Monday, October 12

POSTAGE STAMP (Creative Tuesdays)


Having always admired this bird with it's gorgeous bold black and white areas, I thought it time to introduce the U.S.A. to a magpie "forever" stamp!* Looking at such stamps, however, I was surprised to note how "forever" is actually crossed out! I chose instead then not to add that diagonal line through it, so it always reads as truly forever!

Another aspect I wanted to challenge myself with here was simplifying the shapes down to their most elemental forms, thereby allowing for that wonderful interchange of negative space between the magpie's body and its background. I'm pretty happy with this one actually, even having enjoyed creating it. That's highly unusual for me as normally my fave part of illustrating is entirely beforehand when imagining the concept in the first place! Then again, this is more "graphic design" oriented which really is my forte.

OK, off to see what the rest of you are posting up on this theme! :)

Finally, let me wish our Canadians here, a very happy belated Thanksgiving! Canada's date makes far more sense for the holiday's harvest-centric theme, must say.

* For those outside the US: "Forever" stamps are always valid, regardless of any future postage cost increases.)



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19 comments

  1. Love this Michael,
    It is truly memorable. When I am in the US and using the forever stamps I will remember yours. Colours are bold, lines clear - excellent.
    We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Weather here was perfect and whole family together. 15 of us and 4 dogs. We are off to Arizona on Thursday and look forward to your next challenge.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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    1. Thank you. Not surprising the weather co-operated too! Ahh...

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  2. Oh WOW, I love this, graphic design really is your forte. That is a beautiful bird too and the colours are perfect.

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  3. I too love your graphic magpie stamp, Michael. I had no time to design anything this time around. I decided to take and make time to spend with family. Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes. :-)

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    1. Hope yours was good and you are enjoying that time off. :)

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  4. This is so wonderfully designed! The colors pop out incredibly together. I have no idea the legality of making your own stamps, but, if you could, I think people would love them as gifts or as things to purchase! Thanks for this fun prompt ^_^

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    1. You know, Donna, one can actually make one's own legal tender usable stamps with the USPS. Just have to upload your art online. Wouldn't that be fun?! :) TY.

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  5. I agreed with you, this is more graphic design than illustration, it looks good & it is well done but I think I prefer a more loose interpretation. I do like the colors.

    I hope your day is going well.

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    1. Will keep that in mind, Lissa. thank you. :)

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  6. Oh my, Michael....I would buy a book of those...You have really created a beautiful stamp. Just jumps off the page and onto my letter and my heart. Soon will be home and can get back in the groove of CT. Hugs.

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    1. Ooh, thank you for taking time to reply! enjoy.

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  7. You did a FABULOUS job on your postage stamp. You're good at various art styles but I have to say, digital design is where you really rock it! LOVE the red...it really makes it pop! :)

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  8. We are getting settled in Arizona. Waiting for the next challenge. lol:)
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  9. Lovely stamp design. Finnish stamps are gorgeous quite a pity that in UK they are not that very imaginative.

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  10. I don't know why the crossed out forever, either. I like your way better.

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