World Renowned Poster Artist, Drew Struzan, Suffering From Late Stage Alzheimer's
Image Source: Cultureslate
Drew Struzan, prolific movie poster illustrator, and creator of the original Industrial Light & Magic logo has been diagnosed with late-stage Alzheimer’s. The news about his medical condition was announced by his wife of sixty years, Dylan Struzan.
Struzan created some of the most iconic posters of our time, and his distinctive airbrush style is instantly recognisable. He was responsible for the entire Star Wars franchise, as well as Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. Over the years he formed a close relationship with George Lucas, the two introverts often hid together at ceremonies.
“George really gave me freedom. I don't know if most people know or not, but he wanted to be an illustrator. He loves illustration. George bought and owns every piece I ever painted for his films. That was a wonderful thing that he did for me” – Drew Struzan.
Drew Stuzan was a childhood art prodigy and reportedly started drawing before he could talk. At five years old, Stanford University even took some of his drawings to study. “Somehow Stanford University got the news that there is this kid in San Jose who can draw like an angel.”
RELATED:
After graduation, he chose illustration over fine art as one offered a steady paycheck. He initially worked on album covers. Alice Cooper’s plaudited Welcome to My Nightmare was one of his drawings.
"I was poor and hungry, and illustration was the shortest path to a slice of bread, as compared to a gallery showing. I had nothing as a child. I drew on toilet paper with pencils – that was the only paper around. Probably why I love drawing so much today is because it was just all I had at the time." – Drew Struzan.
Drew Stuzan was only making between $150-250 dollars per album cover, so he set up a small film company designing B-movie posters with a friend that lasted eight years but gave him enough contacts in the industry to start to land his own projects.
His big break came in 1975, with the Disney classic Escape to Witch Mountain. After Star Wars, he signed on for a string of other Disney hits including The Fox and the Hound, Aladdin, and Hercules. He became one of the most sort after poster artists of the next twenty years, creating the looks for The Goonies, The Dark Crystal, Blade Runner, Back to the Future, Hellboy, The Police Academy Series and many more.
He retired in 2008 but came back a number of times for ‘special projects’ such as the How to Train Your Dragon illustrations, and to publish his works in book form. Drew Stuzan’s studio art can be viewed on his website, along with a selection of his movie art.
READ NEXT:
Source(s): Drew Struzan, Wiki, Slash Film, IMDb, Fantha Tracks
Latest News
Featured
