Baltimore is in the process of implementing a local currency to be used along side our national currency. This local currency, called the “BNote”, is being introduced by Baltimore Green Currency Association and may be rolled out in Hampden as soon as Spring 2011.

I recently submitted a design option to their BNote design contest. The contest called for local artists to design their version of either or both denominations of the BNote, the BN1 or BN5. Above is my design for the BN1.

The criteria called for a framework of specific items to be met, such as the motif of “Be More Free” for the BN1 and “Be More Literary” for the BN5. I chose to showcase Frederick Douglass as the prominent Baltimorean on the face of the BN1. The image behind Douglass is a photograph of a wall mural in Fell’s Point by Nelson Rivas, aka Cekis, that depicts scenes specific to Fell’s Point. Douglass lived and worked in Fell’s Point during the late 1800s.

For the back of the BN1 I chose to use the Bromo Seltzer Tower as a recognizable Baltimore landmark. Not only is it recognizable but, random and quirky much like Baltimore itself. The tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence, Italy, which was seen by the owner of Bromo Seltzer during a tour of Europe in 1900.

In addition my BN1 has images of Maryland’s state flower, the Black Eyed Susan and the state bird, the Oriole. Behind the Bromo Seltzer Tower is a pattern I created that was inspired by the Baltimore City flag.

Of general design note, I chose to use a vertical orientation for the BNote for two reasons, one because it is “different” and two, because it is the primary way we interact with paper money – counting and handing to others.

And finally, the color. Well, you can probably guess the inspiration for that. Any idea on what color I would use for the BN5?

The winner will be announced before the end of December, at a special BNote event. You can read more about the contest and criteria.

Below is an overview of the Baltimore Green Currency Association:

“Baltimore Green Currency Association was founded in the Spring of 2010. We are working to help create an alternative economy that will strengthen local business, create jobs, encourage the formation of local supply chains, and ultimately provide economic opportunity and increased resilience to communities underserved by traditional economic structures.

Our mission: to foster economic opportunity through the establishment of an alternative currency for the communities of Baltimore.”