Project 3: Postage Stamp Series!
One of the ways a culture defines its national identity is by its use of graphic design for government communications. Without giving it much thought, most people interact with federally sponsored graphic design daily through currency, transportation signage, and nutrition health labels. However, one form of government-sponsored design that attracts quite a bit of attention is the postage stamp.
The basic purpose of a stamp is to function as currencyā
a prepaid certificate that can be redeemed for mail delivery services. As design, it is often an image with a small amount of typography. Stamps are avidly collected and often resemble miniature versions of contemporary posters. Aside from their obvious difference in scale, posters and stamps have much in common. Both are posted or affixed to another surface, and both tend to have an ephemeral existence, although some stamp or poster collectors can recycle them. The most effective stamps and posters attract attention by communicating con- tent in a conceptually clear, immediate and legible manner.Ā
Your assignment is to design a series of 5 postage stamps (plus 1 title stamp) on the subject of one of the following American topics: Artists/ Designers/, Historical Figures/Events, Foods/Cuisine, Industries, Inventions, Animal Species, National Parks.
Your series should be given a title and a title āstampā (this one doesnāt have to function as usable stamp). It should relay the fact the stamps focus on American āgreatsā (whatever topic you choose).
When selecting your subjects within your chosen theme, make sure to consider how well they relate/connect to each other. For example,
if you chose historical figuresāyou might want to narrow it down even moreāa specific sport or era. This will create an overall unity in your series of stamps.
Write brief backgrounds of each of your possible stamp subjects. Do at least 7 in case one or more donāt work as well as to have a selection. Address the importance of your subject matter. Why should there be a series recognizing āBirds of the USAā, for example? In your process binder, you must include at least 3 images of visual research for each individual stamp (for example, if youāre doing birds, there should be at least 3 images of eagles, 3 of hummingbirds etc).Ā
ā¢ Size: Small enough to work as a real stampābut you are free to choose the dimensions and orientation. Roughly 1 Ģ x 1.25 Ģ, but Iāll need to approve if itās much bigger/smaller.
ā¢ Include a ātitleā stamp, which introduces the series
ā¢ Required copy: USA, 44 cents, title of series
ā¢ Group the series either in a row or in a block. Orientation is your choice (see below).
ā¢ Media: Any are acceptable, but you must make all imagery on your own. If you find an image of something related to your concept youād like to use, the image must be substantially edited and/or stylizedābasically, donāt just use an amazing photograph taken by someone else, stick 44 on it and call it a day.
