Neysa Moran McMein
(1877-1972) American Illustrator.
McMein studied at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early 1900s before moving to New York to pursue an acting career. Born Marjorie Francis McMein, Neysa changed her name on the advice of a numerologist who believed it would bring her greater commercial success. After a brief stint as an actress McMein attended the Art Students League and returned to illustration. During World War I, McMein illustrated several posters for the United States government, the American Red Cross and the YMCA, mostly depicting women and girls aiding in the war effort.
After the war Neysa rose to prominence illustrating covers for McCall's, McClure's, The Saturday Evening Post and other periodicals. McMein's magazine illustrations depict glamorous young women, often framed as portraits. McMein also illustrated several advertising campaigns, most notably creating the image of fictional housewife Betty Crocker.
In addition to her illustration career McMein cultivated her public persona as a New York City socialite, throwing regular parties and counting Dorothy Parker, H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin amongst her close friends. In 1984 McMein was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame
Neysa McMein, Cover Illustration for McCall's. June 1932.
Neysa McMein, Cover Illustration for The Saturday Evening Post. March 17, 1917.
Neysa McMein, Cover illustration for McCalls. September 1923.
Neysa McMein, Print ad for Cadillac. The Ladies Home Journal. July 1923.
Neysa McMein. Unknown.
Neysa McMein. Unknown original artwork.
Neysa McMein, Cover Illustration for McCall's. January 1934.
Neysa McMein, Cover Illustration for McClure's. July 1917.
Neysa McMein, Print ad for American Chicle Company. The Saturday Evening Post. April 1920.