The Brief

I was asked by Guernsey Post to design & illustrate postage stamps for the songs ‘Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘When Santa got stuck up the Chimney’. With seven stamps, a Presentation Pack and First Day Cover in each issue. The Santa song was a natural progression from the Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Below, working pencil drawing for the stamps.

Artwork

Initially, I submitted pencil drawings of my ideas to Guernsey Post for approval. With approval given, I then proceeded with the finished artwork. I had decided, I wanted to keep my Santa looking traditional, as we have come to expect him to look.

For the artwork, I used oil paint on stretched and primed paper. Obviously, oil paint has a long drying time compared with other mediums. This, therefore, dictated the pace and order of the work. I worked on the images in rotation, allowing the layers to dry, rather than completing each stamp in full before moving on to the next. I really enjoyed working on these Christmas issues. It was a particularly ‘jolly’ project, I hope this comes through in the feel of the finished pictures.

Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer Postage Stamps

The popular Christmas song ‘Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ tells the story of Rudolf and how his shiny, glowing nose helps lead the way through the foggy night sky on Christmas Eve, ensuring Santa delivers all the children’s presents on time. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer © &TM The Rudolf Co., L.P

When Santa got stuck up the Chimney Postage Stamps

We all know that Santa only visits good children. Despite the excitement of Christmas Eve and the desire to stay up late. All the little ones must be tucked up in bed, sound asleep before Santa pays a visit. But can the Chimney accommodate his ample red-suited tummy?