Leonard Janklow (1919–2006) was born in Brooklyn, NY into a large family. He knew early in life that he had an artistic gift, which led to a scholarship to the Art Students League in NY. After finishing his training his ambition was to be a full time artist, but the Depression forced him to take an apprenticeship in the painting of enormous ladies on huge outdoor signs. From there he took a job in an art studio, which began his career in commercial art. His career was interrupted by WWII, where he painted outdoor murals and drew pinups and cartoons for Army publications. But after four years in the Army, he returned to commercial art and eventually became President of a very successful advertising agency in New York City.