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by Carrie Mosher
 Drew
Struzan didn't plan to become one of Hollywood's preeminent
film poster artists, but it happened nonetheless. He
came from a poor household, discovered he was dyslexic
and later became the only member of his family to graduate
from high school. So when he arrived at Art Center College
of Design at age 18 he was understandably naïve.
"The first thing the counselor asked me was 'what
do you want to major in,' so I asked what the choices
were." He was informed that he had two choices:
Fine art or illustration. The counselor went on to describe
the two careers, telling Struzan that as a fine artist
he could paint what he wanted, but as an illustrator
he could paint for money. It didn't take him too long
to choose his course of study. "I'll be an illustrator,"
he announced. "I need to eat."
 Struzan's
art education and natural talent have served him well.
He has created over 150 movie posters, most notably
the 1977 poster for the original Star Wars and for Star
Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 1999. His resume
also includes posters for blockbusters like E.T. The
Extraterrestrial, the Indiana Jones trilogy and the
Back to the Future series. His style, a combination
of vivid color and incredibly life-like portraits, has
made admirers out of men with names like Lucas and Speilberg.
"Drew captures the realism of the characters and
the romanticism," says Howard Roffman, President
of Lucas Licensing. "George (Lucas) is definitely
a fan and has collected some of his work."
 His
illustration career took off quickly after art school.
Based in LA, he began painting album covers for everyone
from Black Sabbath to Glen Miller. It didn't take long
for the movie studios to notice his work and come calling.
Struzan never regretted choosing his major or painting
for money. "To be able to paint to another person's
desire has broadened my view on life. As an illustrator
I have to give the view of someone else, I feel it has
increased my abilities as an artist."
For Struzan, a day on the job can vary wildly but capturing
the spirit of the film is always the goal. In preparation
for the first Indiana Jones poster he was given a paragraph
synopsis of the film and 6 photos. Yet, while working
on the movie Hook, he met with director Steven Speilberg
and actor Dustin Hoffman in addition to witnessing some
of the filming. " It (the poster) is not arbitrary,
it is designed to elicit the proper emotions."
states Struzan. "So I do not have to know that
much about it because I do not have to tell the whole
story, just get the feeling."
 In
addition to what he believes is God-given talent, Struzan's
attitude may have helped him as well. While speaking
with him about his career, I noticed that he talks
little about money or technique and focuses more on
philosophy and how painting is his life's work. "I
find my creativity comes from my open mind and approach
to life... I am not looking to conform I am looking
for truth." This positive outlook has helped him
deal with the fact that computers, not actual people,
complete most of today's illustration jobs. "Most
illustrators I have worked with during my life are not
working anymore. Some have literally taken to selling
used cars because the work has just dried up."
Lately, Drew has spread his wings in order to make a
living. To that end, he has focused on other markets.
Recently, he completed a series of plates commemorating
the late Princess Diana for the Franklin Mint, has produced
posters for TV shows and has a Star Wars CD ROM that
is currently for sale online.
http://www.drewcds.com
However, the rewards of his job never change. Through
his Web site, http://www.drewstruzan.com,
he receives numerous e-mails from individuals who tell
him how important his artwork is to them. "When
I get letters from people who tell me that my art has
changed their life or that they have been following
me since they were little kids it is amazing!"
Says Struzan, "Art has always rewarded me that
way and that's why I have stuck with it; even in the
difficult times, it has a reward."
Visit Drew at his Web Site drewstruzan.com
To Order The Official Drew Struzan Star
Wars Portfolio CD
Call toll free 877-DrewCDs 303-697-7530 drewscds.com
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