Postage Stamp Design

This postage stamp design features vintage uranium glass. Also called depression glass and Vaseline glass, this collectible glassware contains uranium, a radioactive element used as a coloring agent in glass production largely during the first half of the 20th century. In the United States, uranium supplies were restricted for use in the Manhattan Project during WWII and did not return to the glass industry in the same volume as before. When placed under ultraviolet light (black light), the uranium in the glass fluoresces. My design commemorates the fascinating history of uranium glass and showcases its visually striking appearance under both normal and UV lighting. 

For my stamp designs, I opted for a sleek, contemporary backdrop paired with an art deco typeface evocative of the early mid-century era synonymous with uranium glass. The minimalist design and uncluttered background were carefully chosen to ensure visual appeal, especially when viewed at a smaller scale. Each individual piece in my design was photographed and the basic shape outlined in Adobe Illustrator, with gradients and subtle opacities employed to convey the transparent quality of the glass. Precision in aligning the central purple circle, representing UV light, across all four stamps underscores their cohesive unity as a set. The final design of this commemorative stamp set pays homage to the captivating legacy of uranium glass, serving as a visual testament to its historical significance and enduring allure.