That was a good day...

ok, so this is obvisouly from many hairs ago, but back in 1994 I got the chance to meet Syd Mead at his house in Hollywood. Not only to meet him, but for him to review my portfolio! This is all pre ILM, pre graduation etc. I had bought one of his books, and inside the book was a comment card for their mailing list. At the bottom of the card was a space for comments. I asked if he reviewed portfolios and put my # on the card. 2 weeks later i got a call from Syd's assistant saying thank you for purchasing the book, and that Syd would review my portfolio, but only in person, and asked if i would like to make an appointment!
      So I did, and my Dad and I (he took this picture) set out to California from PA to visit several places for interviews. ILM in SF, then  a drive down the PCH to LA to visit Universal enterainment design, Warner Brother's, Dream Quest images and Syd Mead.
      We arrived at his house, a huge black car in the driveway with 'OBLAGON' plates. (his book publishing name) I being a 21 year old dork wore a stupid suit and tie and came with my entire  24"X36" portfolio case plus a box of some models I had made.... and my Dad. Syd was very friendly and took his time going through it all, even giving me a few pointers and compliments along the way. At the end he told me my work was "very competitive" and that I should pair it down to just a few of the best pieces. Then he signed all the books I had of his, but I was missing one of the 11x17 red/green/blue series, so he went in the back room, pulled out a brand new book from it's wrapper, signed it and gave it to me. That was a good day!

-Alx