How I did it! Numismatics:
(see http://www.thevectorfiles.com for full article with illustrations)
Numismatic design; sub-field (Exonumia), Specifically (Throw Coins):
Numismatics is a study of coin currency but may actually have roots in a more primitive barter system to include animal skins, shells, metals and precious stones. Exonumia is a subfield of numismatics that focuses more on coin-like objects such as tokens, medals and commemoratives. (Wikipedia is a marvelous thing!)
Over the past several years I have designed exactly twelve coins. I remember being tasked with my first coin. One cheerful morning I was asked if I could design a military “Throw Coin” for one of our clients… I had never done this before. I couldn’t begin to tell you how to design a coin, but before reason could control my ego the word “SURE!” was echoing down the hallway. Like so many other things we designers do, I had to teach myself… and so with a heavy sigh, I sat down and began to bang away at the keyboard.
1.) (a) The first part was easy, I built an outside circle and then went looking for a few of these military throw -coins from a Marine friend of mine down the hall. First, I discovered that the coins all had a beveled edge. They also had an inside circle area that contained the verbiage that described the company or service, group or program and sometimes the date. (b) I made the inner circle concentric so that there was an equal area between the inner coin and the outer bevel of the coin where the verbiage is displayed. Next, I added another beveled area to illustrate a transition between the outer ring and the inner area of the coin.
2.) (c) I came up with a color as close to brass as I could and used different gradient angles of to create highlights. This gave the coin a more dimensional look. I began to feel a little bit better. (d) The next step was to take the existing logo design and put it in the central coin area so I had to prep the design to work in a circular motif.
3.) (e) After reworking the inner design into a circular fashion you will need to give it a more dimensional look because this will help the coin designer work up the coin in relief. This will also be nice to insert into a Powerpoint slide so that you can show your client or supervisor a proof or preview of your work. You can do this by adding a shadow to the interior artwork. <Filter> <Stylize> <Drop Shadow>; I use the following: Mode: Multiply, Opacity: 53%, X Offset: 0.01 or 0.0, Y Offset: 0.01 or 0.0, Blur: 0.02 or 0.01 (f) Next you will want to position the verbiage around the outer ring. I use two different circles… the top copy and the bottom copy. Use the <Type on a Path> tool for this. Duplicate the second beveled line and enlarge it slightly. Insert the copy onto the circle and place it over the outer ring of the coin face. The top copy will kind of float over the line and the bottom copy should sit on the inside bottom of its line.
4.) (g) Once you have centered the top and bottom copy, select them and “Create Outlines” using the Hot-Keys <Control – Shift – O>. This will allow you to use a gradient fill and outline that will be necessary to create a dimensional or raised effect. Some call this a 2 1/2-D effect. (h) Once you have outlined the top and bottom copy simply use the <Eyedropper Tool> to fill the letters. I like the 45 degree gradient angle. Remember to lighten up the stroke weight of the outline… it’s kind of a touchy-feely thing… just go with what looks right… you’re an artist!
5.) (j) It’s at this point you have to start thinking about paint and paint color. You know… how much paint is too much? Personally I like to paint the outer rings but keep as much of the natural brass as possible showing throughout the rest of the coin. I just think that the coin looks classier this way! The quickest way to paint is to change the gradient colors. I am going to use a cool blue on the outside ring to add an icy kind of feel… after all this is arctic wolf. (j) Normally I wouldn’t put too much more paint on my coin but the starry night in the background is simply begging for it… so I added the black too!
Next week I will work the other side of the coin… believe it or not, there is still quite a bit more design elements that can be employed! Any way… “That’s how I did it!” ~P
Speak Your Mind