99% Invisible – 556- You Ain’t Nothin But a Postmark

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” titled “You Ain’t Nothin But a Postmark,” the podcast explores the fascinating story behind the 1992 public vote to decide which portrait of Elvis Presley would be featured on a US postage stamp. This vote not only captured the attention of the public but also played out during the 1992 presidential election. The podcast delves into the history of stamp designs, the role of collectors, the controversy surrounding Elvis’s lifestyle, and the impact of the Elvis stamp on the US Postal Service and pop culture stamps in general.

Main Takeaways

The Evolution of Stamp Designs

• Traditionally, stamp designs were conservative and patriotic, with pop culture icons largely absent.
• The US Postal Service started featuring famous musicians on stamps in the early 90s.
• The Elvis stamp vote marked a shift towards pop culture stamps.

The Campaign for an Elvis Stamp

• A group of dedicated Elvis Presley fans campaigned to get him on a stamp after he became eligible in the mid-1980s.
• Resistance to the campaign arose due to concerns about Elvis’s rock star lifestyle and drug use.

The Artistic Process

• Artist Mark Stutzman was one of the illustrators chosen to submit an Elvis Presley stamp design.
• Stutzman extensively researched Elvis’s life and appeal to capture the essence of the iconic musician.
• His design depicted a young Elvis in a gold jacket against a pink background, capturing his sex appeal and stage presence.

The Elvis Stamp Vote Phenomenon

• The Postal Service decided to have the public vote on which Elvis stamp design to use.
• The vote generated controversy and publicity, attracting the attention of baby boomers and Elvis fans.
• Young Elvis won the vote by a landslide, with 75% of the ballots cast in his favor.

The Impact and Legacy of the Elvis Stamp

• The Elvis Stamp marked a change for the US Postal Service, featuring pop culture icons rather than just deceased or elitist figures.
• It sold over half a billion copies, outselling all previous commemorative stamps.
• It opened the door to pop culture stamps of the 20th century and the Legends of American Music series.

Summary

The Evolution of Stamp Designs

Traditionally, postage stamp designs were conservative and focused on patriotic themes, with little representation of pop culture icons. However, in the early 1990s, the US Postal Service decided to feature famous musicians on stamps, marking a shift towards pop culture stamps. This move aimed to attract collectors and generate revenue for the Postal Service.

The Campaign for an Elvis Stamp

After Elvis Presley became eligible for a stamp in the mid-1980s, a group of dedicated fans launched a letter-writing campaign to get him featured. However, the campaign faced resistance due to concerns about Elvis’s rock star lifestyle and drug use. Some argued that an Elvis stamp would be a government endorsement of drug use, leading to a heated debate.

The Artistic Process

Artist Mark Stutzman was chosen to submit an Elvis Presley stamp design. To capture the essence of Elvis, Stutzman extensively researched his performances, clothing, and the color schemes of the era. His final design depicted a young Elvis in a gold jacket against a pink background, emphasizing his sex appeal and active stage presence.

The Elvis Stamp Vote Phenomenon

The Postal Service decided to have the public vote on which Elvis stamp design to use, generating controversy and publicity. The rising influence of baby boomers, who took pop culture seriously, contributed to the phenomenon. The vote attracted 1.2 million ballots, with young Elvis winning by a landslide, receiving 75% of the votes cast.

The Impact and Legacy of the Elvis Stamp

The Elvis Stamp marked a significant change for the US Postal Service, as it started featuring pop culture icons rather than solely focusing on deceased or elitist figures. It sold over half a billion copies, outselling all previous commemorative stamps. The success of the Elvis Stamp opened the door to a new wave of pop culture stamps, including those featuring musicians, movie stars, athletes, and even cartoon characters.

Conclusion

The story of the Elvis stamp highlights the intersection of pop culture, politics, and the postal system. The public vote for the stamp design captured the attention of the nation, generating controversy and publicity. The success of the Elvis Stamp paved the way for a new era of pop culture stamps, showcasing the cultural contributions of various icons. It remains a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of Elvis Presley.