Pride In Print media release (May 2008)
-- a visualisation of the Commemorative Surf Lifesaver MotionPrint stamp mini-sheet can be accessed via --
Eye-Catching Motion Captured In Stamp Sheet
New Zealand imaging company, Outer Aspect, has utilised pioneering MotionPrint imaging technology to produce a
commemorative mini-sheet stamp, celebrating Year of The Surf Lifesaver in Australia.
The innovative technology, which effectively allows images to be “played back” to the human eye as the viewing angle
changes, enabled Outer Aspect to depict lifesavers in an inflatable rescue boat actively mounting a wave over the top of
a rolling sea background.
Outer Aspect’s marketing executive, Sharmila Patel says close liaison with Australia Post and its designers was required
to ensure the correct movements, wave sequences and overall look were achieved.
“The video footage provided was converted into a series of small clips and output onto specially-formatted lithographic
plates then printed onto the reverse side of clear optical plastic lens,” says Ms Patel.
“A specialised coating was then put on the back to make it reflective rather than a translucent image. This was followed
by the application of a specialised adhesive produced especially for the philatelic market.”
“The work was finished by adding unique security features that make a bona fide stamp and die cutting to enable the
stamp to be removed from the sheetlet.”
The job, which marked the centenary of surf lifesaving in Australia, was also the first MotionPrint mini-sheet to be
produced for Australia Post.
Despite Outer Aspect having established itself as the world-leader in this technology throughout the philatelic
community, Ms Patel says this job was the “most technically difficult” mini-sheet yet undertaken by Outer Aspect.
“We were required to provide motion across the whole mini-sheet, whereas prior to this we had only done MotionPrint at
individual stamp size.”
“It required all of our skills and through the process we hit the limits to what the printing press can achieve -- the
tolerances required proved to be beyond what a standard printing press can do.
“Our company is always pushing the boundaries of technical development and each job has its own unique requirements that
require constant development of market innovation.”
The Commemorative Surf Lifesaver MotionPrint stamp mini-sheet has been entered in the security printing section of this
year’s Pride In Print Awards, being presented at Auckland’s SkyCity Convention Centre on May 16.
ENDS
* (note to publishers: Pride In Print has a capital “I” for “In”)
** (note to publishers: all winning entries remain confidential until Awards Night -- early media releases are in no way
intended to forecast potential winners)