Examining the function of the postage stamp and the contribution of its design to its funcution

In 18th century , the stamp that was invented in order to expedite and improve the postal service becoming the most functional communication tool of the human. It was firstly set into motion in 1840. The stamp is a valuable piece of paper with a sticky back, was a created initially as a means of avoiding confusion in the postal service. It can exist in a variety of shapes and even though its first and foremost mission is to prove the payment of the service, it also assumes different tasks via the graphic elements it bears. The stamp that conveys messages to the masses plays a part in communication area. In every countries, publishing stamps are responsibility of the official postal administrations. The political view of the country, their economic potential, cultural, social, art and historical assets are expressed via the stamp. The small size of the stamp, containing some obligatory information (country name, nominal par) and some the unique technical peculiarities of the stamp are compulsive factors in the aspect of its design. Some technical challenges and necessities are affecting the design process of the stamps . Implementation of the graphic design items such as typography, illustration, photograph and colour, and graphic design principles (hierarchy, emphasis, equilibrium, integrity) takes its form according to its idiocratical structure. The qualitative design of the stamp within the scope of these factors contributes its functionality. The stamp that has substantial graphic design realise its functionality more impressive. The thesis is a research study on the stamp as a graphic design product being functional by means of contained message on it and the effect of its design to fulfil its functionalities. This study aims to remark the stamp, express its importance and contribute to the literature. Concordantly, the historical development of stamp, its sorts, functionalities and technical elements are contained while examining the effect of the philately on the stamp design. Besides, it contains the analyses of several stamps' design and investigates the effect of graphic design items of the stamp on its functionality. The stamp set and its first day cover are designed with regard to this recent research and the results obtained.