Another important name from film history has passed away this week, just before the start of the new year. Legendary conceptual artist Syd Mead passed away on December 30 from lymphoma, as reported by his spouse Roger Servick to the Hollywood Reporter. He was living in Pasadena at the time, where he also studied art earlier in his life at Art Center College of Design.

During his life he did illustration work for tech companies and architectural firms before beginning to create film concept art. Some of the films on his resume include Tron, Blade Runner, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Aliens, Blade Runner 2049, and Elysium. He was known for his unique science fiction world designs and began to be known as a “visual futurist.”

He described his work method as basing his designs for the future on what is happening in the present. He would research what kinds of technology already exist or are in development and use that as a jumping off point for further design, making sure that all of it is rooted in reality.

His work became iconic for the science fiction genre, and for the film industry as well. Films like Tron and Blade Runner have had lasting legacies and expanded the possibilities of what science fiction could look like. His work will definitely be remembered and appreciated for years to come.