When approached by UCM to consider a set of stamps for their landmark anniversaries the team at Stamps & Coins viewed this as a wonderful opportunity to work with creatives of the future to bring together a set of six designs to reflect and embrace their wide range of talents and abilities. Our aim was to encourage this group of young people to think about their take on Christmas through engagement with each faculty at UCM. When presented with their storyboard in January 2025 it was clear they had given a tremendous amount of thought, including subtle messaging, within their draft designs.
The students were divided into teams and each given a brief; to portray Manx festive heritage and the evolution of Christmas traditions on the Isle of Man. The students conducted research and brainstormed ways through which they could include reference to each faculty at UCM as a means of representing all students in the project. The culmination of the project captures the spirit of Manx Christmas traditions through a vibrant mix of illustration styles, reflecting the creativity and talent nurtured at UCM.
Each stamp tells a unique story - from Manx traditions such as The White Boys play and First Footing, to modern day occasions depicted through the Christmas light switch on and the annual Santa’s on a Bike fundraiser.
This collaboration between UCM and IOMPO is a celebration of community, creativity and heritage. It provided students with a rare opportunity to contribute to a national philatelic release, gaining real-world experience and exposure for their work. The project also fulfilled the criteria for one of their modules.
Izabela (Rue) Garczynska, who worked on the stamp featuring The White Boys play, said: “It was such a fantastic experience to work on the design of the stamps. To be able to deliver a real project that will be seen by thousands of people over the festive season, have my work approved by The King, and work closely with industry has been really valuable for my development and my portfolio. Thank you to Maxine and her team for giving us this opportunity.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said: "It was my pleasure to meet with the students, lecturers and alumni at UCM in May 2025 to follow their journey on this project and to hear first-hand their hopes and aspirations for our Christmas collection. These stamps will be the most widely used of all designs issued in 2025, and it is for that reason we wanted creatives of the future to have the opportunity to share their thoughts and hopes with a global audience.
During my visit I stopped to think about their positivity towards the postage stamp, its purpose and its place in the modern world. I explained to them that their class would be forever associated with the IOMPO 2025 Crank Up Christmas issue. Their designs will be housed in the Royal Philatelic Collection, The British Library and reference books detailing our new issues since 1973. It is a wonderful way to celebrate UCM’s legacy and the next generation of Island creatives."
The project was coordinated as part of UCM’s year-long milestone programme, which has included exhibitions, alumni showcases and community events. The stamps were designed by ten Creative Media students, under the tutorage of Lecturers Ewan MacFarlane, Aimee Rode, Colin Cunliffe, Sonya Quayle and Gemma Sayle.
Jesamine Kelly, UCM’s Principal, commented: “It’s been fantastic to see how the students have been thoroughly engaged in the project, giving them real-world experience, working with clients and developing fantastic teamwork and communication skills. This collaboration is a perfect example of how UCM connects education with the wider community. It’s a proud moment for our students and alumni to see their work celebrated in such a meaningful and lasting way, and I’m looking forward to sending my Christmas cards using the UCM stamps this year.”
Issued on 22nd October, the Crank Up Christmas collection includes a Set, First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and Self-Adhesive Postal Booklets (IOM & UK values). The stamps are available online at iomstamps.com/CrankUpChristmas and at all Post Offices across the Island.
To view the collection and place your order please visit iomstamps.com/CrankUpChristmas
High resolution images and additional content for this stamp issue can be found in our media centre
