To celebrate Star Wars: The Force Awakens arriving in theaters this December 18, Fandango commissioned some of the finest original Star Wars artwork the galaxy has to offer. (You can scope out a bunch of it right here.)

Among the pieces -- which highlight every film in the franchise so far -- is this fantastic nod to all seven movies... in one image! 

There was only one man with enough Jedi power to put together a piece of artwork that beautifully acknowledges every single Star Wars movie so far, and that's Paul Shipper -- self-proclaimed Star Wars junkie and an officially licensed Lucasfilm artist.

What does that mean, exactly?

"Basically you become a licensed Lucasfilm artist once you have your first job approved by Lucasfilm," Shipper tells Fandango. "It's a lot less glamorous than it sounds but for me it felt like a dream come true."

After an initial rejection by Lucasfilm, Shipper got a phone call the next day notifying him that a licensee saw his work and wanted him on board. The rest is history. "Creating my first official Star Wars art was a milestone in my personal career. It didn't necessarily make much difference to my career at that time but by God it was a personal achievement for sure, being such a fan of the films and Star Wars being partly responsible for me choosing the career of an illustrator." 
 
 

Paul Shipper's Favorite Star Wars Pieces (and Why They Mean So Much to Him) 

 

"Over the years I have enjoyed drawing and painting Star Wars. Here is a selection of some of my favorites..."
 
 
"Star Wars: Battle of Hoth created for a limited-edition tin. The art brief was to work alongside the special edition posters created by Drew Struzan. This was my first official work for Lucasfilm."
Client: Lucasfilm/WizKids Entertainment 2007
 
 
 
"Character Illustrations for the 'Official Star Wars Roleplaying Game' for Wizards of the Coast/Lucasfilm. I created many sketches and character pieces for the roleplaying game sourcebooks."
 
"Yoda Vs Dooku - For Topps Inc./Lucasfilm 2011. I have created a few pieces for Topps over the years, I think this was my second one for them."
 
 
 
"This one was used by Topps in the same set (2011) but was the reverse side of many of the special cards."
 
 
 
"Another one for Topps. In 2013 they asked me to reimagine the famous Jung/Hildebrandt Star Wars poster in my own style." 
 
 
 
"Recently -- and being excited for The Force Awakens --  I have created a few character portraits… I think this droid one is possibly my favorite."

 

So just what kind of a Star Wars fan is Paul Shipper? Let's find out.

Fandango: First Star Wars movie you ever watched in a theater?

Shipper: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Favorite Star Wars movie moment?

Wow - I don’t think I have a favorite - there are so many!

Luke Skywalker or Han Solo?

Han Solo

If you were tasked with creating a Star Wars character, what would he/she be called?

Haha! I actually created a Jedi character when I was younger playing the Star Wars Role-playing Game. His name was Jai Maris. If I could sum up his characteristics I’d say he was a cross between Luke and Han.

The Star Wars vehicle you'd most like to own in real life?

Got to be the Millennium Falcon, athough always had an affinity to the speederbike and the Imperial shuttle...

Give us your official ranking of all six Star Wars movies...

A New Hope

Empire Strikes Back

Return of the Jedi

Attack of the Clones

Revenge of the Sith

Phantom Menace