This 'article' records the various elements used in the design, production and promotion stages of issuing a stamp. It concludes with a listing of modern philatelic confections. It is initial thoughts only and can no doubt be dramatically expanded.

Design  
Specification
Advisory committee
Concepts
Artworks
Computer designed
Artwork boards
Engraving

Pre-Press  
Film
Proofing
Die proof
Cromalin
Plate proof
Colour Trials
Single colour
Multi-colour
Approval
Sign-off
Production sheets

Materials  
Substrates
Paper
Plastic
Metal
Wood
Leather
Maps

Inks / Coatings 
Phosphor
Fluor
Aromatic
Scratch-off
Thermal
Machine readable
Optically variable
GB £1 ink

Printing  
Separation
Perforations
Elongated perfs
Kiss cut
Odd shapes
Die cutting
Rouletting
Straight edges
Serpentine
Imperforate

Marginal Markings  
Sheet number
Traffic lights
Plate numbers
Cylinder numbers
Bar codes
Advertising
Registration marks

Features  
Errors
Planned
Unplanned

Back Printing  
Numbers
Words
Advertising
UV inks
Silk threads

Promotion  
Bromides
Flyers
Bulletins
Press Releases
Photographs

Modern Philately  
Barcodes
Ads on backk
Ads on margins
Micro-lettering
Frama type
ATM dispensing
Postal automation
Holography
Odd shapes
Self-adhesive
Uncut printers sheets
Stamp cards
Sponsorship of issues
Counter printed stamps
Coded images – USA/Spain
Stochastic screening
Linerless coils
Super litho
Competitions in booklets and sheets
Silk screen printing
Year books
Models/clothing
Sheetlets of 10
“Boots” labels
Miniature pictures to form design

(Unpublished. Written in 2000)

 Page updated on 1 April 2006.  All material Copyright  © 2000-Date Glenn H Morgan FRPSL.