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The Techniques of Syd Mead 3

Creating the Color Preliminary

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

Syd Mead (1933-2019) was an American industrial designer and concept artist celebrated for his groundbreaking work in both the automotive industry and science fiction cinema. After graduating with distinction from the Art Center School in 1959, he began his career at Ford Motor Company's Advanced Styling Studio before founding his own firm, Syd Mead, Inc., creating visionary designs for major corporations including U.S. Steel and Philips.


Syd's move into film brought iconic contributions to Blade Runner, Tron, Aliens, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture, where his futuristic visions redefined cinematic world-building. Known for his “visual futurism,” he fused industrial design principles with imaginative concepts, leaving a lasting influence on generations of designers, filmmakers, and artists.

  • After nearly 50 years, Syd'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'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 / Co-Founder at Oceanair Design Studios