In this Photoshop tutorial we will look at how you can transfer a face onto a dollar.
ATTENTION: This lesson is intended for advanced Photoshop users.
Final result
Let's start the Photoshop lesson
I recently watched the movie " Wall Street: money never sleeps". It was a wonderful film, despite the fact that I expected something more from the plot and special effects, but in the credits they showed a cool animation with money, I don’t know what this effect is called in English, but it hooked me, and when I returned home, I decided to repeat it in Photoshop.
And so, in this lesson I will show you a wonderful technique for creating an illustration stylized to look like money, namely a dollar bill. Here I will share one of the simple ways that I came up with.
Step 1.
Open the image on which we want to apply this effect ( File > Open(File > Open / Keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+O").
Step 2.
Let's go to the menu Image > Adjustments > Desaturate(Image > Settings > Desaturate / Keyboard shortcut "Shift+Ctrl+U").
Step 3.
We choose there Image > Adjustments > Levels(Image > Adjustments > Levels / Keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+L"). Change in black input(black) on 50 , A white(white) on 150 , also, change in gray input(Green) on 1 (it is by default).
Step 4.
Let's go to the menu Filter > Blur > Surface Blur(Filter > Blur > Surface Blur). We use 30 pixels - Radius(Radius) and 20 - Threshold(Threshold). Save in PSD file as Displace.psd. In the lesson we will use 2a file, we will use one of them later.
Step 5.
Now let's go back a few steps to step number 2 . Save as me.psd. Then we go to Image > Adjustments > Levels(Image > Adjustments > Levels / Keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+L"). Using the values 15 For black input(black), 1 For gray(green) and 205 For white(white).
Step 6.
Again we go to Image > Mode > Grayscale(Image > Mode > Grayscale), then Image > Mode > Bitmap(Image > Mode > Bit Format). Using the default settings, I have them - output(exit) 240 pixels/inch, since in input(input value) they are the same, the value may change depending on your input data. Also, this will concern the next step, in Method(Method) select Halftone Screen(Halftone screen)…
Step 7
In the settings window Halftone Screen(Halftone screen), indicate Shape(Form) - Line(Line) and set Frequency(Frequency) 30 lines/inch. We also change Angle(Angle) on 0 °. Note: Depending on the resolution of your picture frequency can change, thereby you select the required value until you achieve the desired result.
Step 8
We get this result after we switch to the mode Bitmap mode (Image > Mode > Bitmap(Image > Mode > Bit Format)). Now let's change this to Grayscale(Grayscale). Let's go to Image > Mode > Grayscale(Image > Mode > Grayscale).
Step 9
Let's go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur(Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur). Let's take it 0.5 pixels for Radius(Radius). You can also specify 1 , we do what is best. Please remember that all values are subject to change and depend on the resolution of the image used.
Step 10
Let's go again Image > Adjustments > Levels(Image > Adjustments > Levels / Keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+L"). We change white input(white) on 110 .
Step 11
Let's go to Filter > Distort > Displace(Filter > Distort > Displace). We indicate 1 For Horizontal scale(Horizontal scale), 3 For Vertical scale(Vertical scale) and then in other options select Stretch to fit(Stretch) and Wrap Around(Insert clippings). Click OK. In the new window that appears Displace map(Map offset) select created in 4 step file Displace.psd.
Step 12
Now the filter Filter > Distort > Displace(Filter > Distort > Displace) should distort the image so that the lines are not uniform and horizontal.
Conclusion.
Now you can add your logo or add other effects. Filter Filter > Distort > Displace(Filter > Distort > Displace) is one of the cool filters in Photoshop because we can create tons of different effects with it, like in this tutorial. I mentioned earlier that before I came up with the idea for this lesson, I watched the movie " Wall Street: money never sleeps", where an animation with money is shown in the credits.
