Printing's Alive

Welcome to Printing's Alive—the podcast that explores everything print and beyond! From traditional techniques to modern innovations, we dive into how print shapes industries, businesses, and our everyday lives

From Stamps to Space: Ben Glazier on Designing for Stephen Hawking, NASA, and Beyond

S1 E75 • Jun 23, 2026 • 69 mins

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Ben Glazier explore the intersection of print, design, and space exploration. Ben discusses his journey from Xerox connections to designing iconic stamps for Stephen Hawking and NASA, including ones that landed on the moon. They cover the creative process, approval challenges, and collaborations with figures like Nicole Stott. The discussion includes the evolution of stamp usage, digital printing, and printers' roles in client education. Ben highlights the importance of engaging design education and UV printing's potential. The episode wraps up with insights on balancing passion projects with professional work.

Key Points

The design of stamps can be an intricate process that involves hiding multiple layers of information within a small space, turning each stamp into a miniature storybook.
Working with iconic figures and organizations, like Stephen Hawking and NASA, can lead to humbling and surreal experiences that transcend traditional design work, such as having your designs sent to the moon.
The future of printing and design lies in embracing new technologies and materials, like specialty colors and embellishments, and treating them as standard tools in the creative toolbox rather than special add-ons.

Speakers

Warren Werbitt

Host • 26%

Ben Glaser

Guest • 74%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and guest background
1:04	Connection through Xerox and previous podcast
1:40	Designing and presenting Stephen Hawking stamps
2:37	Work with the Stephen Hawking Foundation and Isle of Man Government
4:31	Meeting Stephen Hawking and continued collaboration with Lucy Hawking
8:03	Designing stamps for NASA and moon landing anniversaries
10:05	Getting into stamp design through the Worshipful Company of Boyers
13:46	Approval process for stamp designs
16:36	Stamps landing on the moon with Chris Stott's mission
17:18	Collaboration with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott
19:11	Recent stamp set "Oceans to the Stars"
21:42	Philosophical discussion on the overview effect
22:33	Displaying stamp designs at Piccadilly Circus
24:12	Transition from design to space projects
25:46	Designing stamps for the RAF anniversary
28:38	Evolution and future of stamp usage
30:38	Digital printing and customized stamps
32:50	Effectiveness of hand-addressed marketing
35:02	Experience at NASA's Mission Control
39:22	Encouraging students to challenge design briefs
44:08	Importance of engaging teaching in design education
45:44	Current trends in print embellishments
49:22	Importance of engaging designers in print
51:53	Printers' role in educating clients
54:27	Expanding creative possibilities with UV printing
57:10	Collaboration between printers and designers
1:02:07	Passion projects and work-life balance
1:06:17	Inspiration from the space industry
1:07:27	Embracing new skills and adaptability in print
1:08:17	Final words: Challenge the brief and have fun

Transcript

Loading transcript...

- / -