The Art Of Paul Shipper

In the last few years, Paul Shipper has become one of the most sought after illustrators in entertainment.

- Stephen Jared

Growing up in 1980s Manchester, he was at an impressionable age during a golden era of illustrated posters when cinema lobbies showcased works by Bob Peak, Richard Amsel, John Alvin, and Steve Chorney. Shipper gravitated mostly to the work of Drew Struzan, who became his virtual mentor and who he recognized as a master of the illustrated film poster.

While enthusiasm for traditionally illustrated movie posters among film executives is not what it was then, there has been an ever-increasing amount of appreciation among fans, including notable actors and directors, for the type of promotion that once accompanied films. Bit by bit, some at the studios, networks, and ad agencies have heard this enthusiasm and nurtured a return to illustrative art. Among the names praising Shipper’s work have been J.J. Abrams, Duncan Jones, Bob Gale, Simon Pegg, and Edgar Wright.

Many of the major studios in Hollywood have worked with Shipper. He’s created collectors edition BluRay covers, co-created the licensing art for Star Trek Discovery seasons 1 and 2. As well, he worked on official key art for some major blockbusters like The Last Jedi and Avengers: Infinity War. He won a prestigious Key Art Award in 2014, and an LCS Award for Excellence in Illustration in 2015. He speaks with humility, even vulnerability, which is surprising given the courage he’s shown and the sacrifices endured.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred when J.J. Abrams began directing Star Trek movies. Paul created posters for both films and shared them online.

“When I first saw the official poster in 2009, I remember feeling quite strongly that it was a wasted opportunity. Should’ve been illustrated.”