Combining practicality and exclusivity, money is one of the most complex design objects. And like any difficult task, currency design carries with it some valuable lessons for web designers. This article is an attempt to articulate some of those lessons and highlight the empowering nature of paper money.
Ancient Chinese banknotes
The use of paper as money is probably as old as paper itself. The practice of using paper to transfer letters of credit to long distances appeared in China around 618 AD. The ancient Chinese, responsible not only for the invention of the concept itself, but also for its ingenious description, called this practice fei-chien or “flying money”.
The oldest surviving paper notes were issued during the Ming Dynasty (between 1368 and 1399), and the note was almost the size of a legal document. The 200 kwan note was made from recycled mulberry bark.
The Ming Dynasty 200 kwan banknote was almost the size of a legal document.
Marco Polo was impressed by the efficiency of the Chinese monetary system. However, by the 15th century, China had largely abandoned paper money due to rapid inflation. All this happened many years before the paper monetary system appeared in Europe, and 3 centuries before their general distribution.
Availability plays a big role
Even with all the limitations of design and means that the Chinese had in the 14th century, the designers of the first banknotes paid attention to accessibility, or in other words, making money understandable and accessible to as many people as possible. Specifically, the Kwan note in the image above represents two lines, each containing 10 coins that were in circulation at the time. This way, people who couldn't read could still understand the value of the banknote.
The graphical representation of the monetary value, as well as the coin's written denomination code and legal description, are surrounded by intricate dragon and cloud designs that enhance visual appeal while protecting against counterfeiting. By clearly highlighting key content with graphics, ancient Chinese banknotes are also pleasing to the eye.
For us, accessibility means simple content that is accessible to people with disabilities and no. Obviously, it's worth a reminder: when working on accessibility, make sure that the content is perceived, leads, and interacts regardless of the styles used to present it.
US dollar
The dollar became the basis monetary system United States in the early 1860s, when the US Treasury issued notes to finance the Civil Defense. The first US banknote was not much different from an official document, and it featured a portrait of Salmon Portland Chase.
During the American Civil War, the back of the dollar bill was green because the color was associated with stability and economic growth. This "green" started the tradition of printing US banknotes in green. The traditional color scheme, which is dominated by green and black, combined with one size of banknotes, has been heavily criticized for being unclear, especially for people with vision problems.
During the American Civil War, the back of the dollar bill was green because the color was associated with stability and economic growth.
The 1896 Educational Series of U.S. Notes is considered one of the most beautiful projects ever created for American currency. However, the note above has been the subject of controversy due to the female figure depicted on it. After an outcry from the senators' wives, the entire series was abandoned.
The Education Series of US notes has been the subject of controversy due to the female figure depicted on it.
By 1930, all banknotes looked almost the same as they look today. During the 20th century, currency integrated numerous functions, mainly as part of an anti-counterfeiting system.
Federal Reserve Bank $20 note, 1928.
The ongoing changes and additions have resulted in a highly controversial design for the US dollar, which has been criticized in the media for its lack of aesthetics and legibility. For example, well-known design critic Michael Beirut wrote in an article for The Atlantic magazine: “Anyone trying to understand our national values will be confused by the Victorian Rococo and Masonic nonsense around the edges of the dollar.”
The $100 bill currently in circulation has been the last bill to be changed since October 2013. The new Benjamin has a lot of anti-counterfeiting elements, one of which only appears in the open.
Updated one hundred dollar bill
Have you ever wondered why portraits are used on banknotes? Some studies show that people trust banknotes that have a human face on them more. This principle can also be applied to "About Us" pages that feature large photographs. real people attract much more than text.
Universal Design Approach
Incorporating a number of special features, the euro banknote can serve as a good example of universal design, conveying a cultural and political message that is accepted by all European citizens. Universal design can be defined as being accessible and suitable for use to the greatest extent possible, the most in a simple way and in a wide range of situations.
