Channel Frederator Blog

via American Art Archives by way of Animation Nation

Haddon Sundblom is undoubtedly the most famous unknown illustrator. He created three corporate icons: the Aunt Jemima mammy, Quaker Oats Quaker, and the Coca-Cola Santa, all ubiquitous for those companies for decades (the book to get, “Haddon Sundblom’s Advertising Paintings for Christmas, 1931-1964). Also created the Coke tag line, “The Pause that Refreshes.” In all, he did over 40 Santa paintings for Coke (Sundblom eventually became his own model for Santa) and dozens more featuring, usually, pretty girls.

Other ads for Wine Advisory Board, United States Brewer’s Association, Ford, Maxwell House, Palmolive Soap, Colgate Toothpaste, Pet Milk, and a long series for Cashmere Bouquet and FormFit. While best known for his ad work, he also illustrated Ladies’ Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Saturday Evening Post, Woman’s Home Companion. His last hire was a Playboy Christmas cover.

“Sunny’s” influence on a generation of artists was bountiful as he taught and influenced many artists who in turn taught others. At its core, the Sunny circle included Harry Anderson, Joyce Ballantyne, Al Buell, Matt Clark, Edward D’Ancona Harry Ekman, Art Frahm, Earl Gross, Ed Henry, Charles Kingham, Al Kortner, Al Moore, Walt Richards, James Schucker, Euclid Shook, Bob Skemp, Thornton Utz, Coby Whitmore, and Jack Whitrup.

Visit this link to see more of his great illustrations.