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."

Feature

Drew Struzan 
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