Elmes

MAKING SURE MAKES A HIT! — WILLARD FREDERIC ELMES — 1929

Original American poster from the Mather Work Incentive Series designed by Willard Frederic Elmes. The image features a young circus performer balancing in a handstand on the back of a white horse, illustrating the importance of precision, preparation, and confidence. The accompanying slogan “Guesses Make Misses” reinforces the message that success depends on careful planning rather than guesswork.

The Mather Work Incentive Series was widely distributed in American factories and offices during the early twentieth century as part of workplace motivation programs. Using memorable imagery and concise slogans, these posters were intended to promote efficiency, safety, and attention to detail among workers.

Willard Frederic Elmes (1900–1956) was an American illustrator and poster artist trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he also taught. He later operated a studio in Chicago producing commercial illustration and advertising work, including projects for the Sears Roebuck catalog. In the late 1940s he moved to Arizona where he became known for paintings of Southwestern landscapes and Native American subjects.

Artist: Elmes, Willard Frederic
Title: Making Sure Makes a Hit!
Origin: USA
Size: 36 1/4 x 44 inches
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Stone lithograph
Year: 1929
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen. Original poster from the Mather Work Incentive Series.