POWER OF PUSSY: Where did Maxine Come From ?

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Where did Maxine Come From ?

Photobucket


Creator
Of Maxine
Photobucket


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 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 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.

4 Comments:

At December 13, 2009 at 10:56 AM , Blogger Leah said...

I just love Maxine and have for a lot of years. She is very candid and has a very funny of saying what a lot of us would like to say and don't. Also, my Mom's name and one of my best friend's is Maxine. So keep hope and Maxine alive, and thank you for her. Leah Bass

 
At March 21, 2010 at 3:22 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Making money on the internet is easy in the underground world of [URL=http://www.www.blackhatmoneymaker.com]blackhat marketing[/URL], Don’t feel silly if you have no clue about blackhat marketing. Blackhat marketing uses alternative or not-so-known ways to build an income online.

 
At March 29, 2013 at 6:06 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ruined, curved, or rusted metal railings are one of the most offensive eyesores typically observed on more aged residences. For a contemporary look that doesn't upstage the classic outside of your dwelling, swap metal railing with richly textured wood can handle. You may blemish the wood a dark-colored color or let it sit all-natural depending upon the outside coloration of your home. [url=http://www.x21w12w21.info]Pr334de13[/url]

 
At March 30, 2013 at 9:01 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

As was reviewed before, the existing economic depression has created challenging times for just about everybody. The joblessness rates are frighteningly higher, and excellent jobs are hard to come by. Correctly handling your individual finances might help shield you entering personal debt and burning off almost everything you have worked so difficult for. Consider the information comprised on this page and use it in your lifestyle.Personalized Individual bankruptcy Tips You Must Not Overlook [url=http://www.ss12w12ws.info]Re233photogr[/url]

 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home