The assignment was to create a stamp design for the U.S. Postal Service's series of Love stamps with an appeal appropriate to a wide constituency sending mail for a variety of occasions and celebrations.

The art director/stamp designer worked with an graphic artist known for her work in the stationery industry. The design concept was to illustrate the word "Love" in cursive script out of which would emerge a fanciful garden--contemporary yet with nostalgic appeal--expressing the joyous energy of love. The hand-painted illustration of flowers--stylized roses, peonies, and dahlias in a color palette of pink, coral, and yellow--together with green and gold foliage give the art a lush, romantic look. The art's whimsical, vintage feel looks to the past, yet is very much rooted in a modern sensibility.

This stamp was enthusiastically endorsed by those who enjoy and collect the Postal Service's Love series as well as others looking for a beautiful stamp for their mailings. 250 million stamps went on sale in January. Early sales figures are robust.