Greg Hildebrandt (American, 1939-2024)

Born on January 23, 1939, Greg and Tim Hildebrandt were avid artists and creative thinkers from an early age. Primarily self-taught, their only formal training came at 18 when they attended a six-month program at the Meinzinger Art School in Detroit. Upon completing the program, Greg and Tim began to work for the Jam Handy Organization, animating training films for the auto industry, the military, and major US corporations. Here the brothers got their first taste of notoriety and recognition when Technique for Life, a film they worked on, won the coveted Golden Eagle award. In 1963, they moved to New York City and began work for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, creating art for his weekly TV show, Life is Worth Living, and producing films on world hunger. By 1969, the brothers decided to pursue a path other than filmmaking and focused their creative energy on commercial illustration. They began by illustrating children's books and advertising campaigns for several years. In 1975, they answered an open call from Ballantine Books to illustrate their 1976 J.R.R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings calendar. Over the next two years poured their hearts into the world of Wizards and Hobbits, creating 43 original paintings for the 1976, 1977, and 1978 Lord of the Rings calendars. When they finally emerged, they had created works of art that would change their lives and push the landscape of fantasy art. The trilogy of calendars was a massive commercial success, garnering the brothers' international fame and attention. The world officially began to know and recognize, The Brothers Hildebrandt. In 1977, a young filmmaker by the name of George Lucas needed a striking movie poster to help sell his latest film. Through an ad agency, Lucas Film hired the brothers to create what has since become one of the most recognizable movie posters in cinematic history. The movie, of course, was Star Wars. As the new decade emerged, the brothers began discussing their future as artists, and in 1981 decided to separate and pursue individual careers. Following in the tradition of many great illustrators, Greg focused on illustrated classics. The New York Times has said, "Fortunate the child or adult who receives a gift of classics richly illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt." After 12 long but productive years, Greg and Tim reunited once again to create the 1994 Fleer Marvel Masterpieces Trading Card Set. The Alexander Gallery in New York City exhibited these paintings in 1995. For their efforts, non-Sports Update magazine awarded Greg and Tim their coveted "Gummy" award. Greg and Tim would continue a long and successful career garnering attention and awards, including the Gold Medal from The Society of Illustrators, independently and as the Brothers Hildebrandt until Tim's passing in 2006 from complications due to diabetes. In his individual creative pursuits, Greg realized a lifelong artistic dream in 1999 by creating the American Beauties retro-style pinup series. In 2003, Greg became the exclusive artist for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a progressive rock band known for their large-scale stage shows and themes of hope. Now, in his 80's Greg continues to create and work every day, feverishly chasing his imagination and exploring the world of art around him. He recently began a new series titled "Kid Stuff." In it, Greg explores the passage of time and deterioration by rendering his childhood toys as they appear now weathered with age. These paintings are some of his most intriguing and thought-provoking works to date. His work continues to be sought after by collectors around the world. There is currently a documentary film in production about his life and career, slated to be released in 2022.