I recently had the opportunity to attend a keynote presented by Syd Mead, visual futurist and a very inspiring gentleman. If you haven’t heard of him before I know you will have come across some of the work he has worked on. He is a legend in the movie industry and as I found out on the night he has had his finger in many other industries where he has spun his magic and delivered his vision.

The night was very inspiring and insightful, not just from hearing Syd Mead talk but also from the discussion and Q&A panel after where three other visionaries joined in to offer their views on the many areas of the industry. Here is a bit of information about the members of the panel…

Syd Mead – Futurist and Concept Designer. His influence can be seen in such movies as Bladerunner and Tron as well has having influenced the designs of cars and buildings during his 55 year career. Syd has helped to shape the future and influenced generations of designers.

Rob Coleman – Animation Director. He worked for over a decade with George Lucas and was Animation Director on the Star Wars Prequel. He has been recognised for his work in animating Yoda and is currently working at Dr. D with George Miller on HappyFeet 2.

Grant Freckelton – Visual Effects Art Director. His visions have helped shape movies such as 300, Matrix Reloaded and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and he works for Animal Logic – one of Australia’s leading Design, Visual Effects and Animation companies.

Jason Bath – Executive Producer/Founder – FUEL VFX. He has overseen visual effects production on over 20 films at Fuel, most recently completing work for Marvel Studios on Iron Man 2. Prior to working in post production Jason worked for 6 years in the production departments of both large and small feature films including Babe 2 and Dark City.

I must admit that after this encounter with Syd Mead and the other visionaries I have a renewed fire in my belly for my own design work as well the work I’m offering to my clients.

Here is a bit more information about Syd Mead, a man who has altered the way we picture the future and inspired generations of designers.
Syd Mead’s career has spanned more than half a century.  His work has been seen in such movies as:

Bladerunner
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
TRON
2010
Short Circuit
Aliens
Time Cop
Johnny Mnemonic
Mission Impossible-3
He has also influenced motor vehicle designs working with companies such as Ford and Chrysler, building designs through work with companies such as United States Steel and Intercontinental Hotels. He also developed a close working relationship with a number of major Japanese corporate clients, including: Sony, Minolta, Dentsu, Dyflex, Tiger, Seibu, Mitsukoshi, Bandai, NHK and Honda, influencing toys, electronics and anime including designs for two Japanese toy icons, “The New Yamato” and all eight robot characters in the new Turn-A Gundam mobile suite series which were also seen as characters in Television shows.