Illustrators Born in August
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Get ready to celebrate the creative brilliance of illustrators born in August: Berta Hader's whimsical wonders, Milo Winter's enchanting scenes, Edith Nesbit’s fantastical tales, Walter Crane's timeless illustrations, Seymour Chwast's quirky creations, the bold art of Aubrey Beardsley, Willy Pogany's magic, Roger Duvoisin's animals, Tasha Tudor's charm, Virginia Lee Burton's adventures, J.P. Miller's golden illustrations, and Laurent de Brunhoff's beloved Babar await!
Berta Hader (August 1, 1890 - February 6, 1976) was a talented American illustrator known for her delightful contributions to children's literature. Alongside her husband, Elmer Hader, she collaborated on numerous award-winning picture books, charming readers with their whimsical illustrations and endearing stories. Their book The Big Snow won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1949. Berta Hader's artistic legacy continues to resonate with young and old alike, as her illustrations have left an indelible mark on the world of children's literature!
The Big Snow (1949) by Berta and Elmer Hader tells the story of how the woodland animals prepare themselves for the upcoming winter.
Milo Winter (August 7, 1888 - August 15, 1956) was a highly skilled American illustrator known for his enchanting illustrations in children's books and classic literature. His talent and attention to detail were evident in his work, and he became renowned for bringing beloved characters to life through his art. Winter's illustrations graced the pages of well-known books like Aesop's Fables, The Arabian Nights, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. His legacy as an illustrator is cemented by the enduring charm of his illustrations, which continue to captivate readers of all ages.
Milo Winter's remarkable talent for depicting anthropomorphized animals shines in this adorable kitten illustration, making it one of our most beloved and sought-after birthday cards!
See our Milo Winter Collection!
Edith Nesbit (August 5, 1858 - May 4, 1924) was a renowned English author and poet, best known for her children's literature. She penned timeless classics such as Five Children and It, The Railway Children, and The Story of the Treasure Seekers. Her imaginative storytelling and ability to transport readers into captivating worlds have made her an enduring figure in children's literature. Though not an illustrator herself, her vivid narratives have inspired numerous artists to create enchanting illustrations that complement her magical tales.
Five Children and It (1905) by Edith Nesbit and illustrated by H.R. Millar is a delightfully weird tale! It follows the adventures of five siblings who discover a sand-fairy, the Psammead, during their summer holiday in the English countryside. The creature has the power to grant one wish a day, but its wishes often lead to comical and unintended consequences.
Walter Crane (August 15, 1845 - March 14, 1915) a prominent British illustrator and artist, is hailed as a significant figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. His intricate and imaginative illustrations graced numerous children's books, fairy tales, and classic literature, including The Baby's Opera, The Baby's Own Aesop, and The Frog Prince. Crane's distinct artistic style, characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and a distinctive blend of fantasy and realism, revolutionized the field of book illustration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His commitment to producing high-quality, accessible art for children played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of children's literature!
The Frog Prince by the Brothers Grimm, as illustrated by Walter Crane in 1874
Seymour Chwast, born August 18, 1931, is an American graphic designer and illustrator renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to visual communication and illustration. As a co-founder of the influential Push Pin Studios in 1954, Chwast played a pivotal role in revolutionizing graphic design, pushing the boundaries of traditional illustration. His iconic work spans various mediums, including book covers, posters, and magazine illustrations, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Chwast's distinct style blends wit, satire, and clever visual storytelling, making him a pioneer in the world of graphic design and a true trailblazer for future generations of illustrators and artists.
It was really hard to pick just one design by Seymour Chwast! This weirdly wonderful image made me (Allison, the blog author) laugh and I knew it had to be the one to feature.
Aubrey Beardsley (August 21, 1872 - March 16, 1898) was a brilliant and controversial English illustrator and writer who left an indelible mark on the world of art and illustration during the late 19th century. His distinctive black-and-white ink drawings, characterized by intricate lines and bold compositions, epitomized the Art Nouveau movement and challenged societal norms of the time. Beardsley's most notable works include illustrations for Oscar Wilde's play Salomé and the mythical erotic novel Lysistrata by Aristophanes. Although his career was tragically short due to his early death at the age of 25, Beardsley's daring and innovative style continues to inspire artists and illustrators, and his legacy remains an influential force in the history of illustration and graphic arts.
The Peacock Skirt (1893) pen and ink drawing by Aubrey Beardsley was first reproduced as a wood engraving in the first English edition of Oscar Wilde's one-act play Salomé in 1894.
