The things you do for a free T Shirt!
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The Woodbox is a restaurant whose reputation is growing rapidly as one of the best places to eat in the Waikato and is rated in cuisine's top 40 restaurants in New Zealand.
You will also notice I have added a direct link to purchase a print of this artwork on the gallery page.
In celebration of 30 years of Buck Rogers the print is only available for 30 days with an extremely limited run of only 30 prints.
Gil Gerard and Erin Gray both own a copy, so if you are a fan of the cult show head on over and buy a print now before they all go!
I grew up watching “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” in the early 1980s. Although Star Wars was more popular, “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” was the closest thing to Star Wars on television and the star fighters were really cool. For its time, the show was very entertaining and groundbreaking in television visual effects. Over the years, the show fell into obscurity.
In 2007, I heard a passing mention that three of the major cast members from the show would be at the Dragon Con convention held annually in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I bought a pass to Dragon Con for the first time just so I could meet Buck Rogers himself, Gil Gerard, his companion Wilma Deering, played by Erin Gray and Felix Silla, who played the robot Twiki. They were the kindest celebrities I had ever met. I acquired their autographs, of which one particular print now hangs in my office at work. I also attended their panel discussion and enthusiasm for “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” was rekindled.
I went home and using my film training, cut a new trailer for the original “Buck Rogers” film. To date, it has garnered almost 50,000 hits on YouTube.com. In 2008, I heard Erin Gray would be returning to Dragon Con. I went back and met her again. This time, I took a photo with her, which was a real treat. I also presented her with a DVD copy of the trailer I had made. Later, she approached me in the lobby and talked to me for about ten minutes about a book she wanted to recommend to me! She was a class act!
I knew that 2009 would be the 30th Anniversary of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century.” I also had the sinking feeling that neither Dragon Con or Universal Studios would do anything to recognize it. I decided something had to be done, especially when I learned that both Gil Gerard and Erin Gray would be attending the convention. I contacted Paul Shipper, my friend and accomplished artist. I knew I wanted to present them with new artwork in a commemorative poster style. He took it from there and in record time created a fun and retro-modern poster for the 30th Anniversary of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century,” capturing the likenesses of Gil Gerard and Erin Gray perfectly.
I created an anniversary logo, had the drawing professionally printed on art paper and put in a temporary frame. On Saturday, September 5, 2009, just a few days shy of the 30th Anniversary of the original air date of the first episode, I walked into the Dragon Con Walk of Fame and presented the print to Gil Gerard and Erin Gray in person. They seemed very pleased with the gesture and gave me their business cards so I could mail prints to them. I can now rest easy knowing that the stars of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” were recognized properly for their contribution to science fiction television.
REMINDER :: Paul Shipper's Original Art Sale ends August 31st. http://bit.ly/ntESD
I've chosen to interview a very talented illustrator with a traditional illustration style. Admittedly, on a contemporary illustration blog, this is somewhat an illegal undertaking according to my own rules. However, I am very supportive of the use of traditional techniques used by Paul Shipper, in contemporary movie art. Originally from the UK, now based in New Zealand, Paul is adamant that traditional styles still be used on film posters, and I would agree, especially in the case of certain epics, science fiction and fantasy films, promotional material, and so on.
For those of you who were wondering what the studio actually looks like…Here are a couple of panoramas.
ps|studio is an illustration, photography and design studio operating in the Waikato
www.psstudio.co.nz
ps|studio DPI is a multi faceted visual design company spearheaded by Paul Shipper incorporating the three disciplines that are at the heart of his artistic existence.
Design. Photography. Illustration.
Born in Manchester, England Paul grew up with a pencil permanently attached to his hand. Realising his talent for the visual Paul followed art and design through high school before graduating with a BA in Illustration and Animation from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.
“My training really came from years of drawing and painting, studying the works of my inspiration, and sheer determination to making a dream become reality.”
While keeping a full time job Paul began illustrating professionally for himself, gathering clients and working on projects in his spare time. It was during this time that he firmly established himself in the design industry as well as becoming an accomplished photographer. Some of his proudest achievements have included receiving Star Wars work from Lucasfilm on the 30th anniversary of the franchise as well as working with clients such as Penguin Books NYC, Sports Illustrated, GQ Magazine and Topps Inc.
“I want to provide my clients with an enjoyable working experience with an end result that we can both be proud of.”
In 2007, Paul and his Fiancé left their UK lives behind in search of greener pastures and are now permanently based in New Zealand with their little girl. He began ps|studio DPI to bring together his three great loves and has enjoyed total success, servicing clients all over the world.
When he isn’t saving the world one illustration at a time you’ll find Paul practicing his drums and piano, exploring the country and spending precious time with his young family.
Learn more about ps|studio by visiting:
