Jersey Stamps Artist interview with Harry Milburn

Find out about the artistic journey Harry Milburn took to create the retro artwork in the ‘Royal Air Force Association of Jersey (RAFA Jersey) – 100^th Anniversary’ stamp issue.

Harry Milburn is a British artist whose followed his grandfather’s legacy in becoming a graphic designer. Harry’s grandfather also happened to serve in the RAF during WWII, which made working on the stamp issue ‘Royal Air Force Association of Jersey – 100^th Anniversary’ extra special.

Having a love of drawing from a young age, Harry would often design his own football boots, car models and brands that would be reviewed by his grandfather who was his biggest teacher and toughest critic, even providing feedback to Harry’s earliest crayon scribbles of a T-rex!

Likely inspired by both of his grandfathers’ RAF days, Harry originally wanted to be a Red Arrows pilot but after dedicating his craft as a designer has since found that he’s been incredibly lucky to work across a wide range of print and digital work, allowing him to draw for various creative brands and organisations relating to music, writing, animation, photography, advertising and of course stamps!

As a self-taught artist, Harry takes inspiration from the world around him, having said:

“I take inspiration from vintage books, travel posters, and photographs. For the stamps, we based these closely on specific reference images, but the palette and style borrow from old wartime posters, which is the sort of inspiration I am naturally drawn to anyway.”

A huge fan of mid-century travel posters and illustrations from the 40s, 50s and 60s, Harry noted the issue was a great brief for him to get stuck into.

To ensure the illustrations for the stamps best reflected the work of the Royal Air Force Association of Jersey (RAFA Jersey), Harry used a wide selection of reference images kindly supplied by both RAFA Jersey and Jersey Heritage. Upon noting the long-standing history of the island, Harry said:

“It is clear how proud the people of Jersey are of their history and there’s so much to find in there.”

Harry conducted a great amount of research to help with considerations when illustrating the uniforms, planes, flags, buildings, and banners to make sure each design best reflected the work of RAFA Jersey and pay tribute to the present and past members and family of the RAF.

Having had both his grandfather’s serve in the RAF, along with other family members, Harry found the experience rewarding and when creating the miniature sheet’s artwork, said:

“The miniature sheet was the most enjoyable to work on. It was a great concept combining figures, uniforms, and planes from different eras. I enjoyed the challenge of working to the specific requirements of the miniature sheet too, where placement is really important.”

In terms of a quote, he goes by in life Harry said the one that works for him is ‘Don’t overthink it!’ With endless ways to approach things it can be easy to become lost in the possibilities, especially as someone who enjoys trying innovative approaches. Harry commented that he has found the best results often come when you are doing what feels fun and are just enjoying the process. He did joke that the quote likely doesn’t fit his second career choice as a Red Arrows Pilot!