While versatility is expected in an international currency, you don't have to work on a Euro scale project to apply this principle. Whether you're working on a social network, corporate or personal website, the principles of universal design can help you make your design concept more inclusive and therefore as accessible and useful as possible. Here are some recommendations:
- Make sure the usage paths are the same for all users: equal when possible, adequate when not.
- Make your design attractive to as many users as possible.
- Arrange content and design elements in a way that meets user expectations, which will highlight the most important information, which provides awareness and language skills that remove unnecessary complexity and make it easy to leave feedback at any time during the user's interaction with the website.
Swiss franc
When people hear the word Switzerland, three things mainly come to mind: cheese, chocolate and cans. So it would be a shame for Switzerland if their currency did not celebrate one of these national symbols. Swiss currency was obviously created with special attention to detail, as if each banknote were a work of art with numbers and symbols. As a result, the Swiss franc meets the high expectations of users. It is not only the most secure banknote in the world, but also a one-of-a-kind aesthetic experience.
Eight series of the Swiss franc have been printed since 1907. Each series relies on the different size and color schemes that are used. With each new release, Franks have more complex layouts, typography, and color schemes. With the eighth series, in circulation since 1995, design is taken to a bold new level.
The evolution of the 100 franc banknote, obverse.
The current Swiss Franc series was designed by Jörg Zintzmeyer, and focuses on art, featuring motifs from Swiss artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Le Corbusier.
The current series of Swiss francs was designed by Jörg Zintzmeyer.
With its eighth series, Switzerland introduced the vertical banknote design format, a format that was subsequently adopted by a number of countries, including Mexico, Colombia©, Bermuda (D), Venezuela and Nicaragua. Could you imagine a vertical euro with a unicorn (B)?
With its eighth series, Switzerland introduced a vertical banknote design format.
In 2005, Zurich designer Manuel Krebs won the Swiss National Bank competition for the ninth series of banknotes. It was a revolutionary attempt to bring a human element to banknote design by incorporating emotion into it. However, the winning project, which contains blood cells and embryos, faced serious criticism from the public.
Controversial banknotes by Manuel Krebs.
Therefore, the Swiss National Bank took the design of Manuela Pfrunder, who took 2nd place. The series was planned to begin production in 2015, with the promise that they would maintain the color scheme.
Swiss banknote design by Manuela Pfrunder.
The Swiss franc is of interest not only to numismatists, but also to fans of the X-Files series. For example, that the mystical planet X and Nibiru are depicted on the 10 francs bill of 1981.
There is a theory that the mystical Planet X and Nibiru are depicted on the 10 francs note of 1981.
We have to take risks and get creative with elements and techniques to truly prove effective.
Pay attention to the direction
Swiss banknotes with portraits started the trend for a vertical format 20 years ago. Because this format is more ergonomic for feeding banknotes into payment terminals, other studies show that people tend to pick up bills vertically rather than horizontally. This direction of banknotes will most likely be followed in currency design in the coming years.
Banknote designers also care about efficiency. One concept being toyed with in the currency world is to make one side of the note horizontal, optimized for the wallet, and the other side vertical, for quick use of the note by the terminal. A banknote with a similar concept was issued in 1981 in Switzerland - 10 francs, which were already mentioned above. When designing your website's orientation, consider the priority of your content on devices. The level of attention that central banks pay to orientation shows its importance to UX.
When designing the orientation of your website, consider the priority of your content to appear on devices.
Also, this shift in vertical and horizontal position gives users more ways to consume the content. For example, additional data or different context of the same data can enhance the interaction.
Norwegian krone
In October 2014, Norway's central bank announced the design themes for a new series of banknotes. Of the eight proposals presented in the final round of the competition, two were selected by the jury. The front side of the banknotes will be based on metric concepts, while the back side will be designed by Snøhetta.
Current series of Norwegian krone.
One of the main tasks presented to the competition participants was to strengthen the security level of the Norwegian currency. Thus, designers needed to incorporate numerous anti-counterfeiting elements into their concepts.
