Revisiting the ’80s: My Tribute to Drew Struzan & the Golden Era of VHS Covers

Categories: Art

This post is for those born in the early ’80s! Remember the days when the highlight of our week was rushing to the local video store, eyes wide with excitement, scanning through aisles and aisles of VHS tapes? That absolute thrill of choosing a movie based solely on the poster. Some of the most iconic posters were drawn by one of my all-time favorite artists, Drew Struzan. Just some of his posters include “Indiana Jones”, “Back to the Future”, “Big Trouble in Little China”, “Star Wars”, “Mallrats” and “Hook” to name a few. These posters stuck in my mind (and also on my bedroom wall) for years.

So this week I wanted to make some VHS covers taking inspiration from Struzan’s iconic style (which, let’s be honest, is next to impossible to replicate, but hey, I gave it my best shot), I’ve remade some posters with his style mixed with mine.

To amp up the authentic ’80s vibe, I’ve featured unknown actors. Just like the good ol’ days when the poster’s allure wasn’t about who was in the movie, but how irresistibly it beckoned you to rent it.

Feast your eyes on these retro VHS covers I’ve whipped up. Let’s keep the ’80s magic alive!

370256881 10161478039774602 7262828225118513318 n-scaled.370322151 10161478038994602 1649134432013609178 n-scaled.370618246 10161478038919602 656636141941854151 n-scaled.371865866 10161478038939602 7547803680063772559 n-scaled.370495869 10161478039379602 7326412072234715559 n-scaled.370377928 10161478040579602 1201329723978646961 n-scaled.

And if you’re itching to dive deeper into the world of Drew Struzan, check out the full documentary on his life and artistry right here:

Random Article

Custom Posters for Shows I’d Love to See Modernised

Reviving beloved TV classics with custom posters, envisioning them as modern animated series. From Mega Man’s futuristic battles to Ghost Rider’s dark escapades, these designs breathe new life into timeless favorites.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Revisited: Asuka Langley

nspired by the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, I reimagined Asuka and Rei in contemporary fashion. Check out my updated designs and the EVA units from the show.

Game Controllers You’ll Never See

Game controllers made of ice, marble, chips, sushi, and even teeth turned out to be fun. You can almost “feel” the weirdness.

AI-Powered Storyboard Creation

Creating storyboards with AI has been a game-changer. From training my model to producing stunning visuals, combining technology with obsession, opening up limitless possibilities in visual storytelling.

Transforming Friends into Studio Ghibli Characters

I experimented with AI to transform my friends’ profile pictures into Ghibli-style portraits. The turned out charmingly whimsical, though occasionally surprising with wardrobe changes and new smiles. My first steps ito perfecting this process.

Capturing Pet Souls in Every Brushstroke

This is a humble brag about my talented girlfriend, Christi, who has mastered watercolor pet portraits. Her lifelike paintings capture the spirit of pets and people, bringing joy and often tears.

Turning Friends & Family Into Famous Characters

Ever wondered what you’d look like as a superhero or wizard? Check out my gallery where I turn a single photo into fantasy characters.

Blast from the Past: My Mom, Me, and the Iconic Airwolf

Reflecting on the late 80s in Port Elizabeth, my mom and I proudly stood beside the iconic Airwolf helicopter, capturing a cherished memory from my childhood.

Having Fun with Product Design

Check out my “Glow-Up Gear” collection—a mix of random designs where everyday items get a unique, futuristic twist. Function meets flair in each piece.

The Art of the Cover: My Alex Ross-Inspired Creations

I’ve been experimenting with creating comic book covers using Alex Ross’s iconic style. Here’s a glimpse into some of the artworks I made.

About the Author
Justin Wiggins

A professional web design wizard based in Magalieskruin, Pretoria, South Africa. With a passion for graphic design and a knack for creating engaging websites. Over the years he has acquired a unique set of skills from various fields including networking, programming, and marketing. Justin’s love for magic tricks and creating moments of wonder has influenced his approach to design, always aiming to ‘wow’ his clients with stunning and effective websites and graphic design projects.