Visionary Behind Iconic Movie Posters Dies at 94

In a significant loss for the design community, renowned graphic artist Saul Bass Gips died in 2025 at the age of 94. Gips, a Bronx native, was a visionary whose work left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gips designed some of the most iconic movie posters and logos of the 20th century. In 1983, he created the instantly recognizable logo for ESPN, which has become a staple of the sports network. Gips also lent his talents to the History channel and the rock band .38 Special, designing their logos as well.

However, Gips' most acclaimed works were his movie posters, which have been celebrated for their unique and captivating designs. His poster for the 1979 film Alien, featuring a cracking egg emitting a eerie green glow, has become a classic. Similarly, his poster for the 1968 thriller Rosemary's Baby, with its silhouette of a pram against a sickly green backdrop, was praised by critics as an example of the "best movie posters."

In 2001, Premiere magazine recognized Gips' contributions by including three of his works - Alien, Rosemary's Baby, and Downhill Racer - in their list of the "50 Best Movie Posters of All Time." This accolade cemented Gips' status as a true master of his craft.

Gips' passing in 2025 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of designers and filmmakers to come.