Willy Pogany (August 24, 1882 – July 30, 1955), a Hungarian-born illustrator and artist, gained prominence during the early 20th century with his exquisite illustrations for classic literature. His detailed and imaginative artwork adorned many beloved books, including his quartet of masterpieces: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1910), Tannhauser (1911), Parsifal (1912), and Lohengrin (1913). Pogany's illustrations were not limited to literature; he also showcased his talent in advertising and magazine covers, displaying his versatility as an artist. His distinctive style blended elements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, making his works instantly recognizable and highly sought-after. Pogany's artistic legacy endures through his timeless illustrations that continue to enchant readers and art enthusiasts alike, leaving an enduring impact on the world of illustration and visual storytelling.
This image was originally the cover of the March 1916 edition of Metropolitan, an American magazine, published from 1895 to 1925. Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was editor of the magazine during World War I.
See our Willy Pogany cards and art prints!
Roger Duvoisin (August 28, 1900 – June 30, 1980), a Swiss-born illustrator, made significant contributions to the world of children's literature throughout the mid-20th century. He illustrated over 140 books during his prolific career, collaborating with esteemed authors such as his wife, Louise Fatio. Duvoisin's playful and whimsical artwork earned him the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1948 for White Snow, Bright Snow. His playful and whimsical style, characterized by vibrant colors and engaging characters, brought joy and wonder to young readers. Duvoisin's unique ability to capture the imagination of children and adults alike has left a lasting legacy in the realm of children's illustration.
Duvoisin’s oil painting entitled Garden Show was adapted into the March 20, 1937 cover of The New Yorker. Isn’t it delightful?
Tasha Tudor (August 28, 1915 - June 18, 2008), an American illustrator and author, enchanted the world with her exquisite and idyllic illustrations. She specialized in bringing the charm of 19th-century rural life to her artwork, capturing the essence of bygone eras with meticulous detail and a touch of nostalgia. Tudor's love for nature and the simpler times radiated through her illustrations, making them beloved classics in children's literature. She illustrated more than 100 books, many of which she also wrote, and her signature style became synonymous with timeless tales such as The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Tasha Tudor's legacy lives on as her illustrations continue to transport readers to enchanting worlds filled with warmth, whimsy, and the magic of childhood.
This 1912 illustration of Mary Lennox discovering the secret garden has become visually synonymous with Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden—you might recognize it as the cover image!
Virginia Lee Burton (August 30, 1909 - October 15, 1968), an acclaimed American author and illustrator, left an indelible mark on children's literature with her enchanting and imaginative works. Her most famous book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, published in 1939, remains a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of generations. Burton's delightful illustrations combined with her heartfelt storytelling introduced young readers to a world of construction and perseverance. Her other cherished works include The Little House, a Caldecott Medal winner in 1943, and Katy and the Big Snow. Virginia Lee Burton's artistic legacy endures through the timeless appeal of her illustrations and the enduring messages of hope and determination found in her stories.
Burtons’ The Little House was adapted into an equally sweet Disney film of the same name by artists Bill Peet and Mary Blair.
Laurent de Brunhoff (born August 30, 1925), a renowned French illustrator and author, continued the cherished legacy of the beloved children's book character Babar the Elephant, which was originally created by his father, Jean de Brunhoff. After Jean's passing, Laurent took up the mantle and continued to breathe life into the beloved elephant's adventures! His dedication to carrying on his father's work and expanding the world of Babar has solidified his place as a treasured children's book illustrator, leaving a lasting artistic legacy for generations to come.
Babar’s Cousin, That Rascal Arthur (1946) was his first Babar book, published when he was 21. He went on to publish over 45 more Babar books!
A Laughing Elephant favorite, J.P. Miller (August 31, 1913 - October 29, 2004) was an American illustrator and author whose artistic talent graced the pages of numerous children's books. Before becoming a children’s book illustrator, Miller had worked in the Walt Disney Studios’ elite character modeling department, creating characters (such as the dwarf Dopey) for Disney’s first feature film, Snow White. He is also known for his delightful illustrations in the Little Golden Books series, where his whimsical and heartwarming artwork brought beloved characters and stories to life. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood, J.P. Miller's illustrations continue to enchant readers of all ages!
J.P. Miller, also known as John Parr Miller, illustrated MANY classic Little Golden Books including Tommy's Wonderful Ride (1948), The Marvelous Merry-go-Round (1950), The Circus ABC (1954), The Little Red Hen, (1954), The Musicians of Bremen (1954), and Jingle Bells (1964).
See our J.P. Miller Collection!
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the artistic legacies of these talented artist born in August. And if you're commemorating an August birthday, be sure to explore Laughing Elephant's birthday card collection, which now features some brand-new designs!
