Chris Costello is a respected figure in the field of numismatics and hails from Boston. He is not only an artist but also a graphic designer, illustrator and typographer. Costello’s talent also extends to coin design, for which he has received awards for his exceptional work. His masterpieces are well known and loved worldwide.
Larissa Wasserthal: Can you share with us your journey into the world of coin design? What initially sparked your interest in this field?
Chris Costello: I developed an interest in coin collecting at an early age and was always captivated by the detail and beauty of classic pre-war coin designs of The Americas and Europe. After graduating from university with degrees in graphic design and communications, I began a rewarding art career and in 2010, I responded to a United States Mint call for artists. I was accepted into their Artistic Infusion Program and had the opportunity to contribute artwork to over sixty programs. More than 25 of my designs have been selected to be made into coins and medals for our nation.
Two of my American designs were nominated for Coin of the Year (COTY) Awards and in 2019 I was awarded the COTY Award for the 2017 American Liberty Gold Coin reverse.
Since 2017, I have been invited to fifteen Royal Mint coin design competitions where I had several entries shortlisted. My winning designs for 2020 (Mayflower) and 2021 (H.G. Wells) have been struck on £2 coins for The United Kingdom.
I currently create commemorative coins and medals for sovereign nations and private entities that feature a broad spectrum of exciting illustrated subject matter.
LW: As a designer for a renowned mint, what are the key factors you consider when creating a new coin design? How do you balance historical significance with modern aesthetics?
Chris Costello: My training in graphic design, branding, and typography provides me with insights on how to simplify complex narratives into easy to understand visuals. I strive to create designs that are instantly recognizable on small canvases with illustrations that resonate with as many people as possible. As a coin collector, I design coins that I would want to see in my personal collection.
Today’s design esthetic calls for a minimalist approach to composition and typography which can appear banal and insipid if not executed properly. My response is to combine authentic modernist styling with classical representation whenever possible. In order to communicate historic ideas of the past to a modern audience, I try to bridge classical standards of artistic beauty with the purity of contemporary graphic forms in my coin designs.
LW: Could you walk us through your creative process when tasked with designing a new coin? From conceptualization to final product, what steps do you take to ensure each design is unique and meaningful?
Chris Costello: After reading the creative brief, I meet with the stakeholder or creative director to discuss theme options. Then I research existing coins to make sure I do not design something that has already been created by another artist. My foremost objective is to be original. I visualize concepts in my mind through thought and meditation and when I am ready to sketch, I simply render what I already see.
To prepare for the sketching phase, I generally model myself in costume when human figures are required and I work from my own photography references as often as possible. I create a first round of loose pencil sketches and present for client approval. After a design is selected and approved, I flesh out the details in a tight pencil drawing and finish the design using digital layout software to craft the typography and composition. I may create the inscription lettering by hand if time allows.
The final composite of pencil art and digital design is rendered as a PDF which serves as the guide to help sculptors determine the areas of relief. After the artwork has been sculpted, I receive a digital proof of the model where I make additional recommendations and modifications until it becomes the best interpretation of my original art. Once I approve the proof, the sculpt is reduced and transferred to dies which are used to strike the coins.
I also help promote numismatic products with social media marketing, package design, artist interviews, and public appearances.
LW: What do you find most rewarding about designing coins for a well-known mint? Are there any particular designs or projects that hold a special place in your heart?
Chris Costello: The fact that my art and ideas will survive me and be seen by millions of people throughout the world for years to come is the reward. I am a recorder of human culture and history. My favorite design is the 2020 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower commemorative coins that I created for the Royal Mint. Every line of the artwork; the typography, the ship, and the waves was created from my own hand. I had submitted a loose pencil sketch of the design expecting to refine it, but that sketch was considered perfect in its spontaneity and organic quality as it clearly illustrated the subject with dramatic motion and energy. My original concept sketch was preserved with minor edits and was used as the final reference for the sculptor.
LW: With advancements in technology, such as digital design tools, how has the process of coin design evolved during your career? Do you prefer traditional methods or do you embrace digital innovation?
Chris Costello: Working in digital graphic design requires me to evolve with the latest tech tools and trends. As a numismatic artist, I utilize traditional illustration skills to communicate my ideas with pen, pencil, and paper. I value the moments when I can step away from the screens to layer graphite onto paper. Drawing and painting are therapeutic and I will always continue in the practice of hand-drawn creations. However, digital image editing and illustration tools are essential for enhancing and finishing my work. These tools have helped me develop a production process that is fast and efficient which makes designing coins both enjoyable and profitable.
LW: How do you approach incorporating cultural and national symbols into your coin designs? What challenges do you face in ensuring these symbols are accurately represented and respectfully portrayed?
Chris Costello: When incorporating national and cultural symbols into coin designs, extensive research and consultation with subject matter experts is critical to portray accuracy, especially with customs, flags, and heraldry.
When researching material for the American 2020 Mayflower 400th anniversary coin and medal, I met with representatives of the Massachusett and Wampanoag tribes to discuss symbols of the Native American story that would be both accurate and unifying, while avoiding sensitivities and negatively charged imagery. Today’s American east coast tribes have very different views than west coast tribes regarding the observance of the traditional American “Thanksgiving” holiday with its very complex colonization narrative. The concept that rose to the top as the most unifying and dignified idea was The Three Sisters “Sustainers of Life” agricultural method that the local New England tribes shared with the European settlers to help them survive and flourish.
This became the featured design on the silver medal and was indeed my most challenging design project to date.
LW: Can you share any insights into upcoming trends or themes in coin design? What do you believe collectors and enthusiasts can look forward to in the future?
Chris Costello: Sports, entertainment, celebrity and patriotic motifs appear to be the hottest trends. I am currently designing silver bullion coins illustrating all of these themes and they are being received with great excitement by fans. I believe that collectors can look forward to more products created for their specific tastes and interests especially as the price of silver rises. Collectors will prefer a portrait of John Wayne or a pair of American Bald Eagles on a .999 coin over a plain silver bar.
LW: Collaboration is often key in the creative process. How do you collaborate with other team members, such as engravers and mint officials, to bring your designs to life?
Chris Costello: My relationship with sovereign and private mints is very collaborative. I have met with teams of art directors, sculptors, marketing professionals, copywriters, and package designers to conceptualize and realize innovative numismatic products. I work very closely with the sculptors to refine the proofs, make adjustments, and finalize bas reliefs to make them as faithful to my original artwork as possible before the dies are cut.
LW: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring coin designers who hope to follow in your footsteps and make their mark in the industry?
Chris Costello: I would advise that an aspiring coin designer connect with as many people in the industry as possible; other coin designers, sculptors, mint owners, collectors, dealers, etc., and engage on social media. This is a great way to learn what is happening in the industry on a daily basis and to get inspired by what other artists are doing. I have a network of creative friends throughout the world who share their art and ideas. We inspire and encourage each other. Many of my current art contracts originated from these network connections. Enter design competitions for the experience and the chance to get your work seen. Refine your craft and publicly show the development of your work.
What is most important is that you fashion your own style, vision, and process. Build your esthetic convictions and defend them. The field is quite narrow with so few artists perusing a career in numismatic art so there are great opportunities to stand out as an innovator and design leader.
Be original. Make money. Have fun with it.
All images are copyrighted and used with permission. The Royal Mint, Gold Standard X, National Collectors Mint, Ferris Coin, John Wayne Enterprises, Chris Costello Design & Illustration.
The following materials about Chris Costello may also be of interest:
Chris Costello – Personal Work
Behind the Design with Chris Costello
