In the 1940s, Wayne Thiebaud was beginning to develop the unique artistic style that would later bring him national recognition. His career during this decade was marked by a diverse range of work, from freelance cartooning to serving in the military, which influenced his later work. Before fully embracing fine art, Thiebaud worked as a freelance cartoonist starting in 1939 and wrote showcards for Sears, Roebuck in Long Beach, California, from 1940 to 1941. His service in the army from 1942 to 1945 saw him working as a cartoonist, where he created the comic strip character Aleck for "Wingtips" and painted murals for the officers' club and the post theater. Post-war, in 1946, Thiebaud took on a role as an advertising artist in Hollywood for Universal Studios, combining his talents in cartooning and commercial art​ (Smithsonian American Art Museum)​. Thiebaud's artistic direction took a significant turn when he decided to further his education and career in fine art. Encouraged by Robert Mallary, Thiebaud enrolled at California State University at San Jose and then transferred to Sacramento, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees by the early 1950s. This period of study marked Thiebaud's transition from commercial to fine art, setting the stage for his future success. He worked on commissions for the California State Fair and served as a design and art consultant from 1950 to 1956, further honing his artistic skills. Thiebaud's early experience in commercial art, his service as a cartoonist during the war, and his subsequent shift towards fine art education and teaching laid the foundation for his distinctive approach to painting and his deep engagement with American culture​ (Smithsonian American Art Museum)​. Thiebaud's work in the 1940s laid the groundwork for his later exploration of mundane objects, transforming them into subjects of profound beauty and interest. This exploration of the everyday would become a hallmark of his style, setting him apart from his contemporaries and establishing him as a key figure in American art. His dedication to teaching and his contributions to art education also began to take shape during this transformative period, influencing generations of artists​ (Smithsonian American Art Museum)​​ (Wikipedia)​.