Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of Rick McCollum
What inspires you to create and keeps you going?
I am inspired by my constant reading and studying. I keep going because I must. Lots of health issues (I led a hard life on my body. Most problems my own fault.) If I stop I’m that much closer to dying.
Do you have a set routine?
I try to do at least 3 hrs. of making art-painting and drawing-a day. I succeed usually 5 days a week. I usually work very late at night, while Karen sleeps.
What kind of output do you try to achieve?
I’m a slow painter since I’m heavy into detail and not afraid to re-paint. Back in the day I could do 2 pages of full pencils a day. Now, I’m looking at 2 pages a week for out planned graphic novel.
What inspires you WHEN you create? Music? Noise? Silence?
Used to listen to talk radio for years. Music now: Bowie, Yes, Tull, ELP, Alannis, Joni, music of my youth, mostly, It’s a Beautiful Day, Pink Floyd.
Who was the first comic book creator that influenced you to pursue this?
Steranko!
When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?
In high school (graduated 1972)
What do you find to be a challenge in creating?
Time and fatigue. After 3 or 4 hours I start making mistakes.
What else do you have to learn?
Everything! Always something new!
What keeps you motivated to get better?
Seeing art from the greats: BWS, Jones, Kaluta, too many to list.
Can you turn your brain (creativity) off (and on)?
- I’m always thinking of writing and composition of art.
Booster Shots
What advice do you have for aspiring creators?
Never stop drawing/practicing. Only way to improve. Try to know everyone. Often success is simply being in the right place at the right time (luck)
Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?
Never. More ideas than I could ever execute.
How do you handle the slow times?
It’s pretty much always slow. Far more creators than opportunities.
How do you feel about the industry?
Destroyed by distribution monopolies, “event” books and crossovers, obsession with glossy paper leading to high unity prices.
And do you have a website you would want to direct folks to?
Website under (painfully slow) construction.
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.