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Miniature Artwork: The Graphic Design of Stamps |  |
April 10, 2007
by Alayna Buckner
Design Programs Columnist
From invoices to wedding invitations, millions of letters are traveling to all pockets of the globe right now. And each piece of mail has a tiny piece of art helping it along. Despite their adhesive backings and the obligatory "39 cents," the graphic designs of stamps are as diverse, and as interesting, as other artistic mediums. Stamps carry with them a tiny grain of our national history, culture and art.
Selecting Stamp Subjects
In the U.S., the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee accepts new stamp subject suggestions from any person who wants to submit a design. The committee is then charged with sifting through these ideas. After eliminating any proposals that fail to meet basic requirements, the CSAC either rejects a proposal or accepts it for further consideration.
Creating Art by Designing Stamps
After accepting a new subject, the Postal Service contracts art directors, who then hire graphic artists to execute the stamp's design. Stamp artists require specialized skill, since their medium is so unusual. These graphic designers must portray a subject in very small dimensions, and their designs must be reproducible by the millions. Professional graphic artists interested in a design assignment can read more about the process in a brochure published by the Postal Service, called Creating U.S. Postage Stamps.
The Rarities Vault
Part of the National Postal Museum is dedicated to celebrating the stamps of our nation's history, and displaying this artistic medium that is both tiny and commonplace. The Rarities Vault of the museum has exhibited rare stamps from Colonial America as well as the most famous national stamp: a 24-cent 1918 inverted airmail stamp.
Sources
About the Author
Alayna Buckner graduated from Stanford University in June 2006, with a degree in Public Policy. Unfortunately, her thorough knowledge of stamps comes from the dozens of bills she pays each month.
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