Maisy The Mutt, 1950s
Much like Dorothy Do or Beetrice B.E, Maisy would change her style overtime as cultural and artistic shifts emerged in American animation. This Maisy design was an attempt by Stencil Line to mimic the style pioneered by former members of the company. As mentioned in the Tellie Lectric article this was largely caused by the union busting practices of Liquid Laff and Stencil Line. Although many artists stuck around and Ivan helped to fight for better conditions, the constantly looming shadow of Stencil Line was too much for many workers. These workers would leave and go on to form their own studios which focused on creative expression through abstract art - seeing their success, Stencil Line pressed Ivan to follow suit.
Ivan was not particularly fond of this design for Maisy - or rather he disliked the attempt to chase current trends and copy his peers. The design would not last long and would quickly be replaced by the design seen in “Death Marches On.”
Maisy the Mutt leads a marching band of ghosts and skeletons with various instruments. She is wearing a marching band uniform and twirling a baton with a skull atop it.