I've decided to make Star Wars spotlight, a series that shines a light on people whose contributions to Star Wars media and culture have been overlooked by the fanbase.

For example, Irvin Kershner despite directing the Empire strikes back which is one of the most beloved star films ever made, rarely gets mentioned at all by fans.(He will be the subject of a future Spotlight don't worry).

So without any futher ado, let's get to the subject of this post:

Ralph McQuarrie (1929-2012)

Ralph McQuarrie was an concept artist reponsible for designing the look and feel of many parts of the the Star wars galaxy such as:

Darth Vader's helmet,

Lightsabers,

The Death Star,

Bespin,

And so many more that they can't even all be listed here. Virtually everything in the original trilogy gets it's look from him.

Furthermore, his concept art was privotal to convincing 20th century fox to take a chance on a film callled Star Wars.

His work also won Anthony Daniels who was at first indignant at the thought of playing a robot.

"I saw a very small rendition of a painting on the wall [of C-3PO] that changed my life. It was Ralph McQuarrie's concept of how C-3PO might look in the film. I fell in love with the painting. It's as simple as that.

I fell in love with the face -- fell in love is an easy, but not quite the right word. I was entranced by the face. He had a forlorn quality. It was as though he was lost. He wanted to come and take my hand. There was something there that clicked."-Anthony Daniels

I'll think let George Lucas have the final word here:

"Beyond the movies, his artwork has inspired at least two generations of younger artists—all of whom learned through Ralph that movies are designed. Like me, they were thrilled by his keen eye and creative imagination, which always brought concepts to their most ideal plateau. In many ways, he was a generous father to a conceptual art revolution that was born of his artwork, and which seized the imaginations of thousands and propelled them into the film industry. In that way, we will all be benefiting from his oeuvre for generations to come. Beyond that, I will always remember him as a kind and patient, and wonderfully talented, friend and collaborator."

Without him, Star Wars would have never existed. He left a legacy that has brought joy to millions and fueled countless children's imaginations with wonder.

Including mine.

Thank you, Ralph. Thanks for everything.