Holiday at Home

Our February stamp issue celebrated the joys of the domestic holiday. While New Zealanders are unable to travel freely overseas, they have great opportunities to explore their own country, which is a popular international tourist destination. 2021 Year of the Ox designer Ying-Min Chu took on the challenge of representing the Kiwi holiday experience in a sheet of nine stamps, using vibrant, retro-chic illustrations to evoke the holiday hotspots and hidden gems of Aotearoa New Zealand. Ying tells us more about her approach to design.

What’s your background as a designer?

My love of design began when I discovered a blackletter calligraphy book at the library as a child. I was obsessed with font books and began tracing the letters for the title pages of my workbooks. This led me to study visual communications design at Massey University Wellington. I was hired by Designworks as a graduate designer. I worked in the design industry for more than 10 years before starting my own design studio, YMC.

What’s your approach to design and what do you enjoy about it?

My approach to design is simple. I believe in well-thought-out concepts that are beautifully executed. I enjoy the process of crafting typography, colour and illustrations to tell a story that resonates with the audience.

What makes designing stamps different to other kinds of design work?

Designing stamps is so special and a huge privilege. Stamps are objects that celebrate and document social and historical change. I feel so lucky that I can contribute to creating these cultural artefacts. I treat them as mini art works, so it’s rewarding knowing they are appreciated by collectors around the world.

Where did you find your inspiration for Holiday at Home?

I was inspired by the game ‘I spy with my little eye’. It’s the driving game my siblings and I would play when we were travelling. The game is nostalgic to me as it brings up many memories of road trips around New Zealand as a child. This became the central idea for the stamp series, as it evokes the joy of discovering hidden gems around New Zealand.

What’s your dream New Zealand holiday?

My dream New Zealand holiday would be taking my family somewhere where we can be present in each other’s company, and stop, relax and not be on a schedule. A place with sand, ice cream, trees, birds and the sea. Enjoying simple pleasures, like melting ice cream, sand between my toes and the sounds of the waves would be bliss. We are spoilt for choice for sweet spots to rejuvenate in New Zealand. A positive that’s come out of the pandemic is realising how much beauty we have in our own backyard. I’m excited I’ll be making that dream come true in a few weeks, on a mini break to Raglan.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about designing stamps for New Zealand Post?

Designing stamps for New Zealand Post has been a real joy. Seeing my designs printed and come to life has been amazing. I’m excited to work with the team again on the next project.