Bob Clarke, American illustrator (b. 1926)

Robert J. "Bob" Clarke, born on January 25, 1926, in Mamaroneck, New York, and passing away on March 31, 2013, was an American illustrator whose distinctive talent left an indelible mark on the worlds of advertising and humor, most notably through his prolific contributions to *MAD Magazine*. Residing later in Seaford, Delaware, Clarke's career was characterized by a meticulous eye for detail and an innate ability to find the comical side of everyday objects and scenarios, making him a beloved figure among fans and colleagues alike.

The Foundations of a Master Illustrator: From Ripley's to Advertising

Clarke's journey into the visual arts began remarkably early. At just 17, he landed his first professional gig as an uncredited assistant for the legendary "Ripley's Believe It or Not" comic strip. This foundational role saw him bringing to life the fantastic trivia collected by Robert Ripley from around the globe, honing his skills in illustrative storytelling as he drew and captioned these intriguing tidbits for a vast network of newspapers and magazines. This early exposure to presenting unusual facts with clarity and wit would subtly echo in his later work, even leading him to illustrate *MAD's* own satirical take, "Believe It or Nuts!"

Following two years with Ripley, Clarke answered the call of duty, joining the army. During his service, he contributed to the European edition of *Stars and Stripes*, the newspaper serving U.S. armed forces personnel worldwide, a period during which he also met his future wife. After his military discharge, Clarke continued his association with *Stars and Stripes* as a civilian contributor before returning to America. There, he entered the dynamic world of advertising, joining the firm Geyer, Newell, and Ganger. This stint proved invaluable, as Clarke himself acknowledged, "I learned about typefaces and layouts, how to prepare comps in the styles of many artists and cartoonists." These were crucial skills that would seamlessly translate to the diverse demands of *MAD Magazine*. During this time, he was also among the talented GNG artists who designed the iconic box for the timeless children's board game, Candyland, showcasing his versatility even before his *MAD* fame.

A Cornerstone of MAD Magazine's Golden Age

Bob Clarke's arrival at *MAD Magazine* was, as editor Al Feldstein famously put it, "a godsend." He joined the publication at a pivotal moment, stepping in after original editor Harvey Kurtzman departed, taking with him two of the magazine's three primary artists, Will Elder and Jack Davis. Clarke quickly became indispensable, illustrating an impressive 24 separate articles in his first year alone. Over his career, he would contribute to more than 600 articles, cementing his status as a mainstay. As *MAD's* circulation soared, Clarke stood as one of four general-purpose artists – alongside Wallace Wood, George Woodbridge, and Joe Orlando – who expertly guided the magazine through the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period often considered its creative zenith. While others like Don Martin, Mort Drucker, and Dave Berg focused on more specialized features, Clarke excelled at tackling a broad spectrum of subjects, making him a true utility player in the *MAD* bullpen.

The Distinctive Style and Remarkable Versatility of Bob Clarke

Clarke's artistic voice was instantly recognizable. Among the quartet of Wood, Orlando, Woodbridge, and Clarke, his style leaned towards the most cartoon-like, characterized by a clean line and a masterful command of visual storytelling. He was famously known as the "thing" artist, as he once stated, "Whether it was a telephone or a slot machine or whatever, I would draw the things," capturing the essence and humor of inanimate objects with remarkable precision. This ability was brilliantly showcased in *MAD #41*, which featured two contrasting circus panoramas. While Wallace Wood presented a breathtakingly elaborate vision of impossible spectacle, Clarke's rendition offered a simpler, uncluttered scene of small, routine acts, serving to underscore the article's humorous premise about the decline of the circus. Yet, Clarke's versatility extended far beyond simple cartoons. He was equally adept at intricate detail, a skill remembered fondly in a 1999 interview where he recounted a challenging *MAD* assignment: "Tom [Koch] had this thing that was supposed to be a calendar or something. In this little one-inch space he wanted everything crammed into this tiny little space. He had a stagecoach, robberies, a bank, and explosions going off in this tiny little spot and I put every single thing in there. [Art Director] John Putnam really appreciated that." This anecdote perfectly illustrates his dedication and technical prowess.

Beyond the Page: A MAD Personality

Like many of *MAD's* creative minds, Bob Clarke wasn't just behind the scenes; he often found himself in front of the camera, appearing in the magazine's humorous photo gags. Perhaps his most memorable and revealing appearance was for a 1989 *MAD Special*. Tasked with designing actual men's boxer shorts featuring a repeating pattern of Alfred E. Neuman's iconic face, Clarke impishly arrived at *MAD's* offices wearing his creation. It took little convincing for him to model them on the cover of the Special, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the irreverent and playful spirit that defined both Clarke and the magazine itself.

Of his more than 600 contributions, Clarke's personal favorite was "A MAD Look at the Joys of Scuba Diving," a collaborative 1966 piece developed with writers Dick DeBartolo and Al Jaffee during a memorable staff trip to San Juan. Clarke fondly recalled, "We wrote it underwater," a testament to the collaborative and often unconventional creative process at *MAD*.

Robert J. "Bob" Clarke, a true titan of American illustration and humor, passed away from pneumonia on March 31, 2013, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to bring smiles and laughter to generations of *MAD Magazine* fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert J. "Bob" Clarke

Who was Robert J. "Bob" Clarke?

Bob Clarke was an acclaimed American illustrator, best known for his extensive and versatile work for *MAD Magazine* and his contributions to advertising, including designing the label for the Cutty Sark bottle and the box for Candyland.

What was Bob Clarke's connection to *MAD Magazine*?

Clarke was a prolific and essential artist for *MAD Magazine* for decades, illustrating over 600 articles. He joined during a critical period in the magazine's history and became one of its general-purpose mainstays, known for his ability to draw a wide variety of subjects with humor and precision.

Did Bob Clarke create the Cutty Sark bottle label?

Yes, among his many contributions to the advertising world, Bob Clarke is credited with creating the iconic label for the Cutty Sark Scotch whisky bottle.

What was Bob Clarke's drawing style like?

Clarke's style was distinctive for its clear, clean lines and a highly cartoon-like quality. He was known as the "thing" artist for his ability to humorously depict inanimate objects, but he was also highly versatile, capable of both simple, uncluttered drawings and incredibly intricate, detailed scenes.

What other notable work did Bob Clarke do besides *MAD Magazine*?

Before *MAD*, Clarke worked as an assistant on "Ripley's Believe It or Not" and contributed to *Stars and Stripes*. In advertising, he designed the box for the popular children's game Candyland and the label for Cutty Sark Scotch.

When did Robert J. "Bob" Clarke pass away?

Bob Clarke passed away on March 31, 2013, due to pneumonia, at the age of 87.