My first published stamp was published in September 2020.

From a pool of about 100 graphic designers, seven or eight are invited to take part in the design competition for each stamp theme.

Designing stamps is fun. Although there is a whole list of formal requirements, there is more artistic freedom than with many other jobs.

Each designer submits up to three designs to be judged by an art advisory board. The jury awards first, second and third place and the first-placed design will be published.

I am of course bitterly disappointed that none of my designs about Antarctica won. They didn’t even make it into the top three! Tsk, tsk.

If you are curious to see which rather classic design was published as a stamp on this theme, take a look at the winning design on the website of the Ministry of Finance.

Katrin Stangl won the design competition for the »100 years of the German Dancesport Association«. I won’t be the first to admit: well deserved. But see for yourself.

9 competitions, 6 placings—not a bad average! Unfortunately, only the first-placed design will be published. So most of these designs will not adorn your letters.