Last week, we explored the latest offering in Canada Post’s “Dinos of Canada” series – a five-stamp follow-up to last year’s initial issue – but those aren’t the only animals coming out of the Crown corporation this summer.
On July 12, Canada Post will issue the first five stamps in a three-year series celebrating the “Birds of Canada”. Hatched by designer Kosta Tsetsekas and illustrator Keith Martin, the first flock includes the Atlantic puffin (Newfoundland and Labrabor); the great horned owl (Alberta); the common raven (Yukon); the rock ptarmigan (Nunavut); and the sharp-tailed grouse (Saskatchewan).
The great horned owl, found in Alberta, is featured on this Birds of Canada stamp.
“You ultimately have to understand the physicality of these creatures,” said Martin, whose illustrations focus on the most striking traits of each bird: the cartoon-like colouring of the Atlantic puffin and the dramatic stare of the raven, for example. “I didn’t want the birds to appear passive,” he added. “Takeoffs and landings were my opportunities.”
For Tsetsekas, these detailed illustrations had to be the focus of the stamp design.
“We didn’t want to add elements to the stamps that could detract from the birds,” he said.
The common raven, of Yukon, is also featured in the five-stamp series.
Martin added he enjoyed creating illustrations on the larger souvenir sheets and postcards, both of which were produced as part of the new Birds of Canada series. An official first-day cover will also be cancelled in Witless Bay, N.L.
“I wanted the whole illustration to reveal the rich patterns, colours and textures that come together to create the character and warmth of these birds,” he said.
And with two years of Canadian birds waiting in the wings, Tsetsekas said he’s excited to see the forthcoming issues soar.
“Before a single image was finalized, Keith and I worked together to plan each bird in the 15-stamp series,” he said. “So, naturally, we’re eager to see them take flight.”
To see the entire five-stamp series, visit canadapost.ca/shop.
On June 6, Canada Post will also issue this commemorative envelope marking the 100th anniversary of the National Research Council.
COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE
On June 6, Canada Post will also mark the 100th anniversary of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) by showcasing some of the many cutting-edge Canadian inventions it has fostered over the past century.
From advances in early aviation safety and nuclear medicine to vaccines and space-based engineering, these inventions represent NRC’s dedication to the science and innovation that builds new industry, enhances national security, and improves the well-being of Canadians.
‘TYPOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE’
Paprika was recognized with a Certificate of Typographic Excellence by the Type Directors Club for this Sir John A. Macdonald stamp issued in 2015.
In its latest issue of Details, Canada Post also announced the Montréal-based design firm Paprika was recognized with a Certificate of Typographic Excellence by the Type Directors Club (TDC) for the Sir John A. Macdonald stamp issued Jan. 11, 2015.
Along with winning entries from 49 other countries, this stamp will be displayed at the 62th TDC Awards Exhibition this July 12 in New York.
Canada Post recently reprinted an additional 40,000 Hydrangeas coils of 50 stamps.
REPRINT
Lastly, due to “popular demand,” Canada Post reprinted an additional 40,000 coils of the Hydrangeas coil of 50 stamps. There were 90,000 coils of 50 stamps printed for the initial release on March 1.
For more information, visit canadapost.ca.