USPS Stamps Win Multiple Design Awards
Constance Baker Motley and Pinback Buttons stamps earn top honors
Throughout her illustrious career as a legal strategist and civil rights advocate, Constance Baker Motley was no stranger to winning. A brilliant attorney and the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge, Motley played a key role in knocking down legal segregation and served as a role model and mentor for many who followed in her footsteps.
In 2024, she won yet again, when the Constance Baker Motley commemorative stamp featuring her portrait by Charly Palmer earned recognition in the American Illustration contest.
The Constance Baker Motley stamp was the 47th stamp in the popular Black Heritage series and was designed by art director Derry Noyes using Palmer’s work. Rendered in acrylic on canvas, the original artwork measures 36 by 24 inches. It displays elements of Palmer’s signature style: the stenciled circular shapes around the head suggest royalty, and the heavy brushstrokes and scratches provide added textures.
“Not only is the painting vibrant,” says Noyes, “but it’s also suffused with energy, showcasing Motley’s femininity as well as her formidable strength.”
Pinback Buttons Win as Well
The Constance Baker Motley stamp also won an award in the Graphic Design USA competition, joining with the 2024 Pinback Buttons stamps that likewise took home a blue ribbon. Art director Greg Breeding designed the whimsical set of stamps featuring the work of 10 separate artists.
The pane of 20 stamps features 10 typographic designs by various artists in their unique styles, each with a single word as the prominent design element — “Smile” (Don Clark), “Hello!” (Tré Seals), “Peace” (Jay Fletcher), “Love” (Juan Carlos Pagan), “Fun” (Gia Graham), “Sweet” (Jeff Rogers), “Yes!” (Ryan Feerer), “Cheers!” (Lisa Congdon), “Kudos!” (DKNG Studios) and “Happy” (Gina Triplett). The round shape of the stamps, as well as shadowing and reflection effects, gives the appearance of three-dimensional pinback buttons.
“The idea of working with 10 artists at once felt a little overwhelming,” Breeding says. “But that turned out to be the best creative decision I made.”