Graphic Design students design postage stamp with positive impact
- Design
Dutch people are often quicker to point out what is going wrong than what is going right, so say students of the Graphic Design bachelor's course in Zwolle. This observation provided the inspiration for the postage stamp 'The Compliment', which they designed for PostNL.
A group of twenty second-year Graphic Design students were given the assignment to design a stamp for PostNL, on the theme of Dutch Design. How did they approach it? “We first looked at well-known examples of Dutch Design, such as the work of Dick Bruna and Wim Crouwel”, says student Demi de Vries (19). "And we discussed in the group what we considered to be typically Dutch characteristics. We noted that Dutch people are very good at pointing out everything that is going badly – and not so good at expressing what is going well. We wanted to make a positive impact through our design."
Physical sketches first
So the students first brainstormed to identify things about the country they did associate with 'good' and 'nice'. They then worked up their ideas in small groups. “We first translated them into physical sketches”, recalls Emma Wijnsma (22). "We then added variations with the help of design programmes on the computer." The two students describe several of these initial designs: "For example, there was a sketch showing 'free birds', because Dutch people like travelling to different countries", says Emma. "But there was also a design that referenced the Dutch landscape. If you look at the Netherlands from the air, it appears very ordered, with lots of straight lines. We incorporated that 'sculpted' landscape into an image of a tulip." Demi: “There was also a sketch showing typically Dutch inventions, such as a bridge and a hot food vending machine.”
We brainstormed about how great it would be if Dutch people complimented each other more often."
PostNL selects
The students presented their initial designs – there were eight of them – to PostNL and to curator nicole uniquole, who was supervising the project. PostNL chose four of the sketches and asked the students to work them out. "We then formed new groups with five students each. Each group took one of the designs further", relates Emma. “PostNL then decided which of those they were actually going to produce. They went for a design titled: 'The Compliment', featuring cheerfully coloured, interlocking ‘Tetris blocks’ and the text "I love the way you are yourself".” Demi explains the thinking behind it. "We brainstormed about how great it would be if Dutch people complimented each other more often. For example: "Those wrinkles suit you". Or: "Your moustache looks good on you". Eventually we chose "I love the way you are yourself", because in our opinion it is the nicest compliment you can get."
Enquiring attitude
Which aspect of the course helped the students most in conducting the project? "The fact that rather than just 'making something beautiful', we are used to starting with research", says Demi. "What is the theme? What questions does that prompt in you? How do you translate that into a problem formulation? And how are you then going to solve the problem with a meaningful design?" Emma adds: "On the course, the lecturers supervise you during the design process. You also get feedback from fellow students, so that you learn from one another. That approach proved to work well on this project too."
It's brilliant that we got the chance to do something for such a big client at our age."
Postage stamp for the portfolio
How do the students look back on the assignment? "I loved it!", says Emma. "It was an awesome experience, a gift. It's brilliant that we got the chance to do something for such a big client at our age. And it's really great that we can add a postage stamp design to our portfolios!" Demi: "I also found it really instructive to be able to experience the entire process, from the initial design to the tangible result, in a real situation from practice." The stamp is now available to buy, and all the sketches have gone to the National Archives in The Hague. "They will be kept there so that others can view them", says Demi.
Support in becoming an authentic designer
Do Demi and Emma have tips for prospective students? “Go to lots of open days!”, advises Demi. "That way, you get to find out what suits you. When I was still at secondary school, I knew that I wanted to do something with art. But what exactly? It was quite a journey. The Graphic Design course felt right straight away. There is room to develop your own style, but you do get good support in doing so." Emma: "The atmosphere is friendly and personal; you certainly aren't a number. And they give you support in becoming an authentic designer."
More information
- Order the postage stamp Het Compliment here
- More information about Graphic Design full-time
- More information about Graphic Design part-time
