Elena Kucharik

Elena Kucharik is most famous for her artwork across the entire line of Care Bears items from the 1980's, and was co-creator of the franchise along with Linda Denham. She's also an illustrator of the Christian children's book series "Little Blessings" published by Tyndale House.

According to the "Artist Information" at http://kingdomofcaring.net/Elena/, Elena was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and received a bachelor of fine arts degree at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. After graduation, she worked for American Greetings Corporation (AG) as a greeting card artist and after a few years she was promoted to a department art director. In 1980, she left AG and began a freelance illustration career. Early on she was called by AG and contracted to be the lead artist and developer of Care Bears working with TCFC the licensing division of AG, and also worked on assignments for General Mills, Kenner, Parker Brothers and others.

During her 25 years of freelance she has also illustrated for major corporations and publishers. For the last 12 years she has been focusing her talents on illustrations for children’s books and fortunately have been the recipient of many awards, including the Gold Medallion Book Award.

The following is a quote from Elena, "During the early 1980s, as the lead Care Bear artist, I developed and produced approximately 400 different pieces of art for items ranging from greeting cards to children’s clothing."

Her Care Bears illustrations were the most detailed and best quality of all the illustrators who have worked on the franchise. As the lead Care Bears illustrator, Elena worked for American Greetings Corporation, who owns the trademark and her original art.

Elena has a niece named Caitlin who currently lives in Ithaca, NY.