# Design Work

Part of the Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/stamp-collecting/guide/index.md)

*7. Creative Projects*

> **7a.** Design a stamp, cancellation, or cachet.

This option lets you step into the role of designer. Instead of only studying what other people created, you decide what message your image should send and how it should fit the purpose of a stamp, cancellation, or cachet.

### Three good directions

- **Design a stamp** if you want to create the main picture and message.
- **Design a cancellation** if you want to focus on a special event mark or pictorial postmark.
- **Design a cachet** if you want to decorate an envelope to match a stamp or theme.

The pamphlet explains that a cachet is usually hand-drawn, rubber-stamped, or printed on the left side of an envelope to draw attention to the stamp or to an event being promoted.

### What makes a strong design

- a clear main subject
- lettering that is readable
- a layout that is not overcrowded
- a reason for every symbol, color, or image you include
- a connection to history, geography, culture, or an event

Video: [Creativity in Cachets (video)](https://youtu.be/sz84x5n22wY?si=GpQuXf6hM3BWDrC8)

Video: [Pictorial Postmarks (video)](https://youtu.be/GW5b6RJpLCg?si=QmKSTvjWRPRmJncK)

[What Makes a Good Stamp Design (PDF)](https://fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/duck-stamp-what-makes-a-good-stamp-design.pdf): A practical design guide that highlights composition, focus, and clarity — all useful principles when planning your own stamp image.

> **Tip**
>
> Before you start drawing, write one sentence that says what your design is trying to celebrate or explain. If you cannot say that clearly, the design will probably feel unfocused too.

This option shows that stamp collecting is not only about saving the past. It can also inspire new art and new ideas.

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- Next: [Visit the Stamp World](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/stamp-collecting/guide/req7b/index.md)