Cliff Sterrett, born on December 12, 1883, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, was an American cartoonist best known for creating the comic strip Polly and Her Pals. Growing up, Sterrett showed a talent for drawing from a young age and pursued his passion for art by attending the Chase Art School in New York for two years.
After completing his education at the Chase Art School, Sterrett began his career in the world of cartoons and illustrations. He landed his first professional gigs by creating cartoons and illustrations for newspapers like the New York Times and the New York Evening Journal. His unique style and creative approach to storytelling quickly gained attention in the industry.
In 1912, Sterrett launched his most famous creation, Polly and Her Pals, through the New York Evening Journal. The comic strip was an instant hit with readers, thanks to Sterrett's innovative use of design and narrative techniques. Polly and Her Pals became known for its colorful characters, witty humor, and intricate art deco style.
Sterrett's work was ahead of its time and was considered groundbreaking in the world of comics. His unique approach to storytelling and art influenced many other cartoonists and helped pave the way for the development of the new Art Deco artistic style in comics. Alongside George Herriman's Krazy Kat, Polly and Her Pals was seen as the epitome of this new artistic movement.
Sterrett's contributions to the world of comics were further recognized when some of his work was included in a Library of Congress exhibition entitled Cartoon America. This exhibition showcased the impact that cartoonists like Sterrett had on American culture and art, highlighting the importance of his creative legacy.
Despite his success in the world of comics, Sterrett remained a private individual, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He passed away on December 28, 1964, but his influence on the world of comics continues to be felt to this day. Cliff Sterrett's artistic vision and innovative storytelling techniques have left an indelible mark on the comic industry, solidifying his place as one of the most influential cartoonists of his time.
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