Elves in Action

Artist and designer Don Clark lights up as he recalls the magic of unwrapping his favorite Christmas gift — an HO Scale electric train — when he was about 10 years old. It's that same joy and wonder that Clark infused into the enchanting Holiday Elves stamps. 

Released in 2022, these se-tenant stamps showcase a whimsical Christmas scene brimming with holiday cheer. Elves are depicted joyfully at work: One sews a teddy bear, another wraps a gift, while two more work on a model car and inspect a model rocket. A conveyor belt laden with wrapped presents and candy snakes through a snowy landscape framed by a forest of evergreens. 

We talked to Clark about his fascinating career journey, which includes transitioning from being a successful rock musician to illustrating three stamp projects for USPS.

You’ve worked on three very different stamp projects: Dragons (2018), Holiday Elves (2022), and Pinback Buttons (2024). What made Holiday Elves stand out for you? 

I think the most unique aspect of the project was that all four stamp illustrations needed to work as one complete scene, as well as individually. Most people are just going to see the single stamp, not all four, but everyone who purchases the set sees them together as one scene. It was a fun challenge to figure out.

How did the stamps take shape? 

It all started with sketching out Santa’s conveyor belt first. That needed to work before I could start adding the elves and toys. Once I had the shape of the conveyor belt down, it was fun to figure out what the elves would be working on and how they could all fit.

As a successful musician turned designer, do you find the creative process for music and art similar? 

I think so, yes. I actually don’t see much distinction in how I approach anything creative. The two big questions I ask myself are, “What does this need to be in the world, and what do I want this to be in the world?” If those two align, it’s a home run and worth pursuing!