Aesthetic: Uplifting
I know that isn’t a normal way to describe the way something looks, but that bit supersedes the rest. Yes, of course the coin should be elegant and beautiful. However, if the coin is stunningly beautiful but feels cold and heartless, we’ve failed. This isn’t merely a piece to be viewed, it’s a piece which should rejuvenate the viewer.
Aesthetic: Elegant. Simple, yet detailed.
I’m open to all suggestions, but this is a starting place.
Every detail should work together
A starting place: When Emily and I were looking through tons of coins, one jumped out at both of us as being strikingly beautiful (see below). Here are a few of the things I like about it:
The overall design is simple, clean, well balanced, not crowded. The primary component is highlighted clearly.
The color combination of the silver background with gold highlighting the main component is elegant and visually striking.
More than mere dual plating, the triple plating (gold, rose gold, and silver) is a compelling combination
The lines are creative in such a way that the creativity enhances the main element (rather than pulling attention away from it).
More than this, the coin is 3d and the angles of the lines allow the light to hit it in different ways, giving the coin extra depth and dimension.
The silver background has a detailed engraving on it.
At first I did not even notice this engraving, but I’ve come to understand this is one of the details that makes the coin so compelling - adding depth and intention to the frame, not detracting from the main element.
The frame was thoughtfully designed and is more than just a standard circle.
It may sound counter-intuitive, but I find it likely that the details which weren’t first observed are a large part of the reason it immediately stood out from the crowd.
You’ll probably notice this coin influenced the original sketch. We don’t need to emulate this coin or any other, but it’s a good place to start.
