| Photoart for Stormtrooper Cardback Image | |
| This is the original photo for the Stormtrooper, as it was presented on cardbacks along with similar photos from the other action figures Kenner produced at a given time. Each figure is pictured in some sort of eye-catching setting, as you can see on this Empire Strikes Back 21 back. Kenner used this advertising method on their cardbacks until close to the end of the Empire Strikes Back line (41C backs are the last), when larger group photos against a generic background were used.
Basically, the term photoart applies to photographs that have been modified or enhanced in some way--usually using airbrushed paint effects--so that they may be used as the masters for mass-produced printed images. Today, with most commercial graphics work being done on computers with the help of programs like Adobe Photoshop, I suspect there is little need for hand-created photoart in the toy business. But during the '80s, when Kenner was producing their Star Wars line, it was standard practice. This photo has a number of highlighted areas, especially on the gun and the white parts of the armor. Oddly enough, the yellow "sun" is painted on the fabric background in the photo, and not applied to the photo itself. |
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| Description by: | John Wooten |
| Photo: | John Wooten |
| From the collection of: | John Wooten |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | A New Hope |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1977 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Product Artwork |
