Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs Anthony D. Lee

What inspires you to create and keeps you going?

It can be anything on a given day, really. A scene in a movie or TV show, or even something I see when I’m walking around, even a snippet of a conversation I overhear, many things spark off ideas for me. They drive me to make something.

Do you have a set routine?

I try to, it helps to keep me focused. Set working hours. After all, this is a job, and working from home you have to have a bit of discipline. But I make time for fun too.

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

On a deadline, at least one page a day of sequential stuff. More if it’s a simple scene. In between assignments, waiting for pages, etc, I like to draw at least one thing a day.

What inspires you WHEN you create? Music? Noise? Silence?

I like to close off. I always work with headphones on playing favourite music.

 Who was the first comic book creator that influenced you to pursue this?

Hmm, I’m not entirely sure. I grew up with all those great artists of the 70s and early 80s to look at, images of many parks by many artists come to mind. They’re all in there somewhere.

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

I had wanted to for many years, and tried and tried. Wanted to be a penciler, but not good enough or fast enough for regular deadline work. Same with inking. I’m competent at both, but it’s colouring where I really found my groove. Once colouring clicked it all started to really move along for me.

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

Figure work and hands. Don’t we all..? Haha…

What else do you have to learn?

I hope I never stop learning. That would be a sad day indeed.

What keeps you motivated to get better?

Looking at everyone else’s art. Once I stop crying and trying to break all my pencils, I get back at it.

Can you turn your brain (creativity) off (and on)?

Good grief, no. It’s always there in the background.

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

Draw, see the mistakes, learn from that, draw again. See other mistakes, draw again. Repeat ad infinitum.

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

I worry more about how to implement the ideas once they spark.

How do you handle the slow times?

Draw, stock up on inventory for conventions. Much easier if someone wants a Howard the Duck, and you’ve already got one.

How do you feel about the industry?

We are living in… Interesting times. Fans are not always kind about the products, or the creators. But the industry will weather it, I’m sure. I’m just happy anyone wants to see the stuff I help get out there.

Do you have a website where people can check out your work?

https://anthonydlee.wixsite.com/adleeart