Would you like to express yourself creatively on a postage stamp? Show how unique you are even when you send out mails by posting custom stamps on your envelope.
Usually referred to as greeting stamps, personalized stamps are different from private stamps. Private stamps were created during the global wave of privatizations. Private stamps were created for regional and city deliveries.
Custom stamps are made for special occasions like the Christmas stamps. Other personal events can also be depicted on custom postal stamps like the wedding stamps that are now becoming a fad among brides-to-be.
When was custom postage stamps introduced?
Personalized stamps, also known as custom postage stamps or photo stamps were created to compete against the private postal companies. It was issued by the postal agencies upon the request of an individual. Personalized stamps could show designs or images of popular celebrities of one’s choice.
It can also depict events, holidays or even family celebrations. However, personalized stamps for personal events should be distinguished from the commemorative stamps that are issued for national occasions.
Personalized postage stamps represent a more recent development in the world of philately. These stamps allow individuals, businesses, and organizations to create their own unique designs for postage. This customization has opened up a world of creative possibilities.
It was in 1999 when the world’s first personalized stamps were introduced. The personalized stamps depicted an image or text supplied by the customer on the right side of the stamp. Personalized stamps allow individuals to personalize their overseas and Holiday mails. It can be wonderful gifts and keepsakes too.
Photo stamps or picture stamps are now gaining popularity among the general public because the stamp vignette becomes a canvas for their personalized designs or portraits.
What are the common designs of personalized postage stamps?
Popular celebrities like the Beatles, Shirley Temple, Tom Hanks, Marilyn Monroe, and Babe Ruth are popular images used in creating personalized stamps.
Other celebrities popularly featured in personalized stamps are Michelle Pfeiffer, Leonard Di Caprio, Sharon Stone and Tom Cruise.
Popular TV series and movies such as Titanic and Star Wars are also commonly depicted in personalized stamps.
Events and family celebrations such as a new born baby or wedding are also popularly depicted in personalized stamps. Holiday photos or, your pet’s photo can be used for creating personalized stamps.
Why Choose Personalized Postage Stamps?
Individuality and Personal Expression: Personalized postage stamps give you the opportunity to express your personality or commemorate significant life events. Whether you’re sending invitations to a wedding, announcing the birth of a child, or celebrating a milestone, these stamps can capture the essence of the occasion.
Branding and Marketing: For businesses and organizations, personalized postage stamps can serve as a subtle yet effective branding tool. They allow you to showcase your logo, brand colors, or promotional messages, helping your mailings stand out and leaving a lasting impression.
Special Occasions: Custom stamps can make your mailings more personal and thoughtful. They can be used for holidays, birthdays, or any other special occasion to add an extra touch of warmth and sentiment.
How to make your own personalized stamps?
Today, in the age of the internet, it is easier get personalized photo stamps. All you have to do is go to a philatelic website that is authorized by the post office to issue customized stamps. You can upload your photos in their website, design the template, and your stamps will be delivered to you.
Creating your personalized postage stamps is a straightforward process, typically involving the following steps:
- Choose your Design: Decide on the design or image you want to feature on your stamps. This could be a personal photograph, a photo you’ve taken using your camera or phone, a logo, an artwork, or any visual representation that suits your purpose.
- Select a Service Provider: Several online platforms and postal services offer the option to create personalized postage stamps. Popular choices include USPS, Zazzle, and Stamps.com. Visit their websites to explore design options and pricing.
- Customize Your Stamps: Use the platform’s customization tools to upload your chosen design, adjust its size, and add any text or additional elements you want. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided to ensure your design meets postal service standards.
- Order Your Stamps: Once you are satisfied with your design, place your order for the desired quantity of your personalized stamps. Payment, pricing and shipping options will vary based on your chosen service provider.
- Apply and Mail: Once you receive your personalized stamps, simply apply them to your envelopes as you would with regular postage stamps. Then, send your mail on its way, knowing that you have added a unique touch to your correspondences.
Personalized stamps allow individuals to be expressive and creative with the stamp designs. However, personalized stamps have restrictions, too. When creating personalized stamps, you have to follow the general layout guide of the issuing postal entity. The Canadian personalized stamps issued in 2001 are popular illustrative examples of personalized stamps.
During the early appearances of personalized stamps the creation of such stamps was limited to a small number of stamp dealers and stamp publishers. Over the years, the creation of personalized stamps was open to the general public.
But the production of personalized stamps has a restriction. The buyer of personalized stamps should purchase a minimum number of stamps determined by the postal agency since most stamps are usually printed in panes of 10, or sheet of 25 stamps.
Personalized stamps may in many respects be compared with home-designed first day covers sold by a few dealers. Since custom stamps are not listed in the official stamp catalogues, there is naturally minimal information about personalized stamps collecting.
Personalized stamps collectors simply rely on their own knowledge. Moreover some stamps collectors are creating personal websites to help and guide other individuals who are into stamp collecting.
Personalized postage stamps offer a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. They provide a canvas for self-expression, commemoration, branding, and creativity, making them a versatile and meaningful addition to the world of postal communication. Custom stamps are available in different denominations and in different sizes, as well.