I developed a self-initiated final-year project exploring contemporary banknote design under the theme 'Black Ingenuity,' celebrating Black innovation, culture, and historical contributions through speculative currency design. I researched the history, symbolism, and security aesthetics of global currencies while investigating the role of money in society, including the legal frameworks surrounding reproduction, forgery, and Bank of England printing regulations. The project involved designing a full series of visually detailed banknotes using layered typography, guilloché-inspired patterns, portraiture, and experimental compositions influenced by real-world currency systems. Alongside the banknotes, I designed and professionally printed both A4 portrait and A3 landscape editorial booklets that explore the history and evolution of money, combining a strong typographic hierarchy, editorial layout, and information design. Final outcomes were professionally produced at both presentation scale and authentic currency size, demonstrating advanced skills in print production, concept development, research-led design, branding, and visual storytelling.
