Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs David Michael Beck

 

What inspires you to create and keeps you going?

I have always had a lot of energy directed at my artwork.  I have never had a lack of ideas to work on nor a lack of energy to act upon it.  I’ve just always wanted to be the best artist I can be,…so it’s a work in progress.

 

Do you have a set routine?

I get up early and work an 8-12 hour day, go to bed early,…all or part of seven days a week.  But I do take time to be with family and friends.

 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

I don’t think about an amount of work to produce.  I just naturally produce a good amount of artwork in a year’s time.

 

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

When I am brainstorming, or concentrating on work that requires no interference I’m running silent & deep.  When I’m working in a process I often have music playing of various genres.

 

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

It wasn’t any one artist who affected my direction into comics.  I had wanted to work in the industry  for a long time and so I decided to act upon it and create a portfolio targeted directly at the comic, gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy publication markets.

 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

I’ve always known I could affect these industries and work successfully in them.

 

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

Coming up with new and original concepts and new and different approaches to executing the imagery is always a challenge.  It is all a challenge that I relish.

 

What else do you have to learn?

I have so much to learn,…it never stops,…there are not enough hours in a day, nor days in a year, nor years in a lifetime to learn everything I need to know.

 

What keeps you motivated to get better?

I want to be the best artist I can be.

 

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

Hardly,…I am constantly thinking of things to draw and paint,…I don’t want to turn it off.

 

 

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

My best advice is to work hard at your craft constantly,…every day preferably.  Target your work in the areas that give you pleasure and with great tenacity submit your work constantly, and hopefully you will profit from all the effort.  Never give up,…never give in!

 

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

I never worry about running out of ideas,…ever!

 

How do you handle the slow times?

There are no slow times,…I keep at it every day.

 

How do you feel about the industry?

I feel the industry is in flux, trying to adjust to all of the market pressures, and the shifting of public interest regarding entertainment platforms, content, etc.

 

And do you have a website you would want to direct folks to?

www.davidmichaelbeck.com

www.catskillcomics.com

www.davidmichaelbeck.net

DMB

 

 

Bill Nichols

Author, Artist, Editor for ShoutFyre.com
Bill is the creator of Arteest & Ursula comics, writer for Ringtail Cafe, co-creator of Savage Family, writer and inker of HellGirl: Demonseed. Editor for ShoutFyre and Sketch Magazine. Co-author of Camelot Forever novel series.