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The Techniques of Syd Mead 3

Creating the Color Preliminary

Introduction

Description

Using the value study prepared during the previous title, the Syd is ready to create a color version of the Value Preliminary. Using a prepared line drawing, Syd guides the artist through the physical creation of a gouache miniature color preliminary of the scene. He details how this part of the process helps the artist experiment, determine his color needs and show the client a good representation of the final product before producing the larger illustration. Syd shows the viewer how to prepare cold press finish board, mix paint samples and create a custom color palette in preparation for completing the final rendering.


Duration: 2h 00m

Format: HD 1280x960

Syd Mead

Visual Futurist

A professional career that spans over fifty years started just out of high school in Colorado Springs, Colorado creating characters and backgrounds for animated cinema intermission trailers. After three years in the Army Corps of Engineers, Syd graduated with great Distinction from the Art Center School in 1959 and was immediately hired by Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Styling studio where he began to be recognized for his futuristic style. This led to his being recruited to create corporate promotional books with Mead-Hansen Company in Chicago for US Steele and other clients over the next nine years. By 1970, Syd's reputation enabled him to found his own company, Syd Mead, Incorporated, to create industrial design and corporate graphics and, after a fortuitous move to Southern California in 1975, concept designs for the motion picture, television and electronic game industries. His cinema entrée was fortunate, starting with the creation of the V’GER entity for Star Trek: The Motion Picture followed by two cult classics: BLADERUNNER and TRON. His professional work continues to the present including numerous presentations to audiences all over the world. Syd considers his legacy to be the body of work that has provided day-to-day challenge over many years while offering clients his unique design and problem solutions. He has also provided inspiration to an audience of all ages, which has been the most satisfying of all. Syd considers the opportunity to be a guidepost for ambition in others as a priceless gift of fortunate circumstance.

  • "After nearly 50 years, Syd Mead's work continues to be the standard. His step-by-step methodology is the foundation for how to create new concept art that is imaginative, communicates clearly, and has substance. Needless to say, Syd Mead's design work has stood the test of time, because it has substance at its core, as well as being masterful."

    - Farzad Varahramyan
    Creative Visual Director Darkwatch High Moon Studios