Final Stamp Design

For my chosen stamp design I have chosen to go with the child like drawings.

I feel they give a clear message and fit all the criteria of the brief primarily in educating the next generation for a stronger future as they catch the eye of children as well as parents or teachers who will then teach the children about the problem of water pollution. I also think there is a visual distinction between the 4 stamps as they are all different but they still work as a set being in the same style.

From the initial idea I developed it more by creating it in paint on the computer instead of pencil. I think this is clearer, gives continuity and makes it easier to format electronically.

I than began to think about the typography and monetary value that have to be included on the stamp. As I had already chosen Calibri (body) as the font to use, placement was the next port of call. It was between straight across the top or in a vertical list. I chose the vertical list but to fit it onto the top left corner of the stamp.

 So here is my final stamp design, in A5 and actual stamp size, for the Visual Communications brief ; World with a Future :

I placed it on small envelop to see if it functioned correctly. I think it works in the small size and stands out on the small white envelope :

During my research I found out stamps come in small booklets when purchased in multiples. Using the current definitive stamp collection booklet as a template, I made a mock-up of a possible booklet for my stamp set :

I have really enjoyed this project. I have always been interested in environmental issues so this was a great way to explore it in another light. Looking at stamp design was different as well as it is such a defined area though is wasn't restrictive as it possible to be innovative and creative on a small canvas. A typography project is next and I'm looking forward to seeing what that entails!

Stamps

• Before deciding on my final stamp design I looked back at my stamp research again to see what needed to be included, its size and typography.
• For our final presentation we are to present it A5 size as well as actual stamp size.
• The set must included 4 stamps that work individually as well as on their own.
• The stamp must convey an immediate message.
• It must feature the word Eire and the four monetary values ; 55c, 95c, €1.35, €1.90.
• Stamps are available in booklet form for purchase.

I also looked at typography I could use. I liked a clear sans serif font that slightly bold and rounded. I thought a modern font would would work best as this was a contemporary stamp brief. My three favourite were Heiti Std B, Arial Rounded MT Bold and Calibri (body). I decided to choose Calibri (body) as it fit my all criteria.

Typography.

Choosing Concepts

After consultations with both my tutors, getting their advice on which ideas would have the most potential, I narrowed it down to three "finalist". I decided I would work more on these three concepts and see which one turned out better after editing. The three concepts are:

• 4 taps each with a different precious material ( gold, diamond, blood and pear ) dropping out of it to show the value of a single drop of water, encouraging consumers to fix leaky taps. I liked the concept of this but i don't think it conveyed the message clearly and it was a bit simple and plain.

The inital idea.

        

Experimenting with different drops and tap designs.

The taps, made in photoshop and presented in stamp format.

• 4 different bins with a drop of water on them. I got this idea from packaging that featured the iconic recycling symbol of a stick man and a bin. I think developed it onto the bins. My tutor liked this concept, as did I. I felt it was a bit confusing though. Looking at the drop of water on the bins it wasn't clear whether it was about not wasting water or whether to recycle water.

The initial idea.

Made in photoshop and presented in stamp format.

Experimenting with type positioning and different slogans.

Experimentation with a illustrative style.

• 4 typical child like drawing of different water areas ( sea, river, lake and stream ) with pollution standing out in black against the colourful drawings. This is to show that if we don't do anything about the problem of water pollution, in the future it will become apart of the environment. I Like this concept as the colourful drawings with catch your eye but the black pollution will be recognised as wrong, a mistake, a problem and not part of the picture.

Concepts

Following on from the research sector of this three week project, concept development was next. I began with thumbnail sketches, rough drawings to get my initial ideas down on paper. I always enjoy this process as it helps me to think clearly and come up with a range of ideas. During the thumbnail process I always try to put down every idea that comes to mind, even if not great in hindsight, it aids me in distinguishing the good ideas and can also help stem in to a different, better concept.

Below are pictures of my thumbnail sketches :

Some of my concept ideas included ; an oil filled globe, a bath filled with rubbish, 'wish we weren't here' dirty sea postcard, fishing for trolleys and incorporating saving water with gaming.