John Alvin was an movie campaign artist who created many posters including Mel Brook's "Blazing Saddles in 1974. He was born on the 24th November 1948 and died on the 6th of February 2008, he was 59.
Alvin had worked with many directors towards their film advertising including: Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks, Blake Edwards, George Lucas and Ridley Scott. The directors have said that they all loved going to Alvin because he gave amazing work and gave them a great experience.
Alvin's big break came when Mel Brooks asked him create the film poster for "Blazing Saddles", only 4 ears after he had graduated from the Art Centre College of Design. Not long after the movie was released Brooks also wanted Alvin to create the film poster for his new film "Young Frankenstein" (one of my favourite films). Soon after these films were released along with Alvin's work many other directors were demanding for him. Alvin had created over 135 movie posters during his 35 year career.
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One of Alvins greatest quality was that he is able in infuse art and feeling into posters. This was why Disney wanted to hire Alvin to do the movie poster for "The Lion King". Disney said that "Alvin's' work inspired Disney and that he brings emotion and magic into his work". Alvin did 16 different movie posters and paintings for Disney.