March 29, 2023
The new HM King Charles III silhouette; a collaboration between illustrator Andrew Davidson, Head of Design and Editorial at Royal Mail, Marcus James, and Ian Chilvers, from design agency, Atelier Works is out now.
The project began with Andrew working on a likeness that would work at stamp size.
The second major stage of development was the digitising and fine-tuning of the detail in the silhouette. This was conducted by both Royal Mail and Atelier Works with visual adjustments that were tested at actual size to ensure the silhouette would work at the diminutive dimensions required.
The final image was adjusted to ensure a likeness to the new Definitive ’everyday’ stamp.
To mark such an incredible project, we spoke to Andrew to gather his thoughts on the commission.
How does it feel to capture such an important moment in British Monarchy History?
I feel a great sense of honour to have been asked to work on such an important job.
It’s a hard act to follow one of my heroes, David Gentleman, whose design of the Queen’s silhouette has been in use since 1968.
What were your initial feelings when the commission came in?
When Marcus James of Royal Mail and Ian Chilvers of Atelier Design asked me to work on this project, I was very excited, but knew it was a great challenge.
You’ve created and worked on many iconic campaigns in your career, how does this compare with what you would consider to be other major projects?
Over the many years I have been working as a designer/illustrator, I have always taken the view that each job no matter how large or important, should be treated with the same amount of consideration and respect as smaller less prestigious commissions. It keeps me grounded.
Andrew Davidson is represented by The Artworks
