I never knew who the creator of Maxine
was! This is interesting. After the Maxine
joke there is a summary on how she was
created,
More from the gal everyone loves and
admires.
And you finally get to meet her creator at the end.
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 he attended in Leonia , N.J.
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 that 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 Maxine.
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.
P.S. Sorry I could only post one picture so I couldn't post all the jokes and his picture! Maybe I will post one Maxine joke a day for several day. Give us all some good laughs.