Front and back side of 100 Norwegian krone with metric system and design by Snøhetta.
Designers could only work with one theme - the sea. WITH beautiful photos ships, fish, lighthouse and people relaxing at sea. The metric system gave the new crown a classic look. It turned out to be a surprisingly suitable companion for Snøhetta's abstract, pixelated patterns that convey sea and wind.
Crown design concept by Snøhetta.
Among interesting features new Norwegian banknote - rainbow stamp new life. Rainbow printing is a kind of controlled color gradient that was a typical design element of banknotes, created using special printing machines. Along with guilloche, such printing is one of the most powerful security features of banknotes. But this technique began to weaken with the development of other printing methods, such as anti-scan traps.
The colors of the new crown adapt to be mixed from one note to another, symbolizing the Norwegian coast.
The redesign of the Norwegian banknotes was ingenious on so many levels. Take, for example, the impressive power of connection, from the bridge between past and present, built by pixel mosaics, a seamless combination of classic and avant-garde, realized by a combination of motifs, to a revolutionary new look that conveys the country's values to both citizens and the world.
Make the most of your restrictions
Like any banknote design, the crown design had many limitations. “You kind of feel like it's a little difficult to imagine and be creative when you have a rigid plan and direction,” Martin Grahn, partner at Snøhetta Oslo, told Co.Design. Considering the results, the designers clearly succeeded in turning these limitations into creativity.
When we're dealing with a tightly focused project, it's worth looking at constraints as guiding principles rather than as barriers. Obstacles force you to become creative and find interesting solutions within given constraints. Breaking complex specifics down into specific tasks can help keep your mind open to innovation.
What to take note from banknote design
From a visual design perspective, currency is much more than a portrait frame famous person and a couple of watermarks. The perfect combination of utility and creativity makes the banknotes highly sought after by both consumers and collectors.
Finding a balance of visual elements is a good challenge for designers too. Are you stuck on a new project, or just looking for a new challenge?
Think of your project like a banknote. The main task of a currency designer is to maintain confidence in a piece of paper whose purchasing power is significantly greater than its production costs. Web design isn't that different. How do you maintain trust in a collection of pixels that represent a huge corporation, a talented entrepreneur, or your own brand?
Let's recap what lessons we can learn from banknote design:
- Accessibility is important. Even as late as the 14th century, paper money was designed to be understandable by people of different abilities. It is essential that the web space works for all people, regardless of their physical or mental state, language, location or device they are using.
- Be smart about your redesign. The US dollar has been redesigned several times to highlight the importance of balancing user experience with product and innovation.
- Bright visual elements attract attention. Notgelds were meant to be ephemeral, but became works of art due to their impressive illustrations. Redesigning your website's graphics will make the design more effective at attracting users' attention.
- Consider design versatility . Created to represent the values of the multinational European Union, the euro banknote is a good reference point for designers seeking to make products that are simpler, safer and more convenient for all users.
- Pay attention to orientation . The Swiss franc set the trend for portrait orientation of banknotes. Orientation is an important factor in creating usable and accessible layouts.
- Make the most of your restrictions. Like any banknote design, the new Norwegian krone was born out of strict constraints. However, it proves that following constraints as guidelines can lead to efficient, beautiful, outstanding solutions.
Try incorporating these principles into your work to create more durable, long-lasting designs. Or at least it will good exercise in building pixel castles.
Today, almost every person strives to earn as much as possible more money, and children already know what it is almost from the cradle. But you will learn in this article how they appeared and how they are created. First, let's dive into history.
History of the appearance of funds
For many millennia, in order to get the goods they wanted, people simply exchanged them, that is, barter took place. Of course, there were cases when they simply took away or stole, but this was severely punished. Therefore, exchange was the most convenient way to obtain the desired goods and was practiced especially well in those cultures where subsistence farming flourished. For example, the Phoenicians exchanged cedar for Egyptian papyri, but it often happened that the interests of the parties did not coincide and the desired result did not occur.
