditional Japanese brush pens, wax, ink, paint, rubber, fire, stamps, chisels, glue, pens and multiple handmade stocks have all been utilised in the development of my currency design to inform my final piece. Personally, I believe that this project has had the biggest underlying concept and research to date as probably 85% of all of the time spent on the project has gone into research, inspiration and experimentation. I have started to find that this way of working more conceptual has really suited me over the last couple of months and I notice that more and more of my time being spent with a pencil at the initial design stage rather than straight into digital mock ups. My only regret within this project, is that I did not have time to experiment with Sushi Roll Mats as a form of stock choice. I think this would have been truly unique to any other currency if executed perfectly.