Postage Stamp Design

Postage stamps may be little works of art, but they have practical requirements that must be met. The first is that it includes the monetary amount the stamp is valued at. The Universal Postal Union requires that stamps used for international mail use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). The country name must also be included. There are also anti-counterfeiting measures taken. There are other textural elements that may be included like a statement of purpose (“postage” or “official mail”), a plate number, the name of the person portrayed, the occasion being commemorated, the year of stamp issue, or national motto.

There are four major categories for graphic elements on a stamp: Portrait bust, Emblem, Numeric, and Pictorial.

Early stamps typically used the portrait bust and emblem. The American flag has been depicted in a variety of ways since the 1950’s. The most popular category today is the pictorial. The images may represent real-world objects, be allegories, or abstract designs.

The choice of stamp designs to be entered into circulation, are chosen by the issuing government. Therefore, the stamps tend to depict the government favorably. After a backlash in the 1940’s, an independent Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee was created. The Committee reviews proposals and makes recommendations. Sometimes the public is polled for their choice. This is how the most popular stamp, the Elvis Presley stamp, was chosen.

A commemorative issue is developed to celebrate a special event. Commemoratives are used in circulation, but are typically released for the love of the collector.

A well-designed stamp isn’t always appreciated by the general public, but the philatelic press does take notice. There are publications that will headline the most interesting new stamps and some even take popularity polls.

Have an idea you’d like to submit for a stamp design, check out the criteria here.

Tomorrow starts my challenge, a stamp design each day. So check back and see what ideas make the day.