Star Wars and Indiana Jones Poster Artist Passes Away at 78
Drew Struzan, the celebrated artist renowned for his iconic film posters, passed away on October 13 at the age of 78. Known for his work on classics like “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones,” his legacy is marked by a unique photorealistic style that captured the imagination of moviegoers worldwide.
Remembering Drew Struzan’s Legacy
Struzan’s death was announced through a statement on his Instagram account by longtime collaborator Greg Aronowitz. The statement conveyed the deep appreciation Struzan felt for his audience. Aronowitz referenced Struzan’s ability to create “event art,” which transformed movies into lasting memories.
Early Life and Career
Born in Oregon City, Struzan pursued his passion for art at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. To finance his education, he sold small commissions and artwork. Struzan later worked locally as an artist for Pacific Eye & Ear, where he created album covers for notable artists such as:
- The Beach Boys
- Bee Gees
- Earth, Wind & Fire
His early illustrations included Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare” album cover, where he earned between $150 and $250 per drawing.
Rise to Fame in Film Poster Art
In 1975, Struzan began working on promotional movie posters. His first projects included smaller budget films like “Empire of the Ants.” In a significant turn in his career, he was recruited by Charles White III, who was associated with 20th Century Fox, to design the poster for the 1978 re-release of “Star Wars.”
Struzan’s contributions to film poster artistry expanded significantly post-“Star Wars.” He illustrated posters for numerous iconic films, including:
- Blade Runner
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Coming to America
- The Goonies
- The Muppet Movie
Later Works and Retirement
In the 2000s, Struzan collaborated with Steven Spielberg on “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” After his official retirement in 2008, he returned to design posters for projects like Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
In 2013, he was featured in the documentary “Drew: The Man Behind The Poster,” highlighting his extensive contributions to the film industry through interviews with prominent figures like George Lucas and Harrison Ford.
Struzan’s Perspective on Art
In a 2021 interview with Slashfilm, Struzan reflected on his creative process. He believed art should evoke feelings and inspire hope. He emphasized the importance of understanding the filmmakers’ visions to effectively capture their stories through his artwork.
Drew Struzan’s artistry left an indelible mark on film culture, and his iconic designs will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
