The Legacy and Influence of Drew Struzan's Star Wars Artwork
The Art of Drew Struzan Star Wars Portfolio
If you are a fan of Star Wars, chances are you have seen and admired the iconic posters created by Drew Struzan. His paintings have captured the essence and spirit of the galaxy far, far away for over four decades, spanning nine movies and several spin-offs. In this article, we will explore the art and career of Drew Struzan, and how he became the master of Star Wars posters.
The Art of Drew Struzan Star Wars Portfolio
Introduction
Star Wars is one of the most popular and influential franchises in the history of cinema and pop culture. Since its debut in 1977, it has spawned a multimedia empire that includes films, TV shows, books, comics, games, toys, and more. But what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Star Wars? For many people, it is the image of a lightsaber-wielding hero, a princess in distress, a menacing villain, and a host of aliens and droids. These images are largely thanks to the work of Drew Struzan, the artist behind some of the most memorable Star Wars posters ever made.
Who is Drew Struzan?
Drew Struzan is an American illustrator and painter who was born in 1947 in Oregon. He studied art at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he honed his skills in drawing and painting. He began his career as a freelance artist in the 1970s, working for various clients such as record labels, book publishers, and movie studios. He soon developed a reputation for his realistic and detailed portraits of celebrities and fictional characters.
What is his style and technique?
Drew Struzan's style is characterized by his use of airbrushing, acrylics, colored pencils, and collage. He often combines photographs and sketches to create a composite image that he then paints over with an airbrush. He also adds details and highlights with colored pencils and brushes. His technique allows him to create lifelike and dynamic images that convey emotion and movement. He is also known for his use of typography and design elements to complement his illustrations.
Why is he famous for Star Wars posters?
Drew Struzan's association with Star Wars began in 1977, when he was hired by the advertising agency B.D. Fox & Friends to create a poster for the re-release of the first film. He was given only one week to complete the assignment, and he had to work from black-and-white photographs and sketches provided by the studio. He managed to produce a stunning poster that featured the main characters and scenes from the movie, as well as the logo and tagline. The poster was a huge success, and it caught the attention of George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. Lucas was impressed by Struzan's work, and he commissioned him to create more posters for the subsequent films and projects. Struzan became Lucas's preferred artist, and he has created over 150 Star Wars posters to date.
The Original Trilogy
The original trilogy consists of the first three films released in the Star Wars saga: Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). These films introduced the world to the epic story of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the Rebel Alliance fighting against the evil Galactic Empire. Drew Struzan created several posters for each film, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
Star Wars (1977)
The first Star Wars film, also known as A New Hope, was a groundbreaking achievement in science fiction and filmmaking. It revolutionized the genre with its innovative special effects, captivating story, and memorable characters. It also launched a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Style A poster
The Style A poster was the first one that Struzan created for Star Wars. It was based on a painting by Tom Jung, another artist who worked on the film's marketing campaign. Struzan's version was more colorful and detailed than Jung's, and it featured Luke Skywalker holding his lightsaber above his head, with Princess Leia by his side. Behind them were Darth Vader's helmet, the Death Star, and several starfighters. The poster also had the famous tagline: "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."
The Style B poster
The Style B poster was Struzan's original concept for Star Wars. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and the Death Star. The poster had a blue background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to convey the excitement and adventure of the film.
The Style C poster
The Style C poster was Struzan's final poster for Star Wars. It was a variation of the Style B poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to black, and the border was removed. The images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more dramatic and elegant look than the previous ones.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as one of the best sequels ever made. It continued the story of Star Wars with darker and more complex themes, such as betrayal, loss, and temptation. It also introduced new characters and locations, such as Yoda, Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett, Cloud City, Hoth, and Dagobah. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Style A poster
The Style A poster was Struzan's first poster for The Empire Strikes Back. It was based on a painting by Roger Kastel, another artist who worked on the film's marketing campaign. Struzan's version was more colorful and detailed than Kastel's, and it featured Luke Skywalker riding a tauntaun on Hoth, with Princess Leia behind him. Above them were Darth Vader's helmet and several starfighters. The poster also had the tagline: "The Star Wars saga continues."
The Style B poster
The Style C poster
The Style C poster was Struzan's final poster for The Empire Strikes Back. It was a variation of the Style B poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to a starry sky, and the images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more balanced and harmonious look than the previous ones.
