DAVID DEES

DAVID DEES:

Leading up to the 40th anniversary of Sea-Monkeys® in 2000, ExploraToy contracted David Dees to handle illustrations under the art direction of Gregory Bevington. Collectors consider this era the “golden years” as ExploraToy produced some of the most inventive products and beautiful packaging.

ExploraToy managed the Sea-Monkeys® brand until 2017, when a new company took over licensing with lackluster results. After legal disputes, TRANSCIENCE regained control of the brand under the guidance of Harold’s widow, Yolanda Signorelli. Yolanda then struck a licensing deal with DRAGON-I TOYS for mass-market retail products while she focused on cottage industry items.

A True Character

David Eugene Dees (July 9, 1957 – May 31, 2020) was an American commercial artist and graphic designer, known for his digital art depicting conspiracy theories. David Dees was the subject of the 2021 short documentary Do You See What I See?

Dees was an illustrator for Sesame Street Magazine and ExploraToy’s Sea-Monkey® packaging. He also did freelance work for Looney Tunes, Mickey Mouse, and other Disney book covers.