Born Oscar Robert Blechman in 1930, R. O. Blechman's internationally acclaimed artwork spans decades, mediums, and industries. He is one of the first contemporary cartoonists to pen a full-length graphic novel, The Juggler of Our Lady, which he published in 1953 after graduating from Oberlin College. His illustrations and comics have graced magazines, anthologies, and newspapers. He has created more than a dozen New Yorker covers.
Blechman is also an animated filmmaker, and at one time he owned his own animation studio, The Ink Tank. He has been awarded the Gold Medal from the Cannes Film Festival and numerous Emmy Awards, and has been nominated for a BAFTA. In 2002, the Museum of Modern Art held a retrospective of his films titled "R. O. Blechman and The Ink Tank: A Celebration."
Blechman is also a member of the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame, has been named Illustrator of the Year by Adweek, and is the creator of many notable advertising campaigns.
Blechman is married, has two sons, and lives in Ancram, New York.