Work > Illustration
An Post Christmas Stamp Design
An Post approached me to create six stamp illustrations done in paper-craft dioramas that depicted Irish Christmas scenes. The process involved cutting out scenes from coloured paper. They were then constructed into layered, theatrical set-like dioramas, with back, middle, and foreground elements consisting of characters and props, which I carefully lit and photographed in my studio. The stamps were sold in booklets, which I also designed and illustrated.
I was shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2020, for this project in the Design Product & Packaging category. The AOI delivers the World Illustration Awards annually in partnership with the Directory of Illustration. This project was selected for the final shortlist of 200 projects from 4,300+ entries submitted by illustrators from 79 countries into the World Illustration Awards 2020.
“We loved working with Alan, a talented illustrator, to create and produce these miniature artworks, which proved hugely popular in Ireland and all over the world.”
Aileen Mooney, An Post
First Day Cover
I was shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2020, for this project in the Design Product & Packaging category. The AOI delivers the World Illustration Awards annually in partnership with the Directory of Illustration. This project was selected for the final shortlist of 200 projects from 4,300+ entries submitted by illustrators from 79 countries for the World Illustration Awards 2020.
My Process.
Creating paper craft illustrations requires careful planning and design. The production of the scenes from various paper stock and then lighting the scenes for the photograph. I find that limited colour palettes work really well and to spend time getting the lighting just right, creating depth and tone.
APS Stamps Chat.
The video below is a presentation I did on the American Philatelic Society’s Stamp chat.
I spoke with the American Philatelic Society’s Stamp Chat, about the stamp design process of the Christmas Stamps.
