While a student at UT, Paige Braddock cut her teeth as a cartoonist for the Daily Beacon newspaper. The budding illustrator went on to work at several major newspapers before being hired by the creator of the Peanuts brand.
Braddock, now executive vice president and creative director of the Charles Schultz Studio, returned to UT Thursday and was honored with the Accomplished Alumni award. She is a 1985 School of Art graduate.
The Accomplished Alumni award recognizes notable alumni for their success and distinction within their field. A variety of alumni have been featured through the program, including CEOs of major corporations, Olympians, authors, artists, musicians, US ambassadors, and civic leaders.
On Thursday, Braddock visited students at the Daily Beacon. She will conduct a workshop for art students today.
“We’re very proud of Paige’s success. She has risen to top-tier management of a major global brand while achieving international distinction for her own creative work,” said Theresa M. Lee, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We’re especially grateful that she is willing to come back to campus to share her knowledge and experiences with our current students in the School of Art.”
Braddock worked with cartoonist Charlie Daniel at the Knoxville News Sentinel before she went on to the Chicago Tribune and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She met Charles Schultz at cartooning conventions, and he was impressed with her work and philosophy. He hired her to work with him in Santa Rosa, California, at the Charles Schultz Studio.
At Schultz’s death, Braddock was selected to take his place as head of the creative enterprise. She and her team are responsible for the worldwide production and quality control of the Peanuts and Snoopy brands. The enterprise is global, with more than half its sales revenue coming from outside the United States. Braddock also is the creator of the online comic “Jane’s World,” which has a worldwide following.
To view other Accomplished Alumni, visit the website.
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CONTACT:
Lola Alapo (865-974-3993, lola.alapo@tennessee.edu)