Comments on: R.I.P., George Toomer

By: sue

sue — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:50:29 +0000

I came across his illustrations in a directory book, and e-mailed the address listed on the book to appreciate his humor and talent as a fellow artist. The e-mail failed to deliver, and I searched his name on Google and found out he had passed away. This is very sad. He was very talented.

By: Jon Q Wright

Jon Q Wright — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:07:44 +0000

Trying to find George Toomer’s sons contact info…Can you supply…Thanks Jon Wright
218-547-4885

By: Matt Westapher

Matt Westapher — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:02:43 +0000

November 1979 I had just finished an Advertising Art program at East Texas State University in Commerce Texas. I was hoping to find a career in illustration and design. Bloom Advetising and Bill Hill had sponsored me to attend ESTU. There I studied under Jack Unruh an illustrator I admired, he suggested I visit with George Toomer who might offer some helpful tips about making it as an illustrator and designer in Dallas.
I was mesmorized by his presence and knew I was on the right path for my career. 31 years later I continue to follow my passion because of guys like George.

By: noah snider

noah snider — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:08:09 +0000

I need to get in touch with young George; I have something for him. 580-221-1617 or noah@arbuckleonline.com I’m real, or at least always thought I was. Check it out on thevaporworld.com Thanks

By: tannie

tannie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:54:58 +0000

A great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used up.

By: Jim Coburn

Jim Coburn — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:29:27 +0000

E. Pluribus Unum!
George was that to so many …
the curbstone philosopher has left the room …

By: bart weiss

bart weiss — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:45:35 +0000

the real Mr Dallas

By: Jose Cruz

Jose Cruz — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:47:17 +0000

George Toomer was the Larger than Life, Living Legend of Illustration in Dallas. He was a formidable rival at both The Sketchpad and Studio X. His studio was just up the street on Cole Avenue and Studio X on Carlisle Street, so bumping into his crew at Asel Art Supplies (there’s a term I haven’t used in years) was more than just an occasional occurrence, it was a showdown of artistic differences. They were loyal to George Toomer as we were loyal to our mentor, Don Ivan Punchatz. The Stoneliegh P (Restaurant) served as the only neutral watering hole we could share to traded secrets and stories over many pitchers of beer and fountain drinks with the occasional burger.
George will be remembered and missed, even by me, the opposition.

By: Diane Barnett Delorey

Diane Barnett Delorey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:13:19 +0000

August 4, 2009
Out of nowhere a voice told me to Google George Toomer today, approximately 26 years since I last saw George. Where did that come from? I left advertising in Dallas to cook on a sailboat in the Caribbean and am now living in Ft. Lauderdale. When I Googled George Toomer today, I discovered he has physically left us but is still very much alive in the fond memories of many. He taught me how to fold napkins 5 different ways over dinner one night eating Chinese. He let my elderly neighbor sit in his classic Bentley when he came to visit. He challenged me to live life. Thanks for the memories George and for the “visit” today. That’s the only way I know how to describe it.

By: Ed Zachow

Ed Zachow — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:29:50 +0000

George was one of the first people I showed my portfolio to after going on my own. I didn’t know anything about him, I just was told I should talk to him. I called a few times before he finally said “Tell me your history” (this was before electronic resumes and etc). I told him I had been with The Richard Group briefly he stopped me there and said, “briefly”? Come on by. He told me I had good stuff, too good to be working for someone else. He might have just been a good liar, but I liked him from then on. lol

He had to be the only person I’ve known more laid back than me. I loved his drawing style and used him a few times, plus even more on concept/layouts. I always was amazed at how easily good ideas just rolled off his tongue during our meetings.

For a short time it got to be where I could dropped in on him just to say hey, while driving down Cole ave.

Unfortunately he moved and the computer came into power and we’ve all become self-contained pods- no more farming this and that out- dropping off type at midnight and chatting with the typesetter about how are the kids are. Our industry has really changed and I don’t get out very often to see my comrades any more- and now there’s one less to bump into somewhere. Dang