The New $5 Note: A Fresh Chapter in Australian Currency

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a significant shift in currency design—the new $5 banknote will no longer feature British royalty. Instead, it will celebrate Indigenous art, paying tribute to First Nations cultures and their artistic heritage. This modern approach highlights Australia’s rich cultural identity, moving away from traditional royal imagery.

If you’re interested in learning more about the official redesign, you can check out this ABC article.

But why stop there? While we wait for the final design, why not try creating your own hypothetical $5 note? This is a fantastic exercise for designers, artists, and anyone who loves a creative challenge. Of course, your custom design won’t be legal tender—but it’s a great way to experiment with illustration, typography, and layout techniques. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understand the New Design Direction

Before designing your own version, let’s look at the key changes in the upcoming Australian $5 note:

• Indigenous Art Focus: The new design will incorporate First Nations artwork, reflecting Australia’s diverse cultural heritage.
• No More Monarchy: The shift moves away from royal portraits, making room for uniquely Australian themes.
• Distinct Colour Palette: While maintaining its signature purple-pink hue, the new note may introduce earthy tones inspired by Country and culture.

(Keep in mind that the official design will be released by the RBA—your design is purely for fun and creative exploration!)

Step 2: Gather Inspiration & Sketch Ideas

Mood Board

• Research past Australian banknotes for layout inspiration. Observe colour transitions, intricate patterns, and typographic details.
• Explore Indigenous artwork if you want to align with the new theme (ensure respectful use of cultural elements).
• Consider a personalised theme—why not put yourself on the note as ‘royalty’ for a playful twist?

Theme Selection

• Do you want a traditional Indigenous-inspired piece, or something whimsical?
• Will you maintain the signature purple-pink tones, or experiment with vibrant accents?

Step 3: Set Up Your Digital Canvas

Software & Document Setup

• Adobe Illustrator: Set an artboard to approximately 130 × 65 mm (standard Australian $5 note size). Learn more with our Adobe Illustrator Course.
• Adobe Photoshop: Create a file at 130 × 65 mm at 300 dpi (or higher for print quality). Check out our Adobe Photoshop Course.

Colour Mode & Layers

• Use CMYK for print projects and RGB for digital designs.
• Organise layers for text, illustrations, backgrounds, and effects to maintain clarity and flexibility.

Step 4: Design the Centrepiece – A Portrait or Illustration

Main Feature

• Personalised Royalty: Sketch or photograph yourself and stylise it into a unique illustration.
• Indigenous-Inspired Art: Research traditional patterns, or collaborate with an Indigenous artist for authenticity.

Design Elements

• Adobe Illustrator: Use the Pen Tool for smooth vector shapes and crisp outlines.
• Adobe Photoshop: Apply soft brushes and gradients for depth and texture.

If you're new to Adobe tools, explore our Adobe Creative Cloud Courses to build your skills.

Step 5: Add Typography & Denomination Details

The Big ‘5’

• Make it prominent using a font that suits your theme—whether elegant serif for a regal feel or bold sans-serif for a modern approach.

Supporting Text

• Standard text includes ‘Australian $5’—but you can add playful elements like ‘Specimen’ or ‘Not Legal Tender’ for clarity.

Hidden Text & Micro-Details

• Traditional banknotes feature tiny text for security. Get creative by adding personal quotes or micro-patterns.

Step 6: Enhance with Background Patterns & Effects

Patterns & Motifs

• Use abstract shapes, line art, or native Australian flora and fauna (e.g., wattle, gum leaves) for an authentic look.
• Incorporate geometric or fractal designs inspired by real banknotes.

Metallic or ‘Foil’ Effects

• Apply gradient overlays to simulate the reflective foils seen on real polymer notes.

(Just remember—real banknotes contain advanced security features. Your design is purely artistic and should not replicate these elements too closely.)

Step 7: Final Touches & Export

Colour Adjustments & Clarity

• Ensure contrast and balance so all elements are easily distinguishable.

Labelling for Clarity

• Always stamp your design with ‘SPECIMEN’ or ‘FOR FUN ONLY’ to avoid any legal misunderstandings.

Export Settings

• Print/High-Resolution: Save as PDF (CMYK) or TIFF/JPEG (300 dpi).
• Digital/Web: Export as JPEG or PNG (72-150 dpi, RGB).

Step 8: Share Your Design & Have Fun!

• Post your unique $5 note design on social media or add it to your design portfolio.
• Explain your creative inspiration—whether it’s a tribute to Indigenous art or a playful self-portrait.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Do Not Circulate Imitations: It is illegal to create counterfeit money.
• Always Use Disclaimers: Clearly label your design as ‘SPECIMEN’ or ‘NOT LEGAL TENDER’.
• Respect Cultural Heritage: If incorporating Indigenous art, seek permission or use appropriate attribution.

Wrap-Up: Get Creative with Your Own $5 Note!

Australia’s new $5 note represents an exciting shift towards celebrating Indigenous culture. While we await the official design, why not put your creativity to the test and craft your own imaginative version?

Whether you feature Indigenous-inspired artwork, a self-portrait, or a uniquely Australian theme, this is a great way to experiment with digital design while respecting artistic and legal boundaries.

Ready to start? Open Illustrator or Photoshop, set up your artboard, and create a $5 note that’s fit for your own creative universe. Have fun—and don’t forget to label it ‘SAMPLE’!

Want to sharpen your Adobe skills? Explore our Adobe Training Courses to level up your design expertise!