Episode 47: The Beat Era: Illustration and Artwork Styles with Jim Flora

Written By Elliot Strunk
 

For our final illustration episode, we wrap-up our jazz album conversation by sharing the story and work of Jim Flora. His cartoonish style “betrayed a diabolic humor and uninhibited sense of outrageousness” that evolved over the years to go from borderline obscene to children’s books. We also name names of a couple contemporary artists directly influenced by Flora’s manic work and highlight his album art from Mambo for Cats.

E X T R A S :

(Top to bottom): Album art for RCA Victor’s Mambo for Cats, designed and illustrated by Jim Flora; photo of Jim Flora; cover artwork for The Day the Cow Sneezed, one of Flora’s children’s books; Mardi Gras illustrations inspired by Flora’s time in Mexico; cover art for one of Gene Krupa’s albums

 

Jim Flora
Biography and official website
Flora’s artwork for sale (La Fiambrera Gallery)

Listen to Mambo for Cats from RCA Victor
Full album (YouTube video)
Full album (Spotify)

 
Elliot Strunk

Fifth Letter is a communication design studio that applies creativity thoughtfully to deliver joy and drive change. We help smart, curious leaders turn vision into work that connects with customers.

https://www.fifth-letter.com
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Episode 48: The Beat Era: Beats, Beatniks and Myth vs. Reality
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Episode 46: The Beat Era: Illustration and Artwork Styles with S. Neil Fujita