Creating Stamps using Figma
By Kayla Gajewski
The Direciton
In the vast realm of digital design, where pixels meet creativity, I recently embarked on a unique project that blended the world of video games with the art of stamp creation. This venture took root in the canvas of Figma, where every stroke and pixel contributed to the crafting of a postage stamp collection inspired by the critically acclaimed video game, “The Last of Us.”
The Creative Process
Finding Images to Encompass a Fictional World
Choosing a theme is a crucial step in any creative endeavor, and for this project, the post-apocalyptic world of “The Last of Us” stood out as a canvas rich with storytelling potential. The game’s universe, where nature reclaims abandoned cities and survivors navigate through the remnants of civilization, offered a unique and visually stunning backdrop for stamp design.
The challenge was to distill the essence of “The Last of Us” into miniature works of art that could fit onto the canvas of a postage stamp. Themes ranging from iconic characters like Joel and Ellie to the haunting landscapes of overgrown cities became the focal points of the collection. Below are some main images that became the focal points of each stamp.
The Break Down
In the oppressive shadow of the Federal Disaster Response Agency (F.E.D.R.A.), this stamp encapsulates the harsh realities faced within the Quarantine Zones. Tasked with maintaining order after the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak, F.E.D.R.A.’s militaristic grip is immortalized in the architecture of the stamp. Towers of control loom over a cityscape, a stark reminder of the sacrifice of freedom for safety.
The denomination, a symbolic 1 ration card, reflects the daily struggle within the Quarantine Zones. Citizens, ostensibly saved from the infected horrors outside, find themselves entangled in a web of forced labor and ration restrictions. The stamp becomes a small window into the controlled world within, a haunting reminder of the price paid for safety in a world turned upside down.
Within the oppressive world of “The Last of Us,” survival hinges on the transformative power of crafting. This stamp intricately weaves the narrative of crafting’s ingenuity, spotlighting the game’s iconic Molotov cocktail – a beacon of strategic prowess and a fan-favorite.
The Molotov, a dual-edged savior in the game, becomes the focal point. In crafting it, players make a tactical choice that can alter the course of their journey. The same ingredients that fashion life-saving health kits metamorphose into a torrent of devastation, reminding us of the delicate balance between survival and sacrifice in this post-apocalyptic world.
To further embody the essence of crafting, the denomination of this stamp is set at 10 gears. Mirroring the process of forging usable items from the remnants of spare parts, it symbolizes the resourcefulness required in navigating the tumultuous landscapes of “The Last of Us.” Each gear for the stamp becomes a cog in the larger machinery of survival, reflecting the intricacies of crafting and the invaluable nature of these make shift creations.
In the twilight of defiance and oppression within “The Last of Us,” The Fireflies emerge as a symbolic flame of resistance. This stamp is a homage to the revolutionary militia, etching their quest against FEDRA’s rule and their relentless pursuit of a cure for the Cordyceps brain infection.
Drawing inspiration from the Fireflies’ iconic attire, the stamp embraces a split-complementary color palette – the vivid interplay of red and green, accented by the luminous glow of yellow. This deliberate choice reflects the group’s symbolic association with real fireflies, their presence akin to a distant hope flickering in the darkened landscapes of the game.
It encapsulates the Fireflies’ decentralized struggle across the nation, with the overgrown landscape becoming a sense of home to this group. Alongside it the logo over an image of a spray painted sign representing the groups presence in nature and the world as a whole.
To further imbue the essence of the Fireflies, the denomination on this stamp is set at 1 Lightbulb. This symbolic choice pays tribute to the lights of fireflies, representing the group’s luminescent presence in the midst of adversity. “Remember, when you are lost in the darkness, look for the light. Believe in the fireflies.”
In the unforgiving remnants of post-apocalyptic America, Joel stands as a survivor haunted by his past. This stamp is a poignant tribute to the grizzled smuggler, a man whose journey from cynicism to redemption is encapsulated in a broken wristwatch—a silent witness to time’s unraveling and the weight of irreplaceable loss.
