Our vibrant set of the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN stamps which combined state-of-the-art computer technology with the intricacies of stamp printing, emerged second in the First Graphic Design Contest competition organised by Pre Press. Held in conjunction with Pre Press Asia '92, an exhibition at the World Trade Centre (6 - 9 Oct 92) showcasing the marvels of computer technology, the contest drew more than 100 entries. Judging was based on the level of sophistication in the application of desk top publishing techniques and visual appeal.
From the outset, designer Chua Ban Har who normally uses oil, watercolour or other like medium to execute her stamp designs, decided on the computer as the design tool for this issue. Ban Har explains, "The stamp theme involved depicting the ASEAN region's unique culture and attractions. Using the computer enabled me to weave very fine details together to form a composite picture. This electronic wonder saved me a whole lot of time and energy. It also gave me the flexibility to match different illustrations and see the effect instantly on the screen." And what was created from the bits and bytes? The result speaks for itself.
