Brazilian Currency Redesign
This project is a conceptual redesign of the Brazilian currency, developed to celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage, natural ecosystems, and national pride. Each of the seven banknotes highlights a prominent Brazilian figure on the front—spanning literature, art, music, sports, architecture, and science—and features a native animal on the reverse, illustrated within a representative biome and framed by authentic indigenous patterns.
Concept & Structure
The banknotes merge historical and environmental narratives, using visual language inspired by indigenous Brazilian graphic systems. The design combines halftone engraving effects, layered biomes, and tribal motifs to convey a sense of cultural identity and connection to the land. Each note includes detailed security features such as guilloché lines, microtext, tactile marks, and metallic foil—reimagined with culturally meaningful elements.
Highlights
-
R$2 – Carlos Drummond de Andrade & the Channel-billed Toucan in Serra dos Órgãos
-
R$5 – Tarsila do Amaral & the Argentine Tegu in Chapada Diamantina
-
R$10 – Elza Soares & the Green Sea Turtle in Lençóis Maranhenses
-
R$20 – Pelé & the Jaguar in the Pantanal
-
R$50 – Oscar Niemeyer & the Spinner Dolphin in Fernando de Noronha
-
R$100 – Santos Dumont & the Blue Morpho Butterfly in Iguaçu Falls
-
R$200 – Ayrton Senna & the Harpy Eagle in the Amazon Rainforest
Cultural Relevance
Each indigenous pattern was selected and adapted based on the biome and regional tribe, drawing from research into groups such as the Kadiwéu, Kayapó, Juruna, Waiãpi, Karajá, Asurini, and Wayana. These design elements reflect a deep respect for Brazil’s indigenous heritage and visual language.
Final Thoughts
This speculative proposal turns currency into more than a financial tool—it becomes a vessel for storytelling, memory, and national identity. The design invites users to reflect on Brazil’s roots, its natural wonders, and the figures who have shaped its soul.