Graduate designs stamps to celebrate Lunar New Year

This year, Lunar New Year begins on Monday February 8. To recognise it, Swinburne graduate Dani Poon has partnered with Australia Post to design a series of stamps that reflect the start of the Year of the Monkey.

After completing an Honours degree in graphic design (now communication design) from Swinburne in 1998, Dani began her career as a designer.

In 2008, when she was working as a freelancer in a design studio, she found out about an opportunity to design Chinese Zodiac calendar stamps for Australia Post.

“My boss at time knew that Australia Post was looking for a Chinese graphic designer, and he suggested that I apply. Then on the same day I also received am email from a designer friend telling me about the same job. So I went for the tender and won the whole project!,” Dani says.

Dani was given the responsibility of designing stamps for twelve years, the length of a Chinese Zodiac cycle. This year is her ninth year doing it.

Image: 2016 is the year of the monkey

“At the beginning of the twelve years, Australia Post gives me a brief to work to.

“I have to create a series of stamps that attracts both the western and Asian market. To do this, I use simple form and modern Chinese graphics combined with tradition content and calligraphy.”

‌
Image: the stamps are available in a range of sizes and designs

Dani’s design career has seen her work many different projects, as well as working overseas in Italy.

“I have fond memories of Swinburne. They had one of the best graphic design courses when I was there.”

View the entire Lunar New Year stamp collection, designed by Dani.  

Media enquiries