Redesigning the USD

Categories:

Illustration, Layout Design, Pattern Design

Brief:

Research and develop an alternative identity for the United States Dollar Bill. Practice typography and composition skills and explore how to display different information meaningfully and effectively. Create consistency across multiple pieces of visual collateral.

Process:

I love folk art and the color combinations it utilizes, and also grew up reading books about folk heroes. I wanted to incorporate both of these aspects into these design concepts. To start this project, I collaborated with a group of three other people to research the USD. We looked at key details that needed to be included, including value, serial number, cultural icons, historical/contemporary figures, security patterns, and more. We also researched currency from other countries to see what is working and what is not.

Concept:

We worked as a team to come up with a theme for our currency, and decided on American Folktales and their heroes. From there we were able to work individually on developing our own ideas and concepts. I decided to incorporate four of the most famous American folk heroes, including Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and Davy Crockett, and their corresponding pets. The current USD is very boring and bland, so I knew I wanted to incorporate some elements that would elevate it above what it is now. I created a bright color palette based on the folk heroes themselves, and utilized unique patterning, various typefaces, and placement to create bills that are both engaging and hard to counterfeit (the real way you know your design is working well!) I utilized several circular shapes to create a unique border pattern that could carry through each of the bills. The circle adds a softness and brings everything together in a cohesive way. The goal for this project was to create dollar bills that represent the spirit of America.