MisfitsCafe.com - Maxine - Funny & a short bio of her creator

 

Where did Maxine come from? This is interesting..  I never knew who the creator of Maxine was!  Here is a summary on how she was created and a photo of her creator.   DON'T MISS THE VERY LAST ONE "TOWEL HEADS"..I loved it!           Creator  Of Maxine  John Wagner, Hallmark artist since 1970, says Maxine was inspired by his mother, his maiden aunts and his grandmother, the woman who bought him art lessons when 'fill in the pumpkins' was about the extent of his art classes at St.John's Catholic School, Leonia,NJ  John remembers doodling as a preschooler and says both his grandmother and his mother encouraged his artistic interests. He eventually attended the Vesper George School of Art in Boston and landed at Hallmark as part of a new artists group.  But it was the birth of the humorous Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) in 1986 that added a new dimension to John's professional life. The Shoebox way of seeing the world unleashed his talents and he created Maxine. 'Cartoonists are sensitive to the insanities of the world; we just try to humanize them,' John says.   'If Maxine can get a laugh out of someone who feels lonely or someone who is getting older and hates the thought of another birthday, or if she can make someone chuckle about stressful interpersonal relationships, then I'm happy.  Putting a smile on someone's face is what it's all about.' Those smiles have led to Maxine's becoming a bit of a celebrity. She (and John) have been the subject of media stories, including People, USA Today, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, St. Petersburg (FL) Times, and Las Vegas Journal-Review, and they have been included in a major Associated Press story. Collector and trade publications have reported fans nationwide are collecting  Maxine items. Letters from consumers and fans to John and Maxine reveal a very personal connection to Maxine.  Many people say they are just like her.   Why the name 'Maxine'? 'People at Shoebox started referring to the character as 'John Wagner's old lady,' and I knew that would get me into trouble with my wife,' John says. The Shoebox team had a contest among themselves to name the character and three of the approximately 30 entries suggested 'Maxine'.  John says the name is perfect. John, who says he's humbled by such acceptance of Maxine, admits he's proud of her. Now you know the story of how Maxine came to be.    And now SOME NEW MAXINES ! &NB sp;

__._,_.___

Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic

Messages in this topic (1)

Recent Activity:

Visit Your Group

MISFITSCAFE.COM | PO BOX 4286 | DELTONA FL 32725-0286

* Thank You for emailing StumpySteve's MisfitsCafe.
This is an automated reply letting you know your email
was received and will be handled in the order it arrived.
http://StumpySteve.com or http://MisfitsCafe.com

"If you spend all of your time looking back at yesterday,
You are destined to trip over tomorrow." ~ Thomas Maher
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MisfitsCafe/join

"Life's Journey" is not to arrive at the group safely in
a well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting ... Holy Moly!! What a Ride!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MisfitsCafe

(\__/)
(='.'=) Dear Dorothy, Hate Oz. Took the shoes.
(")_(") Find your own way home!!! xoxo Toto
http://StumpySteve.com/forums

http://MisfitsCafe.com/donate
Thanks & Looking Forward,
StumpySteve Wilson, MD
ohmy@misfitscafe.biz

*********************

MARKETPLACE

Find useful articles and helpful tips on living with Fibromyalgia. Visit the Fibromyalgia Zone today!

---

Hobbies & Activities Zone: Find others who share your passions! Explore new interests.

---

Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you're on - Get the Yahoo! Toolbar now.

Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use

.

__,_._,___