Abstract:
A postage stamp symbolises a nation’s value,
consisting of physical and symbolic dimensions.
Physically, it encompasses the paper, design,
inscriptions, ink, gum, perforation etc. Designing
such a small yet democratic symbol holds immense
significance as each line, shape, colour, and
texture carries profound symbolic meanings. This
fiscal device has only a three-second window to
communicate between the user and the envelope it
is affixed (Zsolt, 2012). Discussions on the ‘Science
of Designing Stamps’ initiated in 2020 between the
Department of Integrated Design, University of
Moratuwa, and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka.
These laid the groundwork as the Department spoke
about the scientific nature of designing stamps
and proposed thirty (stamp) sample designs and
themes, emphasising that stamps are not just
affixed prints but national symbols, landmarks of
history and revenue generators completed for its
users. In addition to this discussion a stamp design
competition was launched in 2020, inviting Media
and Communication Design undergraduates who
were endangered in this conversation via their
project; Graphic and Layout Design to partake. The
winning design, created by Ms. Amaya Rodrigo,
was launched to mark 2020.02.20, 20:20:20 stamp.
Continuing in this vein, a stamp competition was
initiated for the University’s 50th Commemorative
stamp, calling upon present and past graduates
to design an innovative stamp reflective of the
institution’s journey towards excellence
