This Baylor alum helped create the look of films like Jurassic Park, Star Trek & Indiana Jones

When David J. Negrón Sr. (BA ’61) walked the halls of Baylor University, he was majoring in mathematics — but his creative spark was impossible to ignore. During his time on campus, Negrón was actively involved with Student Activities and found support (both emotional and financial) from Marie Mathis, director of the Student Union Building, who recognized his artistic talent.

That encouragement proved pivotal.

His passion led him to pursue professional art training after graduation, ultimately launching a remarkable career as a conceptual painter, illustrator and storyboard artist in the motion picture industry.

Negrón’s work helped visualize scenes for some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history. From Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark to Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Blade Runner, his concept art and storyboards brought cinematic worlds to life long before cameras rolled.

Along the way, he also created dynamic posters and production illustrations for classics like Hello, Dolly! and Doctor Doolittle, and his artwork has been collected by industry legends — including Steven Spielberg and the Disney family. In 1997, Negrón was inducted into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for his notable contributions to the motion picture industry.

Negrón returned to Baylor as a guest speaker in 2014; while visiting, he unveiled a portrait he painted of Mathis (seen above) — artwork that is still on display today in the Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB), just outside Barfield Drawing Room. (Negrón passed away in 2021 at age 85.)

Looking back on his journey from Baylor math student to Hollywood artist, Negrón’s career shows how a Baylor education can open doors to unexpected creative adventures. His legacy lives on in the films and images that continue to inspire audiences around the world.

Sic ’em, David!