Syd Mead, sci-fi visual artist known for Blade Runner and Tron, dies at 86
The legendary Mead once called science fiction "reality ahead of schedule."
This conceptual art of Disney's Tomorrowland is by artist Syd Mead.
Legendary visual effects artist, futurist and industrial designer Syd Mead died Monday at age 86, his manager Roger Servick confirmed to Deadline. Mead had been battling lymphoma, Servick said.
The artist is best known for his concept art for sci-fi movies Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, Aliens
, Tron, Star Trek the Motion Picture, Johnny Mnemonic, Mission Impossible 3, Elysium and Tomorrowland. In the '90s, Mead also supplied designs for Japanese anime series,Yamato 2520 and Turn A Gundam.
Blade Runner concept art by Syd Mead.
In addition to TV and movies , Mead worked as an industrial and architectural designer for such companies as Ford , Volvo , Intercontinental Hotels and Honda .
Mead's designs for both film and TV defined how sci-fi could eventually lead to real-world designs. "I've called science fiction 'reality ahead of schedule,'" Mead said in a New York Times interview in 2008.
In May, CNET's Roadshow featured recently found old sketches by Mead of futuristic-looking Volvo trucks. Mead worked as a designer for a time at Volvo Trucks, though his version of the vehicles never saw production.
These Volvo trucks sketches by Syd Mead would be right at home in Blade Runner.
Fans flooded Twitter with tributes to the beloved concept artist.
"A legend has left us today," one user tweeted. "His vision changed our culture, our collective perception of what is possible, and inspired so many of us today." Tweeted another fan: "Without him, the visual language of science fiction wouldn't have been the same."
And another wrote, "Few have had the impact on how we visualize the future that he did; cyberpunk as a genre to a large extent has a look codified by him. Was always a joy to watch something with his touch -- most recently for me Yamato 2520, where his designs stood out."
A legend has left us today.
— Karla Ortiz (@kortizart) December 30, 2019
His vision changed our culture, our collective perception of what is possible, and inspired so many of us today.
With a heavy and saddened heart, I say, R.I.P Syd Mead. pic.twitter.com/MnDT8ZuFia
The Great Syd Mead passed away.
— Tim Soret (@timsoret) December 30, 2019
Without him, the visual language of science fiction wouldn't have been the same. Here, his vision for the streets of Blade Runner. pic.twitter.com/sDENt67w8z
Syd Mead thrived on complexity.
— Tim Soret (@timsoret) December 30, 2019
Every piece of his work is masterclass of perspective, detailed shape language, complex lighting & difficult reflective surfaces. pic.twitter.com/HG8pu7ZVh3
Syd Mead as a titan. Few have had the impact on how we visualise the future that he did; cyberpunk as a genre to a large extent has a look codified by him. Was always a joy to watch something with his touch - most recently for me Yamato 2520, where his designs stood out. RIP. pic.twitter.com/yIaaCoOqIL
— Valondar (@VK_HM) December 30, 2019
RIP concept artist Syd Mead (1933-2019)
— Jesse Hamm (@jesse_hamm) December 30, 2019
Star Trek The Motion Picture
Blade Runner
Tron
2010
Aliens
Short Circuit
TimeCop
Strange Days
Johnny Mnemonic
Tron 2.0
Mission Impossible 3
Elysium
Tomorrowland
Blade Runner 2049 pic.twitter.com/RqKbukmPDn
Syd Mead has passed away at the age of 86.
— Aria The Natural (@buildknuckle) December 30, 2019
He was a designer of several of Turn A Gundam's mobile suits, may he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/bkRuyXxJZL
Rest In Peace, Syd Mead, a titan in the world of film design, known best for his work on #BladeRunner, #BladeRunner2049, #StarTrek: The Motion Picture, #TRON, and #Aliens. https://t.co/9Nw4EGHOmL
— Phil Szostak (@PhilSzostak) December 30, 2019
RIP Syd Mead. The first time an artist’s work really took me to another world. Every inch of his paintings gave me something to think about. A true master of his craft whose impact will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/GrzaVi7awl
— 🔸Quintin Puebla🔸 (@QuintinPuebla) December 30, 2019
Rest in peace Syd Mead.
— Christina Kraus 🌱🐺 (@ElbenherzArt) December 30, 2019
I met Syd back at THU 2014 for the first time and it changed my life for the better. He encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I never stopped doing it since. It breaks my heart to see him go, but his work will live on forever.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/skiQWX6dcF
I had the pleasure of meeting Syd Mead twice. Once when he visited ILM, and later sitting with him and his partner Roger Servick at an Academy of Art advisory board dinner. We talked about European travel, art...and the joys of adding hip people and cool animals to his paintings. pic.twitter.com/1d06RIPq56
— Tad Leckman (@tadleckman) December 30, 2019
#RIP Syd Mead, the concept artist & illustrator who played a pivotal role in designing the look of films like BLADE RUNNER, ALIENS, TRON, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, TOMORROWLAND and SHORT CIRCUIT, has died at 86. He was to be honored by the Art Directors Guild next February. pic.twitter.com/JLYcAHsD4Y
— cartoonbrew.com (@cartoonbrew) December 30, 2019
Syd Mead was a world builder the likes of which cinema had never seen, and probably won't see again. Such a pleasure to interview him for my BLADE RUNNER and ALIENS docs, and I'll forever be inspired by his visionary art. Condolences to Roger, Syd's family, friends and many fans. https://t.co/YNZOSxL2xJ
— Charles de Lauzirika (@Lauzirika) December 30, 2019
I know this isn’t technically the STARLOG account, but it would be remiss not to acknowledge that the legendary SYD MEAD (ALIENS, BLADE RUNNER, TRON, every futuristic landscape you’ve ever seen) just passed away. RIP. pic.twitter.com/uRt58a1H2i
— FANGORIA (@FANGORIA) December 30, 2019