Western art has always been more than just a genre of painting or illustration—it's a vivid representation of the cowboy lifestyle, the rugged beauty of the frontier, and the spirit of adventure that defines the American West. For HYER Boots, the connection to Western art runs deep. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with some of the most iconic Western artists, whose work not only highlighted our craftsmanship but also helped shape our brand’s identity. Among the most influential artists in HYER’s history are Fred Harman and Ed Smyth, two legends in their own right who captured the essence of the West in their illustrations.

Fred Harman, best known for his work as the creator of the Red Ryder comic strip, was an extraordinary figure in both the world of art and Western culture. His artistry is intertwined with the HYER legacy, as he illustrated several catalog covers for us, blending the classic cowboy spirit with our boot-making craftsmanship. Harman’s illustrations were more than just promotional art; they embodied the Western ideals that HYER boots represent. As a master of storytelling through visuals, Harman made each catalog cover a canvas for adventure, portraying cowboys in action, rugged landscapes, and, of course, iconic HYER boots.

Born in 1902, Fred Harman grew up immersed in the Western lifestyle, spending much of his childhood in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where he worked on his family’s ranch. This background gave him firsthand experience with the cowboy way of life, something he would later infuse into his artwork. His love for the West was evident not only in his Red Ryder comic strip but also in the vivid paintings and illustrations that depicted cowboys, ranchers, and Native American life. Before gaining fame with Red Ryder, Harman worked at The Kansas City Star and even briefly collaborated with Walt Disney in the early days of animation. His history is as rich as the scenes he brought to life with his brush.

Fred Harman’s connection to HYER Boots came at a time when we were looking to blend artistry with functionality. His catalog covers for HYER were not just marketing materials—they were a way to bring the wild, free-spirited nature of the West to our customers, illustrating the very essence of what our boots stood for. These vintage illustrations, now considered collectibles, continue to inspire our branding and marketing strategies today. Harman’s ability to tell a story with every stroke resonates with our commitment to crafting boots that aren’t just for wear, but for living the Western life.

Harman’s contributions to Western art extended beyond HYER Boots. He gained nationwide recognition with his Red Ryder comic strip, which debuted in 1938 and ran for over two decades. The strip was so beloved that it was adapted into radio shows, movies, and even a long-running series of Western novels. His iconic cowboy, Red Ryder, became a symbol of Western values—bravery, honor, and a strong connection to the land—values that harmonize perfectly with the ethos of HYER Boots. Harman’s art was a celebration of the West, and through his work with us, he brought that celebration to our brand.

Another artist who played a significant role in HYER’s visual history was Ed Smyth. Known for his detailed illustrations and box art, Smyth captured the rugged authenticity that defines both Western life and the HYER brand. His illustrations weren’t just decorative; they told the story of the hardworking cowboys who wore our boots, showcasing the practicality and craftsmanship that made HYER a household name in the West. Smyth’s artwork also graced HYER’s boot boxes, transforming a simple product package into a piece of Western art, heightening the experience for the customer. His illustrations for Purina and other cowboy-themed projects reflected his deep connection to the Western lifestyle.

Both Fred Harman and Ed Smyth contributed to HYER during a time when photography wasn’t as accessible, and companies relied heavily on artists to represent their products. Before we acquired one of the first printing presses west of the Mississippi, it was the illustrations of artists like Harman and Smyth that visually communicated the quality and craftsmanship of our boots. This artistic partnership helped solidify HYER’s identity as a brand deeply rooted in the culture of the American West.

HYER’s family also kept the printing press for many years, a symbol of our commitment to craftsmanship in both boot-making and brand communication. We’ve always been at the forefront of graphic design and marketing, using illustrations and creative storytelling to highlight our products. The catalog covers and illustrations from artists like Harman and Smyth are still an inspiration for our current marketing, with their vintage aesthetic influencing everything from our boot designs to our promotional materials.

HYER Boots' connection to Western art is a reflection of our broader connection to the West itself. For over a century, we’ve been more than just a bootmaker; we’ve been a part of the fabric of Western life, working with the artists who capture that life on canvas, in comic strips, and on boot boxes. Fred Harman and Ed Smyth were pioneers in illustrating the spirit of the West, and their legacy continues to influence us today.

In every pair of HYER boots, there’s a story—just like the stories Harman and Smyth told through their artwork. From the wild landscapes of the frontier to the hardworking ranchers who lived there, these artists helped us tell the world who we are and what we stand for. As we move forward, we continue to honor the legacy of Western art, bringing the spirit of the West to life in every step.