This project began as an ambitious nine-hour sprint to create a piece of art for Comic-Con’s 25th anniversary featuring Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars. With a personal goal to pivot toward a career in film and television graphic assets, the design process started with extensive research into the character’s history, the performance nuances of Ian McDiarmid, and the specific lighting effects from the original films to recreate that iconic cinematic atmosphere.

Beyond the digital work, the project was a lesson in logistical persistence from navigating the convention crowds to ultimately presenting the work to Ian McDiarmid himself. His professional feedback regarding the poster’s execution and the choice to sign it in a shade of purple that complemented the lighting design served as a defining milestone. This experience felt like a genuine first step into the entertainment industry, fueling a desire to continue creating high-complexity, narrative-driven work for the screen.