As a multifaceted artist, Wildhack's impact on the arts extended far beyond his work in films, with his talent as an illustrator developing during his teenage years in Indiana. During World War One, he joined a prestigious group of American painters, illustrators, and graphic artists, collectively founding the Division of Pictorial Publicity, a pioneering endeavor that created a plethora of recruiting posters, Red Cross promotional materials, and other public service art to support the war effort.
By the time he reached the age of 30, Wildhack's illustrations had become a staple feature on the covers of numerous prominent magazines, including Life, Colliers, and Scribner's, cementing his reputation as a skilled and accomplished illustrator. Today, his posters and silk screens are highly prized and sought after, a testament to his enduring legacy as a master of his craft.