However, the inconvenience of direct exchange became the reason for the formation of universal exchange intermediaries. They became livestock and grain crops.
Over time, this exchange commodity becomes inconvenient, because it directly depends on the number of livestock and crops, and it is impossible to predict them in advance. Therefore, such goods are consigned to history, but it is worth noting that African tribes who lead a hermit life until the twentieth day are quietly engaged in the exchange of goods.
First coins
Historians believe that the first coins appeared in 687 BC, in Lydia. Today it is the Asian part of Turkey. Then there was King Croesus, who the first began to mint gold coins, although in fact his great-grandfather Gyges had already made coins. Lydian coins were made of electrum. This is a type of native gold that contains a lot of silver. Half a century later, coins began to be produced en masse. 
Coins in Ancient China
Do not forget that at this time, regardless of European civilization, coinage was also invented in Ancient China. Their coins were created using a rather original casting method. There was a square hole inside and it was located in the middle. This was done for ease of storage, namely they could be strung on a cord. Then this method was adopted by Japan, Korea and some other Asian countries.
In China, such coinage existed until the beginning of the 20th century. 
Continuation…
Greece quickly picked up money making from Lydia. They began to depict Greek gods on coins. It is worth noting that the Greek coin culture had significant influence with modern money. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, they began to emboss the faces of living people on coins for the first time. When minting, they used two molds, which later spread to all the territories under their control. 
Rome and then western Europe I also used this technology when minting. They began to make their money from it. Then they spread them to the subject tribes, however, after the fall of the great Rome, it disintegrated in the conquered territories. It is restored only after two centuries, and before that coins were worn only as decoration.
Paper money
China played a major role in the emergence of paper money. Everything turned out to be quite simple. During the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese acquired a “flying” one, because transporting long distances turned out to be quite labor-intensive and the government got tired of it, so they decided to create special printed money certificates so that they could pay merchants with them, and they could exchange them for “hard” currency in capital.
In the West, paper money came with the Mongols, because they printed Chinese-style banknotes in 1291. This happened in Iran.
XX-XXI century
During these turbulent times, many changes occurred. Money was no longer backed by gold or other precious metals.
Nowadays they are already using electronic wallets with all their might and this does not surprise anyone. Also, with the development of new technologies, prerequisites appear for the emergence of a new type of money.
Money creation
In the process of creating banknotes, the following technologies are used:
Offset printing. Here special forms are used, where the whitespace and printing elements are located on the same plane. This technology uses selective wetting of the printing elements with ink, but the white space elements are wetted with water. When printing, ink is transferred from the form to the rubber sheet, and then from it to the paper.
With Oryol printing there is a smooth transition of colors. However, the transition boundary remains clear. There are no various distortions here. This type of printing requires special equipment. It is impossible to reproduce such printing using classical methods.
Next comes letterpress printing. When making a form, it is necessary to place the printing elements above the whitespace. This is done so that the paper is pressed against the printing plate and the ink should be squeezed out along the edges. In this case, a characteristic “rim” of paint appears and a slight deformation of the paper. This method creates images of numbers and series on banknotes.
During intaglio metallographic printing, complete opposite letterpress printing. After all, here the elements are deepened in printed form. The paint sticks to the paper and then dries and a layer of ink appears. You can even feel it by touch. With this type of printing, the images are very clear. In this way, the smallest details on the banknote are made.
When making dotted or solid stripes, a unique method is used. It is not easily threaded between the two sides of the paper, but rather “rammed” into it. Therefore it is impossible to get it.
To obtain a watermark, the machine casts a sheet with different thicknesses and due to this, gaps are formed, which are watermarks.
After the paper blank is released, it is time to apply special marks on them, which are visible only when using special equipment.
This is where the path to making money ends and all that remains is to cut the sheet with the finished banknotes, which are then sent into circulation.
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