Plans for a local currency in Exeter have moved a step closer with the launch of the logo and a design competition for the paper notes.
The Exeter Pound project aims to launch in the autumn of 2015 to encourage people to use local businesses and build a stronger community identity for the city.
Those behind the scheme have been working with Exeter College lecturer Nigel Lowe and his students over the last few months to create a logo. The final design was produced by Lily Bedingham, who is studying for a diploma in art and design and has applied to study graphic design at university.
Si Paull, of visual and web design agency Sound in Theory, based in Gandy Street, helped in the process.
Nigel said: "The college looks to create partnerships in the community. The Exeter Pound brief was a great opportunity to work on a live project brief for a real client. This was a particularly exciting opportunity to be involved at the launch of a major community initiative for Exeter."
Lily added: "With the additions by a professional designer, I'm even more pleased with the result. I hope the logo will help the Exeter Pound be a great success."
Si said: "I was very impressed with the standard of work submitted by the Exeter College students. I was delighted to assist the Exeter Pound team choose a design and to add some professional expertise to assist with the initial branding."
Daniel Hillier, director of Exeter Pound, said: "We are aiming to create a community currency for Exeter, so wanted to start the project with the young people from the community, which led us to approach Nigel's graphics students at Exeter College.
"By adding a local professional designer into the process, I think we have combined the best of the talent of local students and the one leading agencies in the Exeter creative industry. Nigel, Lilly and Si have worked with us to create a fantastic logo. I would like to put on record our thanks to Nigel and Si for being so generous with their time. I wish Lilly every success with her ambitions in graphic design. We are very lucky to be the first client to benefit from her talent. I have no doubt we won't be the last."
Exeter Pound is launching a community-wide design competition for its paper notes to capture the talents of the whole community of people who live, study or work in Exeter.
Gill Westcott, director of Exeter Pound, said: "The talent of a small part of the community of Exeter has created us a logo. To create designs for a paper currency we need the talent of the whole community.
"We want to create a community currency to connect the people of Exeter with the independent businesses of the city in a colourful and engaging way. These designs will be a key part of that process."
There are four design headings: community and diversity, science and technology, culture and sport and the environment. Eight designs are needed in total for both sides of 1, 5, 10 and 20 Exeter Pound notes.
The closing date for entries is Monday, March 16.
Full details can be found at www.exeterpound.org.uk
