Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Chris Dreier

Do you have a set routine?
Not really. I wish I did. I work from home for my “real” job which affords me the ability to work on stuff when I need/want to. Sounds great, but sometimes I end up mismanaging time. 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?
A page a day is a good goal. I never make it, though. Recently, it’s been difficult to nail down what my daily output should be.

What inspires you WHEN you create? Music? Noise? Silence?
When I’m writing I listen to ambient sounds, like thunder storms, rain or even a fan. Complete silence drives me bonkers.
When inking, coloring, or lettering I have on a movie, it’s usually Rifftrax. It keeps me in a good mood.

Who was the first comic book creator that influenced you to pursue this?
John Byrne and Terry Austin dragged me in. George Perez kept me here.

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?
I made my own comics going back to 4th grade, in my teenage years I made photocopied small press books,  when I was in my late teens early 20’s I started submitting to publishers. I guess I never thought I couldn’t.

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?
That first idea. I have ideas jotted down in a bunch of notebooks. But finding the ones that work together. I for one, cannot sit in front of my computer and say, “Okay, I’m gonna create today” and just start writing.

What else do you have to learn?
Everything. I’m still learning inking, story telling, character development. You can never stop learning. Been watching Akihito Yoshitomi’s YouTube channel now for over a year and half. We’re about the same age and I’m still learning from him.

What keeps you motivated to get better?
The next project. Comments from the readers, good or bad. I just want to make the best comics I can.

Can you turn your brain (creativity) off (and on)?
Not really. On occasion, it seems like it’s been a long time where I haven’t really had an idea and then, bam! A dozen pour in my head.

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?
Have something to fall back on…actually, plan for that first. 😉

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?
Yes I do, actually. So far so good. 🙂 

How do you handle the slow times?
I don’t handle them well. LOL 

How do you feel about the industry?
No comment.

Do you have a website or link to promote your work?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOIzh2Drl2L7CbSDTmEIgEA

 

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by the above creator are theirs. This interview may not 

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