Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Dave Ryan

What inspires you to create and keeps you going? 

Alone time. When I’m alone whether it be working a security job or driving somewhere I get to think of new ideas and characters. I’m not sure anything particularly inspires me though outside of my imagination.

 

Do you have a set routine? 

Not really, much to my chagrin. I used to be a nighttime guy but now that I’m 56 that no longer applies. I try to start work around 10am.

 

What kind of output do you try to achieve? 

I go job to job. Get the job done when I feel physically and mentally ready to take it on. I’m pretty fast when I get going though. Consistency is always the enemy.

 

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

I play the best of Billie Holiday for starters, then random music. When I canvas paint I like to watch an inspiring movie like Pollock or Frida.

 

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

I loved John Buscema and Rudy Nebres as a kid, still do. 

 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself? 

I’m just really embracing it in the past few years. It wasn’t something I particularly wanted because of frustrations in the industry.

 

What do you find to be a challenge in creating? 

Completing books. As an artist my mind bounces all over the place with ideas, which isn’t a good thing when you have a job to finish.

 

What else do you have to learn? 

Oh god, so much. A lot of comic artists compare themselves to others and that makes it hard to be original and leads to withdrawal. I have a difficult time visualizing and doing layouts. At least I think I do.

 

What keeps you motivated to get better? 

Lately, I’ve embraced my portrait work into my comic style. Years ago you were forced to draw a certain way or you were good enough to make it. It was frustrating. Now I just do what I want with what I’m good at.

 

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

It can be turned off to an extent outside of physical exhaustion. 

 

Booster Shots

 

What advice do you have for aspiring creators? 

Learn and keep practicing every day. Find out what you’re good at and embrace it. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to what you’re good at and confidently knock some walls down.

 

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas? 

No. The one thing I love doing is creating new characters and ideas. 

 

How do you handle the slow times? 

The slow times are usually self-induced by exhaustion. Since I do my own thing, I pace myself accordingly.

 

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

be reprinted or reposted without permission.