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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1518973
Stamp of Approval Strong bold lines. Bright solid colors. It’s not the kind of stuff you think of when it comes to postage stamps. But when he considered the opportunity to make his mark, Draplin thought, “why not?” He already had an idea for the design of a patriotic stamp that would be like no other. Not long after, the opportunity presented itself. He was speaking at a conference in Atlanta and noticed that the badges on a couple of designers who were visiting his table said they were from the U.S. Postal Service. So, he asked them what would it take? Though them (after some governmental people-hopping), he found his way to a design agency called the Journey Group that handles graphics and branding for the USPS. A few more calls and he was able to learn how it worked. He was warned that it wasn’t easy, and the process could get quite political. Literally. “Your art might get really far, and it goes away,” is how Aaron described it. “I did 42 different stamps. I went crazy because it was my shot and my chance and I was close. And I will say they've used two out of those already… The idea that I was able to use my design to make something that every kind of American uses, that is the coolest thing, you know.” He was obviously very proud and presented me with an 8x10 print of one of those stamps. Sure. It was a postage stamp, but it was beautifully cool. Inspiration is at the foundation of Draplin’s best work. For that, some artists will turn to nature, or cityscapes or even the human form. For Aaron, a lot of it originates in antique stores and junk shops. Many of the neat metal cabinets that line his office and shipping area are filled with stuff he found and likes. Nearly all are examples of small things with package designs that he sees as unique and virtually timeless. He’ll sift through these drawers for ideas. Opening a draw at random, he showed off a couple that went back nearly a half century but would still pass muster today.