Ralph McQuarrie

"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."

- George Lucas

Ralph McQuarrie was a visionary conceptual designer and futurist responsible for the look of the original trilogy of Star Wars.



He often went by the initials "RMQ", which he used as his signature. Most of his concept art is featured in The Illustrated Star Wars Universe and The Art of Ralph McQuarrie.

In addition to the Original Trilogy, he provided concept illustrations for Shadows of the Empire. He also provided the illustration of the Ark of the Covenant seen in a Bible near the beginning in George Lucas' Raiders of the Lost Ark.

McQuarrie was tuckerized via a cameo in The Empire Strikes Back as General Pharl McQuarrie.

In the 30th Anniversary toy series, McQuarrie's concept art is turned into actual action figures. Such figures include a concept Chewbacca, a concept Han Solo, a concept Darth Vader, a concept Starkiller hero (the precursor to Luke Skywalker), two separate releases of the concept stormtrooper and a concept snowtrooper.

McQuarrie's artwork was such a strong influence on the look and feel of the original trilogy that some scenes from the films are virtually identical to the concept art provided by McQuarrie. An example of this can be seen below.

Ralph McQuarrie passed away at his home on March 3, 2012 at the age of 82.