The Kellogg Kids, by Leyendecker. Corn Flakes Ads 1916-1917
Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Joseph Christian Leyendecker was one of the most prominent and financially successful freelance commercial artists in the United States. From 1895 to 1951, he created hundreds of magazine covers for “Collier’s Weekly” and “The Saturday Evening Post,” as well as advertisements for prominent brands such as Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Kuppenheimer, and Arrow shirts. This last work is particularly famous, as it helped establish an iconic image of sophisticated American masculinity.
Leyendecker was also one of the few openly gay artists working in the United States during the early twentieth century.
“Young folks with their fresh, unspoiled palates are the real judges of flavor. They enjoy the crispness, the wonderful good taste of Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes—and they are the ones who keep the imitations away from the table.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, February 1916
Leyendecker kids’ illustration for Kellogg’s Cornflakes, 1916 and 1917.
We showcase here Leyendecker’s illustration for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes’ advertising campaign, which ran in the Ladies’ Home Journal magazine in 1916 and 1917.
The extremely vivid illustrations convey positivity, health, and joy.
His illustration technique was remarkable, often utilizing complementary colors such as magenta/green, which reminds us of Italian late Middle Ages masters like Giotto, as shown in some close-ups.
It is notable for being one of the first advertising campaigns (together with Queen City Inks and Overland) to maintain a consistent corporate image.
“The clear-skinned, keen-eyed, athletic boy of today is fully alive to the wonderful flavor of Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, March1916
“At breakfast, lunch, or supper, millions of little folks every day look forward to that wonderful good flavor of Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, April 1916
“There are millions of happy children like this little girl with the little curl, bright-eyed and eager for Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes and good top milk, a little at a time, poured in at the side of the bowl.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, May 1916
“Milk is the first and best friend of childhood; and the close second in more than a million homes is Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes. The great liking of little folks for these tender golden flakes makes them an ideal conveyor of good top milk.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, June 1916
“Down to breakfast early these summer mornings for a big bowl of Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes with milk and ripe red berries. Nothing quite approaches the delicious flavor of these crispy golden flakes in combination with the fresh fruits of the season.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, July 1916
“The bugle call that brings all the little troopers eagerly around the mess-table is Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes. Kellogg’s—the Original Toasted Corn Flakes, remain as original as ever–light, and dainty, appetizing in flavor, with a melting crispness on the tongue.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, September 1916
“The best liked of all the different cereals, and especially so by the youngsters, is Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, October 1916
“Be Fair to the Little Folks They Are Worth It. In most homes “nothing is too good for the children,” and the little folks enjoy the tender crispness and delicate flavor of Kellogg’s the Original Toasted Corn Flakes.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, March 1917
“Every Helping of Kellogg’s Proves How Good Corn Flakes Can Be. Over a thousand-million dishes of Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes were eaten last year. No wonder people prefer Kellogg’s—the Original.
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, April 1917
“Ask the American Boy Why He Prefers Kellogg — These are the flakes that are delicately toasted and thin the original toasted corn flakes, tender and crisp, with that appetizing “come to breakfast” flavor you can’t mistake or forget.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, May 1917
“Always ready for Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes.
Children tire of drinking milk; but the wise mother smiles and pours the milk plentifully into a big bowlful of Kellogg’s.
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, June 1917
“Kellogg’s Will Always Maintain Quality.
You can be sure of Kellogg’s—the original Toasted Corn Flakes — the Flakes that are delicate and thin. Whatever the times or the tendency, the quality of Kellogg’s has our pledge and warranty the finest Corn Flakes possible to produce!
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, July 1917
“A Serving of Kellogg’s for Less than a Cent The most delicious things sometimes cost the least. What is there more tempting at breakfast, between meals, or for the evening snack, than these delicate thin flakes with their appetizing flavor and the wholesome quality of toasted corn!”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, October 1917
“Help the Food Situation by Eating More Corn.
Boy sand girls, if you don’t know how delicious a food Corn can be, try Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes. Patriotic housewives who are seeking foods that are tempting and inexpensive find that Kellogg’s costs less than a penny a serving.”
Advertisement for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Artwork by Joseph Christian Leyendecker.
Ladies’ Home Journal, November 1917
Copyright, Links and credits
These works were published in the US before 1929, and the author died before 1954.
As a result, they are out of copyright worldwide.
Please notice that any advice or comment provided here is not and does not purport to be legal advice as defined by s.12 of the Legal Services Act 2007.
