The forces that shift culture are quite different now.

Tasked with redesigning the twenty dollar bill, my concept stems from the truth that women are not featured on any American currency.

With full creative liberty, I chose Rihanna for the face of my $20. In the spirit of David Carson, I rejected the design principles we’re used to seeing on the dollar; nixing ornate borders and traditional motifs like landmarks and seals.

Written elements were preserved strategically using color and type, reassigning hierarchy to reflect a different message. The choice of a blackletter typeface transfers the near-sacred aura we attach to money and places it onto a powerful woman.

In doing so, the bill becomes a contemporary symbol with an updated visual language.