Star Trek and Blade Runner concept artist Syd Mead dies at 89

Image courtesy Art Directors Guild

Legendary concept artist and self-proclaimed “visual futurist” Syd Mead passed away on Monday, December 30th, 2019, of complications from lymphoma. He was 89.

According to Variety, the news was first announced online by Autoline journalist John McElroy and later confirmed by Mead’s spouse, Roger Servick.

Star Trek fans will know Mead as the artist who designed the exterior of V’ger for 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture. In addition to his work on Star Trek, he was also known for his iconic work on Blade Runner, Tron and Aliens, as well as the 1980s robot comedy Short Circuit (he designed Johnny Number 5). Prior to film work, Mead designed technology for Ford Motor Company, Philips Electronics and Honda.

Mead was recently named as the recipient of the 2020 William Cameron Menzies Award by the Art Directors Guild (ADG). The William Cameron Menzies Award recognizes Mead’s extensive career designing innovative, neo-futuristic concept art for numerous legendary films. Mead will be given the award posthumously at the Guild’s Excellence in Production Design Awards, which will be held in February.

ADG president Nelson Coates said of Mead’s passing, “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of visionary illustrator and concept artist Syd Mead. His pivotal role in shaping cinema was unique, with a singular ability to visualize the future. As one of the most influential conceptual artists of our time, his visions and illustrations of future technological worlds will remain as a testament to his vast imagination.”