From Doctor Who to Star Wars, how artist Matthew Savage has shaped striking on-screen worlds
Creative Bloq
by James Clarke February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Matthew Savage, a renowned concept artist with over two decades of experience, has left an indelible mark on iconic films such as *Doctor Who*, *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*, and *The Batman*. His journey began humbly, starting as an art department assistant, which provided him with invaluable insights into the inner workings of film production. This hands-on experience allowed him to build relationships across various departments, ultimately leading to opportunities on high-profile projects like *Doctor Who* in 2004, where he contributed to the redesign of the TARDIS’s interior. Despite the challenges of entering the industry without connections, Savage’s patience and determination paid off, landing him on major films and fostering a deep understanding of design principles.
A key aspect of Savage’s approach is his emphasis on grounding imaginative designs in real-world functionality. He believes that for audiences to connect with fantastical elements, they must have a tangible basis. Drawing inspiration from iconic sci-fi works like *Star Trek* and *2001: A Space Odyssey*, Savage integrates functional design principles into his art. For instance, in *Alien: Romulus*, he designed the Corbelan IV mining hauler by considering practical elements like pressure and space constraints, ensuring each detail served a purpose. This blend of creativity and realism is evident in his work on projects like *Halo*, where he conceptualized Halsey’s Lab, merging futuristic aesthetics with practical design logic.
Savage’s influence extends beyond individual projects; his work sets a standard for concept artists. By balancing fantastical elements with functional design, he ensures that imaginary worlds feel authentic and relatable to audiences. His ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources while maintaining a clear artistic
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 2/15/2026