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Return of the Jedi is the third and final film in the original trilogy. It concluded the story of Star Wars with a climactic showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, as well as a massive battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. It also introduced new characters and locations, such as Jabba the Hutt, the Ewoks, Admiral Ackbar, Endor, and the second Death Star. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Style A poster
The Style A poster was Struzan's first poster for Return of the Jedi. It was based on a painting by Kazuhiko Sano, another artist who worked on the film's marketing campaign. Struzan's version was more colorful and detailed than Sano's, and it featured Luke Skywalker holding his lightsaber in front of his face, with Princess Leia in her slave outfit behind him. Above them were Darth Vader's helmet and several starfighters. The poster also had the tagline: "The saga continues."
The Style B poster
The Style B poster was Struzan's original concept for Return of the Jedi. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Luke Skywalker in his Jedi outfit, Princess Leia in her Endor outfit, Han Solo in his Endor outfit, Chewbacca with his blaster rifle, C-3PO and R2-D2 on Endor, Yoda on Dagobah, Lando Calrissian in his skiff guard outfit, Jabba the Hutt in his palace, Boba Fett in his armor, Emperor Palpatine in his throne room, Darth Vader in his suit, and the second Death Star. The poster had a green background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to convey the diversity and richness of the film.
The Style C poster
The Style C poster was Struzan's final poster for Return of the Jedi. It was a variation of the Style B poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to black, and the border was removed. The images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more dramatic and elegant look than the previous ones.
The Prequel Trilogy
The prequel trilogy consists of the three films released in the Star Wars saga after the original trilogy: The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005). These films explored the origins and downfall of Anakin Skywalker, who would become Darth Vader, as well as the rise of Emperor Palpatine and the fall of the Jedi Order. Drew Struzan created three posters for each film, each with a different style and focus.
The Phantom Menace (1999)
the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Teaser poster
The Teaser poster was Struzan's first poster for The Phantom Menace. It was a simple but powerful image of young Anakin Skywalker standing in front of his home on Tatooine, with the shadow of Darth Vader looming behind him. The poster had no title or credits, only the release date and the tagline: "Every saga has a beginning."
The Advance poster
The Advance poster was Struzan's second poster for The Phantom Menace. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, Jar Jar Binks, Darth Maul, R2-D2, C-3PO, Yoda, Mace Windu, and the Trade Federation droids. The poster had a blue background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to introduce the new characters and settings of the film.
The Final poster
The Final poster was Struzan's third and final poster for The Phantom Menace. It was a variation of the Advance poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to black, and the border was removed. The images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more balanced and harmonious look than the previous ones.
Attack of the Clones (2002)
Attack of the Clones is the second film in chronological order of the Star Wars saga. It continued the story of The Phantom Menace with more action and romance, as well as political intrigue and mystery. It also featured Anakin Skywalker as a young Jedi knight who would fall in love with Padmé Amidala, as well as the emergence of Count Dooku and the Separatists who would wage war against the Republic. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Teaser poster
The Teaser poster was Struzan's first poster for Attack of the Clones. It was a simple but powerful image of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala embracing each other, with their faces partially obscured by their cloaks. The poster had no title or credits, only the release date and the tagline: "A Jedi shall not know anger. Nor hatred. Nor love."
The Advance poster
The Advance poster was Struzan's second poster for Attack of the Clones. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Mace Windu, Count Dooku, Jango Fett, Boba Fett, Zam Wesell, R2-D2, C-3PO, and the clone troopers. The poster had a red background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to showcase the new characters and conflicts of the film.
The Final poster
the Clones. It was a variation of the Advance poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to black, and the border was removed. The images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more balanced and harmonious look than the previous ones.
Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Revenge of the Sith is the third and final film in chronological order of the Star Wars saga. It concluded the story of the prequel trilogy with a tragic and epic finale, as well as a bridge to the original trilogy. It also featured Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader, as well as the execution of Order 66 and the destruction of the Jedi Order. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Teaser poster
The Teaser poster was Struzan's first poster for Revenge of the Sith. It was a simple but powerful image of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader facing each other, with their lightsabers crossed. The poster had no title or credits, only the release date and the tagline: "The saga is complete."
The Advance poster
The Advance poster was Struzan's second poster for Revenge of the Sith. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padmé Amidala, Yoda, Mace Windu, Emperor Palpatine, General Grievous, Count Dooku, R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca, and the clone troopers. The poster had an orange background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to showcase the new characters and events of the film.
