Stamp Project, Round 1 Thumbnails

Stamp Project, Step 4

For my project, I have decided to commemorate Hello Kitty.



An original drawing by Heather Kithcart, done in graphite and Sharpie marker.



   For more than 35 years, Hello Kitty has served as the icon for kawaii, the Japanese pop-culture of (literally translated) "cuteness" or "adorableness." After being introduce to the United States in 1976, Hello Kitty has brought in over 1 billion dollars for Sanrio, the company responsible for the creation of Hello Kitty, just from markets outside of Japan.

Having her own show and selling merchandise such as clothes, accessories, electronics, and even cars,it seems only fair that Hello Kitty be given her own stamp

 to commemorate her 35 years of "cuteness."

Stamp Project, Step 3

Art Deco Style
Examples and Design Characteristics

Stamps 1 and 2 in the previous posts are also examples of art deco style.

Art Deco Design
- Streamline (althought "Streamline" is another art style, it is derrived from art deco). Every design has strong lines and are repeted on the same grid, or are paralell to one another.
- Linear symmetry, formal designs
- Very geometric, stays away from any organic lines
- Colors vary but most commonly seen is a monochromatic tone
- Grid oriented
- Can be seen in many buildings built in the 20's, 30's, and 40's

Stamp Project, Step 2

These 3 stamps are my favorite.
             - The first and second stamps are done in an art deco style.
             - The images are almost all straight lines, and would read flat without the subtle tonal differences in the monochromatic color palette. 
             - The portrait page layout on the first stamp gives a little more emphasis and power to the vertical lines, and the design is strong and formal (symmetrical).
             - The second stamp has prodiminently horizontal lines for a more calm look, and is asymetrical.
             - As for the informational qualities, few can be observed on these particular stamps, but USA was the country of origin on the first. The second was made in Austria.
             - The third stamp is oviously a bauhaus style.
             - Unlike the other stamps, this piece has highly contrasting color palate.
             - This stamp is grid aligned, like the others, but the white circle stands out and adds a slight organic line, and the tilited black shapes add a little more energy to the stamp.
             - The design is asymmetrical, but the typographical elements being read vertically add a 'grounding' effect to unify the design as a whole.
             - The informational qualities inform us that the third stamp was made in Germany.

Stamp Project, Step 1

Project 1, Final

This is my final for Project 1, which has been revised twice. The previous versions can be seen below my Essay post. Enjoy! :)