Cliff Cramp may have been a new name to fans attending Star Wars Celebration but his own connection to the GFFA goes back well before he illustrated the cover of Star Wars: The Complete Saga.
“I remember, as a 14 year-old kid in 1977 who grew up in house of very modest means, when my father came home early from work (something he never did) to take us to a new movie that was all the rage.” he explains. “The story of hope, and of friendship, and of overcoming still resonates. And to see all of the young people at Star Wars Celebration is proof of that.”
“Star Wars Celebration brings people together.” says Cramp. “We met so many people, all of them kind. I got to meet artists whose work I admire. The kids that came to my booth that would love to be illustrators in the future were a joy – talking art, Star Wars, and the process of developing one’s craft was delightful.”
A sports fan, Cramp sees similarities between the generational love of Star Wars and America’s favorite pastime.
“I’m a big baseball fan because it transcends generations.” says Cramp. “The young and old can get together and speak of it on the same level without barriers. We each love our team, but the love of the game brings us together. Star Wars is the only entertainment property that does the same. It transcends generations. ”
Cramp, who celebrated his 34th wedding anniversary with his wife Laura during the show, describes what it was like to meet so many fans from around the world while in Chicago.
“Star Wars Celebration was an awesome experience for my family and me.” As I reflect, the word that would best describe this event for me would have to be “connection”. You wonderful people came from everywhere around the globe to meet and experience your shared interest and passion with contagious energy and exuberance. I enjoyed each personal connection and hearing your stories. We made new friends and deepened older ones through this experience.”
“Toxic fandom” has sadly become synonymous with Star Wars fans in some circles of the media, but Cramp as well as the thousands of fans who attended Celebration, saw the true face of our fandom.
“This event was completely positive. It was an honor to sign The Complete Saga Blu-Ray box set for so many and it was especially nice to hear how loved the image still is. My creative Director Cheryl Savala would be overjoyed to hear that.”
“Sometimes illustrators work in their studios and don’t get to interact with the fan base all that often. Events like this help you understand when you are hitting the mark and what needs to be changed in the future, all through very positive interaction.”
Above all Cramp wants Star Wars Celebration fans to know his gratitude.
“Thank you for being so kind to my family. Star Wars Celebration brings people together. I love what I do and am happy to be able to share it with you all. I want to express my deep appreciation to you all.”
To learn more about Cliff Cramp and his work visit his website HERE and be sure to subscribe to his social media accounts on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and TWITTER.
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