The Final poster
The Final poster was Struzan's third and final poster for Revenge of the Sith. It was a variation of the Advance poster, but with some changes. The background was changed to black, and the border was removed. The images were rearranged and resized to fit better on the poster. The title was moved to the top, and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more balanced and harmonious look than the previous ones.
The Sequel Trilogy and Beyond
the story of Star Wars with new characters and locations, as well as the return of some old ones. They also featured the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order, as well as the legacy of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Drew Struzan created three posters for the first film, The Force Awakens, but he did not work on the other two films. He also created some posters for other Star Wars projects, such as Rogue One, Solo, and The Mandalorian.
The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force Awakens is the first film in chronological order of the sequel trilogy. It introduced new characters and locations, such as Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, BB-8, Maz Kanata, Jakku, and Starkiller Base. It also featured the return of some old characters and locations, such as Han Solo, Leia Organa, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, Luke Skywalker, and the Millennium Falcon. Drew Struzan created three posters for the film, each with a different style and focus.
The Teaser poster
The Teaser poster was Struzan's first poster for The Force Awakens. It was a simple but powerful image of Finn holding a lightsaber in front of his face, with a starry sky behind him. The poster had no title or credits, only the release date and the tagline: "Every generation has a story."
The Comic-Con poster
The Comic-Con poster was Struzan's second poster for The Force Awakens. It was a collage of various images from the film, such as Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Leia Organa, Chewbacca, BB-8, R2-D2, C-3PO, and the Millennium Falcon. The poster had a blue background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to reveal some of the new characters and scenes of the film.
The Final poster
and the credits were reduced to a smaller font. The poster had a more balanced and harmonious look than the previous ones.
Other Star Wars Projects
Besides the main films of the Star Wars saga, there have been other projects that have expanded the universe and explored different stories and characters. Some of these projects have been made into films, such as Rogue One and Solo, while others have been made into TV shows, such as The Mandalorian. Drew Struzan has created some posters for these projects, showcasing his talent and passion for Star Wars.
Rogue One (2016)
Rogue One is a standalone film that tells the story of how a group of rebels stole the plans of the Death Star, the ultimate weapon of the Galactic Empire. It is set before the events of A New Hope, and it features new characters and locations, such as Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Chirrut ÃŽmwe, Baze Malbus, Bodhi Rook, Saw Gerrera, Orson Krennic, Scarif, and Jedha. Drew Struzan created a poster for the film, which was a collage of various images from the film, such as Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Chirrut ÃŽmwe, Baze Malbus, Bodhi Rook, Saw Gerrera, Orson Krennic, Darth Vader, the Death Star, and several starfighters. The poster had a blue background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to capture the spirit and tone of the film.
Solo (2018)
Mimban, Kessel, and Savareen. Drew Struzan created a poster for the film, which was a collage of various images from the film, such as Han Solo, Qi'ra, Beckett, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, Dryden Vos, Enfys Nest, Val, Rio Durant, L3-37, the Millennium Falcon, and several starfighters. The poster had a red background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to introduce the new characters and adventures of Han Solo.
The Mandalorian (2019-present)
The Mandalorian is a live-action TV series that follows the exploits of a bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy. It is set after the events of Return of the Jedi, and it features new characters and locations, such as Din Djarin (the Mandalorian), Grogu (the Child), Cara Dune, Greef Karga, Moff Gideon, Ahsoka Tano, Bo-Katan Kryze, Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Mayfeld, Nevarro, Tatooine, and Tython. Drew Struzan created a poster for the first season of the series, which was a collage of various images from the series, such as Din Djarin (the Mandalorian), Grogu (the Child), Cara Dune, Greef Karga, IG-11, Kuiil, Moff Gideon, the Razor Crest, and several starfighters. The poster had a brown background and a yellow border, with the title and credits at the bottom. The poster was meant to showcase the new characters and stories of the series.
Conclusion
Drew Struzan is a legendary artist who has created some of the most iconic and beautiful posters for Star Wars. His posters have captured the essence and spirit of the galaxy far, far away for over four decades. His style and technique have influenced generations of artists and fans alike. His posters are not only artworks but also cultural treasures that celebrate the magic and wonder of Star Wars.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Drew Struzan and his Star Wars posters:
How many Star Wars posters has Drew Struzan created?
Solo, and The Mandalorian.
What is Drew Struzan's favorite Star Wars poster?
Drew Struzan has said that his favorite Star Wars poster is the one he created for Revenge of the Sith. He said that he liked it because it was the most challenging and satisfying one to ma