The fractured timepiece, once a birthday gift from his daughter, Sarah, becomes a central image on the stamp—a visual echo of Joel’s enduring connection to the past. It not only pays homage to Joel’s character development but also weaves a visual narrative of his unwavering commitment.
The design carefully utilizes an analogous color scheme of dark blues and purples, mirroring the hues of Joel’s dark and haunted past after losing his daughter early in the apocolypse. This deliberate choice infuses the stamp with a somber ambiance, reflecting the shadows that linger in Joel’s memories.
Joel’s last line to Ellie, “I swear.” This phrase, added into the design, becomes a whispered promise and a timeless remembrance. It encapsulates the essence of Joel’s enduring legacy in a world unraveling at the seams, leaving an indelible mark in the game and on this stamp.
In the desolation of the Boston quarantine zone, Ellie emerged as a beacon of resilience. This stamp pays homage to the young survivor who, after a chance encounter with the Cordyceps infection, discovered her immunity and embarked on a transformative journey alongside Joel Miller.
The design gracefully embraces a brighter analogous color scheme—vibrant yellow, orange, and orange red. This deliberate choice stands in stark contrast to Joel’s stamp, symbolizing Ellie’s role as a light in the apocalyptic darkness.
The stamp captures the essence of Ellie’s year-long journey with Joel across America. The focal point is a striking image—the silhouette of a giraffe, a peacful symbol of an unexpected moment of beauty amidst the chaos. This gentle giant becomes a representation of the fleeting instances of hope and connection that punctuate Ellie’s tumultuous life thus far.
The stamp evolves to subtly capture a pivotal moment—the phrase “Okay.” Ellie’s last line in the game, a direct response to Joel’s “I swear.” Encorporating this final exchange, encapsulates a poignant moment of understanding that binds their fates as the game ends.
As the digital stamps captured the essence of their odyssey, it serves as a tribute to the immersive storytelling and emotional depth that defines “The Last of Us.” In the crafting of these stamps, the echoes of the game’s powerful narrative resonate, immortalized in postage and inviting others to share in the poignant beauty of a world forever changed.
Reflecting on the Journey
What did I learn?
This project utilized every design skill we have learned in DMA 214. It was a capstone project in a way that had us use every resource we’ve learned.
What was easy?
Deciding on a theme for the stamps was easy. From the start I knew I wanted to create stamps for a video game, and began searching for images to create a collection of stamps for the video game franchise “Fallout”, but eventually found I had more at my disposal from the large community The Last of Us has. Especially since the release of the TV show adaptaion.
What was challenging?
Finding an image or two to represent an entire category. The world found in game is vast, and has a great depth to it that at times an image or two can not convey. But eventually I had found some that stuck out, and these became the focal points of each of my stamps.
How could my submission be improved?
My submission could be improved by finding otherways to arrange the images and text within the stamp itself. The possibilities for how to compose each stamp is limitless, and trying again would yield different or even better results. Overall I am happy with the final outcome of my project.
How could the professor improve the assignment for the next class?
Overall this was my favorite assignment to complete. It allowed us to use everything we’ve learned in a fun and creative way.
How might I apply this knowledge in future assignments or work scenarios?
Being able to create a collage of sorts to represent a main theme can be used in all sorts of creative projects. The process we used for making the stamps can be utilized in creating a mini poster, or ads for a lot of things. From the professional world of TV and movies, to fan made projects to share online for shows like The Last of Us and so much more.
Did a specific reading or video inspire or help me?
When I decided on creating stamps for The Last of Us, I found the most inspiration from Playstation’s “Building the Last of Us” video series. More specifically Episode 3: Cruel World and Episode 4: Ellie and Joel. Aside from playing the game and watching the TV show, this mini web series gave a good rundown on creating the world within The Last of Us. Episode 3 talks alot about the environment- the FEDRA controlled QZ’s, and the overgrown world past the walls. Epsiode 4 was a great overview into Joel and Ellie as characters, and how they fit into this new world.