MY OWN PERSONAL SANTA CON

WIth the Holidays upon us I thought it would be a good time to reflect on how the Santa we all recognize today came to be. Since Santa had never been seen in person until he started appearing in Stores and Malls . Before cameras and Video, artists had to rely on witness descriptions of Santa (because I don’t know what age group is reading this, wink, wink). People had to rely on artists' portrayals through the years to see what Santa looked like. 

The modern Santa portrayal is owed to Commercial, Editorial artists and writers of the past.  In 1863 Editorial Illustrator Thomas Nast while working for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine was the first artist to portray a rotund jolly old elf, the public’s positive reception to his illustration necessitated many more of his Santa Illustrations over the years. Nast was also famous for creating the Cartoon representations of Donkey’s as Democrats and Elephants as Republicans. Santa, Republicans and Democrats are not bad for the resume.  Santa was first portrayed as we see him today with a red suit white piping and hat in Puck Magazine by artist Rose O’Neill in the early 1900’s. Some of  the legend of Santa Claus can be attributed to the book by L. Frank Baum,of Wizard of Oz fame, “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”. Baum established the 10 flying reindeers who led Santa’s sleigh and that Santa gave toys to children.

 I  believe artist  Haddon Sundblom is the best known Santa artist. Whether you know him or not, you've probably seen his work on Coca-Cola ads, cans and bottles. He created artwork for Coca-Cola From the 1930’s to 1960’s. His look for Santa  was based on the description in the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. I was first introduced to Sunblom by my brother John who always had a love for Coca Cola Memorabilia and a “History of Illustration” class taught by Illustrator Jim Pearson in 1990. I learned an appreciation for Illustrators who had come before me. During the discussion on Sundbloom I learned that he was born in Michigan but lived in Chicago. On a trip to Chicago, quite by accident I passed Sundblom’s house. While walking to the Chicago Zoo I happened to notice a plaque on a house which was commemorating where Sundblom lived. Without that class I would have walked right by that plaque.

I had my own brush ( No pun intended) of portraying Santa in Art. In 1992 I  was hired to do a spot illustration for “The City” Magazine for a tongue and cheek article titled “Christmas predates Christianity, but the Office Party Came First”. I portrayed Santa drinking a Martini with office workers partying behind him. I felt fortunate to be able to create a Santa Illustration. The following June I got to take it even further. While showing my portfolio to a funny men’s necktie company called “Ties In Disguise” (Ah! The 90’s bad fashion but great for artists).  The company liked my office party Santa and wanted a version of that with reindeers instead of people dancing. I drew up a concept for them and a finished piece of art was approved. I portrayed Santa and Reindeers dancing and drinking martinis. (sorry kids Santa needs to celebrate after a stressful night flying around the world.)

The Santa tie was so popular that it sold out at Macy’s San Francisco. This led to 10 more commissions for additional ties inspired by previous illustrations from my Portfolio of a modern day Big Bad Wolf as a stock trader and an illustration Of a Cow playing baseball. The ties  consisted of a series of  Big Bad Wolf ties. Him playing the 3 little pigs in basketball, jazz playing pigs, cows playing baseball and others. 

It’s been 31 years since I created the Santa Illustration and neckties and it was a great learning experience a year after graduating from Art School.  The tie assignment taught me how to use limited colors to produce clothing. The more colors and gradation an artist uses the more expensive it is to produce for the client. I later used this knowledge for producing t-shirts. I also learned how timing is everything and being in the right place at the right time is often how art can gain popularity. An artist’s journey is never ending, we are always learning.  I’m happy I was able to have a small part in keeping the Santa art tradition alive. I had my preceding Santa artists Nast, O’Neil and Sunblom to thank for giving me a base to create my own Santa vision.Christmas 1992 and 1993 was a great year for Santa and for me.The tie is still proudly worn by members of my family and friends. Thanks for listening to my Christmas ramble and giving a little insight into the life of an artist.

Wait a second Drunken Santa Illustrations, did I inadvertently create Santa Con? if so I am so sorry, lol.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all

Joe Lynch