I really can’t think of any other piece of cinema or literature that has influenced me in the way that Star Wars has. It was my first love and remains a comfort for me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to look at it more critically than I did when I first saw it, but it makes me appreciate it more, that it can stir these kinds of conversations: if art is ever-changing, how do we make something long-lasting remain relevant? What is diversity? How do we support creators who dare to question/challenge the status quo? Do we abandon certain fans who the series has outgrown? When is fan-service too much? How much control should a single person have over a creative work and why? Should I make something that can last for years? Or should I make self-contained stories with a definite ending? How comfortable would I be sharing my work with others, to collaborate with them to create something even better than I could imagine? Am I ready or prepared to challenge others to think about themselves? Am I ready or prepared to see people taking my work out of context or adopting it for their own nefarious purposes?

These are just a few of the questions I’ve asked myself since May of this year (I cannot believe I’m finally done with this challenge, y’all). I expect more will come, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I will always look to Star Wars for at least some inspiration, even if it what I do not want to do.

Thank you, George Lucas. You gave me a gift.

Art Credit: 99 Designs