Heather Kintner | Graphic Designer » Blog Archive

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There is a general re-thinking of how we do things going on across the country right now: Shop locally, cook at home, vacation in your own city. As much as I hope the economy turns around soon, I continue to be optimistic as to what will come out of all of this, and am pleased to see a return to a slower pace, a closer family and community, and local pride.

As reported in The Detroit News last month, Detroit is the newest city (in company with 70+ others) to begin printing its own currency to encourage commerce in the city proper. The currency, called Detroit Cheers, is accepted at several local businesses. And brings with it a certain amount of pride knowing that the money was earned and spent in Detroit, that it’s helping one more small business stay put. It’s dollar for dollar: One cheer for one buck. And any of the selected locations can exchange them.

It’s an interesting concept and I love the initiative and the idea of supporting local businesses, particularly in Detroit-proper. It also opens up a whole new world of currency design. So many countries use fantastic color palettes, photographs and symbols that nod to a nation’s history and illustrations that speak to a country’s lore. In comparison, the U.S.’s money always seems a bit lacking in the pizazz department. For the next city to institute a local currency, please remember that the visual vocabulary to draw on is as near endless as the list of local designers that would jump at the opportunity to make some pretty cash is.

Cheers!

Traverse City’s “Bay Bucks”