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Syd Mead describes himself as a "visual futurist". What he really is, is one of the world's most incredible designers, and a talent the likes of which is rarely seen. Initially working for the auto industry designing what GM and Ford vehicles were going to be 20 years into the future, he later plied his trade with the film industry, designing for Star Trek, Tron, Blade Runner, 2010, Aliens and more. His high-tech mechanical design has lead to a successful career with many Japanese firms, who both emulate and appreciate his work. While all of us otaku try to draw like Japanese anime, the Japanese try to draw like Syd Mead. Here's a clue — when you're *that* good, they make anime based on *your* ideas.
Syd Mead's Sentury
Anime Art Book Review
Syd Mead is the god of futuristic look and feel. His concept sketches and paintings have influenced everything from your car to your toaster, and his brilliance has been used by Hollywood in films such as Tron, Blade Runner, 2010, Aliens, and more. The Japanese are crazy about his work, employing him to design everything from Next Generation Yamatos to New Type Gundams.
Sentury is a book filled with his concept work. While it doesn't cover some of his more high-profile movie work, it does offer a glimpse into his mind, as the rougher concept art gives you a much better feel for how he does his magic. If you're looking for his pretty paintings (and they are to die for), check out Oblagon, which also features his work for Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Below: Syd Mead's amazing work for Mobile Suit Gundam.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, July 2004
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