We lost a true artistic inspiration in 2025. For over 40 years, Drew Struzan did more than just paint our cinematic heroes in some of the best movie posters: his talent for capturing the emotion of a film shaped many childhood dreams.
From the quiet strength of Indiana Jones to the shock of Marty McFly, Drew’s art spoke to generations of movie goers and aspiring artists alike. He also introduced concepts of fine art to movie poster design.
“I brought a different sensitivity to the market, which changed it and made it a different place to be,” he once told us in an interview, and we couldn’t agree more.
Drew saw movie posters not just as adverts or announcements for the picture, but for part of the experience of the movie itself. They told you how the movie felt, not just what it was about and who was in it.
As our writer Tom May wrote after Drew passed away in October, the great artist used hierarchy and atmosphere to great effect, so your eye knew exactly where to land.
His “mountain of people” movie posters with faces stacked into a pyramid solved a problem that still defeats many designers: how to show a large cast without creating chaos, while his use of light communicated the promise of something extraordinary about to happen on the big screen.
Following his death at the age of 78, artists all over the world paid their respects to a man whose brushwork inspired a golden age in movie posters. Here are some of their comments praising an artistic and, in some cases, personal hero.
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“I cannot emphasise how unbelievably gifted the legendary artist, Drew Struzan, was. His iconic movie posters, capturing the likeness of our favourite actors, using textures and palettes that conveyed the mood of visionary directors, was phenomenal. And all designed in an exciting, joyous composition that is so incredibly hard to accomplish.
“I tried to emulate his dynamic work for my gift to the Spiderwick film crew back in 2008 only to learn how complicated his art was and how alive, energetic and effortless he made it look. Godspeed, Drew. You’ve inspired so many.”
Tony DiTerlizzi
“[Drew’s] incredible work has given me and countless others so much awe, joy and inspiration! I had posters of his work as a teen, I began using colour pencils because I thought he used them too. Always inspired by him. RIP Drew Struzan.”
Karla Ortiz
“When I was in high school my ambition was to be an illustrator of album covers, so my artistic heroes were Roger Dean, Derek Riggs, etc., but above all of them was Drew Struzan… R.I.P.”
Staz Johnson
“When I think of ‘Art’, his is what I see in my mind. It’s no coincidence that one of the best illustrators of our time was named Drew. He drew alright; he left his mark on the world.”
Rob Duenas
“You defined an age and inspired a generation. Thank you for all the beauty, Drew. Godspeed.”
Tyler Jacobson
“He brought my childhood to life with his art, and his legacy will live on forever.”
Pernille Ørum
“Drew, you were an absolute inspiration to myself and countless others as we grew up loving cinema and the covers, posters and packaging that went with them. I wouldn’t have even been interested in many movies initially (in child- and teenhood) if not for your stunning work depicting them.
“I would stare at your work for countless hours as a kid and young adult. I remember doing studies of your posters in art school and still there was some sort of wizardry behind it I could never quite comprehend. You were a legend and your legacy will live on. Thank you for all the years of inspiration, rest easy.”
Robbie Trevino
“Drew was a lovely person, an incredibly talented artist and an inspiration to artists and movie fans worldwide. I was fortunate enough to get to know Drew over the past couple of years, and I treasure those memories talking about how he created some of my favourite posters and showing him how I make my own. My heart goes out to his wife Dylan and the rest of his family. Rest in peace Drew, you are a legend.”
Kyle Lambert
I don’t have words to express the magnitude of his abilities nor the depth of the loss we all feel as the result of his passing. My deepest condolences to Dylan and Christian, to their family, friends and his loved ones.
Bill Sienkiewicz
What an amazing vision we’ve lost, illustrator and designer demi-god. We grew up seeing his work everywhere and I’m sure I’ll see his influences in art for rest of my life.
Devon Cady-lee
Thank you so much for the endless inspiration that will endure forever. You were THE artist of my childhood and all my favourite films. Thank you for the joy and wonder. There will never be another like you. Rest in peace.
Dylan Cole
“When you saw one Drew Struzan illustration, you immediately wanted to see more. You had to consume all of them. He was a master. Rest in peace.”
Robert Liefeld
Many people will remember the feeling that it gave them the first time they saw a Drew Struzan poster. Whatever movie it was for, it had them hooked before they saw a trailer or knew anything about the plot.
Creative Bloq and ImagineFX wish the very best for Drew’s family.
This article originally appeared in ImagineFX. Subscribe to ImagineFX to never miss an issue. Print and digital subscriptions are available.
