Ores That Shaped America
American Currency Redesigned
This project focused on redesigning American currency to highlight the significance of six key ores, gold, copper, uranium, zinc, iron, and coal, in shaping the nation’s history. Each ore represents a pivotal moment in America’s industrial, economic, and technological development. The redesigned currency visually emphasized these ores as symbols of strength and progress, with each denomination showcasing one ore’s unique contribution to the country. By combining imagery and historical context, the design aimed to tell a compelling story of how these resources have been integral to America’s growth and success.
In this project, I developed a system through color, assigning a singular color to each of the six ores to symbolize their unique contributions to America’s industrial history. Gold was represented with a rich, metallic yellow to evoke wealth and prosperity, while copper was illustrated with a warm, reddish tone to reflect its role in electrical and construction industries. Uranium was paired with a vibrant, radioactive green, symbolizing its transformative role in energy and technology. Zinc was depicted in a cool, muted blue to convey its importance in alloys and corrosion resistance. Iron was represented with a strong, deep gray to reflect its foundational role in manufacturing, and coal was symbolized with a dark, earthy black to evoke its connection to energy production and industry. This color system helped create a cohesive visual narrative, guiding the viewer through the significance of each ore in shaping America’s development.
In this project, I used layering images and incorporating transparency to create depth and visual interest, allowing the design to feel dynamic and multidimensional. By layering images of the ores with subtle transparency, I was able to create a sense of movement and complexity without overwhelming the viewer. The transparent elements allowed underlying textures and patterns to subtly show through, adding richness and context to each ore’s portrayal. This technique not only enhanced the visual appeal of the currency redesign but also symbolized the interconnectedness of these resources in shaping America’s history. The layering effect helped convey the idea that these ores are foundational and intertwined in the nation’s growth, while maintaining a clean and modern aesthetic.
In addition to the creative design elements, I had to consider the specific requirements that bills must adhere to, such as security features, size, and legibility. Currency must include specific elements like portraits, national symbols, and clear denominations to ensure its authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. These elements were carefully integrated into the redesign while still allowing for the focus on the ores. The layout had to balance these security features with the creative aspects, ensuring that the currency remained functional and easily recognizable, while also telling a compelling visual story.
In this redesign, the front of each bill featured an image of a significant person associated with the discovery or early use of the respective ore, emphasizing the individuals whose contributions were key in unlocking the potential of these resources. The back of the bill focused on the ore itself, showcasing its physical properties and highlighting its role in industrial progress, economic growth, and technological advancement. This connection between the person and the ore created a cohesive narrative, linking the human ingenuity behind the discovery with the lasting impact the ore had on shaping America’s development. The design seamlessly told the story of how these resources transformed the nation, combining history and industry into a unified visual experience.