Brighton alumna leading the way on British coin design

The coin, released last October, was voted the nation's favourite ahead of other 2020 designs celebrating subjects as diverse as scientist Rosalind Franklin, James Bond, Winnie the Pooh, David Bowie and the Tower of London.

Dominique graduated from the university in 1995 with BA(Hons) in Graphic Design, before taking up her design role at the Royal Mint. In addition to last year's 'Diversity' 50p, Dominique has created a clutch of the most admired coin designs of recent years, including the Sapphire Coronation of Her Majesty The Queen, a coin celebrating Jane Austen, and a commemorative coin for Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

In an interview for the Royal Mint, Dominique said: “Over many centuries, coins have been an integral part of the fabric of our lives. When designing a coin, I feel it is important that the subject is at the heart of the design and my job as a designer is to focus on communicating that.”

Dominique Evans with a Diversity coin and education pack

Diversity Built Britain 50p coin, courtesy Royal Mint

“For this design it was crucial I look far beyond myself and across everyone and everything, listening to and imagining the difference of experience connecting us through our generations, genetics and lineage. The word ‘connection’ kept coming up in my research journey, and I also kept seeing stark reminders of fractured connections that can separate and divide.”

Speaking about her degree study at Brighton, Dominique said: “I was captured by the magic of Brighton from childhood, and knew it would be my absolute first choice of place to study, with its eclectic mix of creativity, individuality and thriving social atmosphere. Brighton really did embrace and celebrate individuality and self-expression. I had the encouragement and support to grow confidence around my ideas and creativity in a place I always felt welcome and at home.”