Bob Peak

Robert "Bob" M. Peak (May 30, 1927 – August 1, 1992) was an American commercial illustrator best known for innovative design in the development of the modern movie poster.

His artwork has been on the cover of "Time" magazine, "TV Guide", and "Sports Illustrated". He also illustrated advertisements and U.S. postage stamps.

Biography

Early life and career

Bob Peak was born in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Kansas. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a commercial illustrator. He majored in geology from Wichita State University and got a part time job in the art department of McCormick-Armstrong. After serving the military during the Korean War, Peak transferred to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California, graduating in 1951.

In 1953, Peak moved to New York City, landed an Old Hickory Whiskey ad campaign. His work went on to appear in major advertising and national magazines.

Later career

The United Artists movie studio hired Peak in 1961 to help promote "West Side Story". Peak later illustrated posters for films including "My Fair Lady", "Camelot", "Rollerball" (1975), the first six "" films, "Superman" (1978), "In Like Flint", and "Apocalypse Now".

Peak received a commission from the U.S. Postal Service to design 30 stamps for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia.

Teaching

Peak also taught in his own college and later at Art Students League, New York and Famous Artists School.

Awards

In 1961, Peak was named Artist of the Year by the Artists Guild of New York. He won eight Awards of Excellence and four gold medals from Society of Illustrators, which in 1977 Society of Illustrators him to its Hall of Fame. "The Hollywood Reporter" presented him the 1992 Key Art Lifetime Achievement Award.

References

* [http://www.bobpeak.com/ BobPeak.com]