The flow chart illustrates the procedure used by the Hong Kong Post Office to select artwork for its stamps. Overall, the process begins with the collection of theme ideas from various public bodies and ends with the printing of the chosen design. Depending on whether amateur or professional artwork is required, the selection stage follows one of two different routes before converging at the final printing stage.
Initially, the Post Office invites suggestions for stamp themes from district councils, tourist associations, and government departments. These suggestions are then forwarded to the stamp advisory committee, which selects six to eight themes for artists to develop. At this point, the committee decides whether the artwork will be produced by amateurs or professionals.
If amateur artwork is preferred, a competition is set up and publicised. Members of the public submit their entries, after which a winner is chosen. Alternatively, if professional artwork is required, the committee commissions three artists to submit designs. The committee then selects the best proposal and asks the chosen artist to produce a detailed design. This final artwork is sent to the Secretary for Home Affairs for endorsement.
In both cases, once the design has been approved, it is sent for printing, completing the process.