Paul Coker Jr.: The Artist Behind Iconic Illustrations

Growing up, I was an avid fan of Mad Magazine. It wasn’t until recently that I realized some of the artwork I admired most was created by the incredibly talented Paul Coker Jr.

Simply put, he was a creative genius. Here’s a glimpse into his remarkable life and work.

Paul Coker Jr. was a legendary illustrator whose work left an indelible mark on pop culture. From his contributions to Mad Magazine to his unforgettable character designs for Rankin/Bass holiday specials, Coker's distinctive style shaped generations of art and animation.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on March 5, 1929, in Lawrence, Kansas, Coker developed an early passion for illustration. He studied drawing and painting at the University of Kansas, where he honed his artistic skills before stepping into the professional world. His first major work came in 1946, when he designed Chesty Lion, the mascot for Lawrence High School.

Contributions to Mad Magazine

Coker became a household name through his work with Mad Magazine, where he illustrated over 375 articles from 1961 to 2018. His loose, scratchy drawing style became instantly recognizable, and he co-created several recurring features, including Horrifying Clichés, which ran for decades.

Rankin/Bass and Holiday Classics

Beyond Mad Magazine, Coker played a pivotal role in Rankin/Bass Productions, designing characters for beloved holiday specials such as:

• Frosty the Snowman (1969)
• Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
• The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
• Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)
• The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town (1977)

His whimsical, exaggerated character designs helped define the stop-motion animation aesthetic that remains iconic today.

Legacy and Influence

Coker's work extended beyond magazines and animation—he also illustrated greeting cards, advertising campaigns, and comic strips like Lancelot and Horace and Buggy. His ability to blend humor with expressive, exaggerated art made him a beloved figure in the world of illustration.

Paul Coker Jr. passed away on July 23, 2022, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and illustrators worldwide.

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources. It does not claim to be an exhaustive biography of Paul Coker Jr. or his works.