Requesting Stamp Design Input

I'm currently studying for a degree in graphic design. In my digital illustration class, the next project due is to design a stamp collection of 3 stamps, which is something I'm very happy about.

I'd like some suggestions from you guys as to what theme I should go with. I'm wanting to design something that fits the color theme of stamps from the early 1900s to mid 1940s, which is basically the 1 pastel color. So far I'm thinking of doing a fairy tale/fantasy type theme, but I'm curious if others have different suggestions.

When I'm done I'll post my work here as well.
Thanks,
CF

I love the idea of a fairy tale/fantasy theme. As Postmistress of a mostly-fictitous realm, I say if you're designing stamps, you might as well go ahead and print some up and send them out.

I also think a fairy tale theme would be nice. How about a (female) fairie, a (male) pixie, and a unicorn.

CF, here's another theme. Hands. Hands of an artist, of a sculptor, and of a musician, with enough of the background showing to make clear their particular talent.

Additional stamps: hands reading Braille, hands applauding, hands of a doctor/nurse, hands of a bridge player, hands on a computer keyboard, many possibilities, opportunity to show different ages and races.

For denominations, the artist could be painting an Andy Warhol-ish "1", the sculptor carving out a monumental "2", the musician sounding a note shaped like a "3". [I am no artiste.]




Actually this would make more sense if there were just two musical notes, then the big 3, then the fourth note...

May I suggest a fantasy dirigible theme? Perhaps the Graf Zeppelin with the Seattle space needle in the background?

How about like an early science fiction theme?

Like here, "collecting minerals on the moon" (this is from a 1950s Topps card set of space trading card- the only one I have is "farming on the moon".)

Or an alto clef (!) and then some notes:

I promise to leave all the musical details to Zuzu.

Wow these are all great ideas, I want to do them all but this is due by Thursday next week. I'm going to sketch out ideas for each of these and see which one comes out better, and go from there.

Thanks for the brainstorming
CF

Sorry, I played viola for many years, so I get a little excited at the chance to geek out. ;)

Post your sketches here please =)

IntegraC:

Let me know how your "fairy Tale" design project goes.

I'm connected with NSCAD (Halifax, NS) as an alumni (Already did my BFA); working on BFAae, with additional major in Studio (painting), and Photography). I've taken up some courses in Design, Ceramics, and Computer Anim.. Can't have enough..eh. quite busy now....but still keep my fingers in the other fields during summer breaks). This summer, concentrate efforts in drawing and more digital photography,,,. Maybe Masters next fall, right now studio, studio, and more studio...
Cheers.. SaveBigBlue

Good luck on your project.

You should check out the work of Donald Evans (Google "Donald Evans" and then look at some of the images). He basically invented a bunch of countries and then painted the stamps from them. Nice guy, fine artist, and someone who died way too young.

There is also a monograph on him and his work: "The World of Donald Evans" that you can look for if you're trolling through old book stores.

added: Here's a little article with some good illustrations of his work: http://www.artequalstext.com/donald-evans/

Chip

Hey guys, thanks for the nice words of encouragement. I didn't get to finish the fantasy theme stamps, but I will in a few weeks when summer comes and offers me some free time.

Here's what I came up with instead:

The set below is my family crest which I designed, along with my grandfather, father and myself on the bottom. Basically the theme of these stamps is 3 generations of greatness, my grandfather being a priest who also designed and built a great cathedral, my father who is a renowned comic book artist, and myself which I plan on being an animator at Disney.


These were a more general theme, which is pretty much self explanatory.


Feel free to give me your thoughts.
Thanks,
CF