Syd Mead, the man who designed the futuristic world of Blade Runner, is often called a “visual futurist.” He started his career in late-1950s Detroit, where he worked for the Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Styling Studio. In 1970, Mead started his own company, Syd Mead, Inc., and in 1975 he moved to Pasadena, California, where his design and illustration clients began to include Hollywood directors and producers. The movies Mead worked on include Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Tron, 2010, Aliens, and Mission: Impossible III. Before appearing on a Zócalo/Getty panel about the Los Angeles of the future, Mead shared some insights and history in the Zócalo green room.
What was the most important thing you learned from being in the U.S. Army?
How people are different. How to get along with a wide variety of egos and personalities.
What do you think is the most beautiful film ever made?
Geraldine Page’s last major movie, The Trip to Bountiful. You thought about it for days and days afterward.
Do you ever miss Detroit?
I miss it for what it could have been and what it was when I was there in 1959. I had a Gullwing Coupe, a Mercedes 300SL, a Cadillac Coupe DeVille, a ’53 Corvette Roadster, and a 6,000-square-foot three-story mansion. We had parties in Indian Village.
How do you stay up to date on technological advances?
Discover magazine is excellent. Also Scientific American, The Economist, and Popular Science.
What was better about Pasadena in 1975?
There was less traffic. I could drive my 300SL down the 5 at 110 miles an hour.
Who is your favorite American author of the 20th century?
Well, I met Robert Heinlein at his house, so I’d say Robert Heinlein—and Isaac Asimov.
What was the most frustrating project you ever got involved in?
It was an exhibition for a client, and they literally didn’t know what they wanted. And then you’re lost.
What car do you drive now?
A 2009 Cadillac DTS sedan and a ’72 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4-door hardtop.
Have you ever created a robot pet?
For science fiction illustrations several times. We’ll have robot pets intermingling with us easily within 10 years.
Who is your favorite non-living popular singer?
Frank Sinatra wrote the book.
What did you eat for lunch today?
A sandwich with lettuce, bologna, and cheese.