BULLION BARS AND COINS
Interview: Natasha Muhl is the creative force behind the 2014 Great White Shark Silver Bullion Coin.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Iâm from the Kimberley in the North West of Western Australia, so I spent a lot of time outdoors in nature growing up. This would probably be my biggest inspiration, especially when it comes to designing Australian fauna-themed coins. While doing my research for any new series, I tend to look at a range of photography and watch nature documentaries. This helps me to accurately recreate the animal. I also take inspiration from coin collecting catalogues and numismatic magazines, as itâs always great to see what other mints are up to and keep ideas fresh.
How do you start the design process?
The Perth Mint Sales and Marketing team meet fortnightly to discuss potential concepts for each coin program. Once the theme has been determined, the designers are given a detailed creative brief to follow. As part of the research process we often take part in field trips. With the Great White Shark bullion coin for example, I visited the Aquarium of Western Australia and dived with a range of sharks. It was wonderful to come face to face with these amazing creatures and it really helped steer my creative process.
What are some of your favourite coins?
There are so many to choose from, but I would have to say The Perth Mintâs Famous Ballets Silver proof coin set, with its subtle pad printing details, is one of my favourites. More recently Iâm really enjoying the Gods of Olympus series which is struck in high relief to a rimless format â a first for the Mint! These mythological gods are quite dark and moody so it is an exciting concept for the design studio. They have also proven to be extremely popular with collectors which is always great.
How did you get into designing coins?
I studied at Central Institute of Technology [in Perth], graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design in 2009. Fellow Perth Mint designer, Tom Vaughan, was a previous classmate of mine and he kindly recommended me to the Mint when they were looking for a new illustrator. Itâs always been my dream to become a designer, so I feel very fortunate to work for The Perth Mint as I get the chance to illustrate a broad range of themes for a variety of audiences.
Why a shark instead of another sea predator or animal?
The Great White Shark is probably the most feared and interesting predator in existence. Most people around the world have watched the movie Jaws and can imagine the terror of an encounter with this deadly creature. I think thatâs what makes them so exciting and sought-after.
Originally posted on The Official APMEX Inc. Blog
