In an age of fleeting digital exchanges, the thank-you letter remains a rare and beautiful gesture. More than an acknowledgment, it is presence made tangible—a keepsake of gratitude. It was my honor to contribute to the continuation of this age-old tradition in the form of these tiny jewel-toned postage stamps.

The artwork was inspired by classic book covers and bookplates from the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements, as well as by typeface designer and lettering artist Doyald Young and British textile artist William Morris.

Though these Thank You stamps were commissioned in 2015, they took another five years to be released. The date of issue happened to fall in August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, just as people were rallying to “Save the USPS” as new cutbacks sparked mail delays right before a national election expected to hinge on mail-in ballots.

Five years later (and a decade after the initial design), these Thank You stamps remain a staple at the USPS, in-store and online. I am humbled that so many people have used them to share and send their messages of thanks across the country. It’s a special treat when I receive a letter in my own mailbox that bears this familiar, glittering stamp of gratitude.