Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Dean Zachary

Dean is one of the many talented creators working on Roland Mann’s relaunched comics line Silverline Comics

-Bill

What inspires you to create and keeps you going? 

Powerful and dynamic art has always inspired me to create comics. I was initially inspired by film directors from Cecil B. DeMille and Orson Welles to Spielberg, Lucas and Ridley Scott. Along with cinema, John Byrne, Frank Frazetta, and Neal Adams inspired me with their more reality based but still “surreal” cinematic style of comic book rendering. Choosing the highlight stills of the “movies in my mind”  is how I translated storytelling on paper. I knew Comic Book Illustration was where I was heading. 

Do you have a set routine?

Yes, I work when I’m home from my Day Job, and on Weekends. I usually “saturate” my mind with comic artists I admire, then put on a soundtrack that fits the genre I’m drawing. This approach creates an atmosphere that feeds my imagination. 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

At my peak, when drawing comics full time,  I would always try to draw a Page a Day. As a hobby, production time varies due to my available time to focus on the drawing.  I still aim for a Page a Day.

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

Music. For example, If I’m drawing Epic Fantasy, I listen to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. Also, “preloading” my mind by reviewing my favorite artists gets the creative energy flowing.

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

Neal Adams on Batman. 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

At the age of 14, I realized I wanted to be an Artist. After getting a degree in Graphic Design and working in the Ad Business, at the age of 26,I realized that I wanted to actually illustrate comic books. I began submitting storytelling pages at that time.

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

Production Speed.  I never had a problem inventing the images. Creating on a regular schedule was and remains the most challenging part of the job for me.

What else do you have to learn?

Along with Time Management, you have to learn to draw everything from Human Anatomy, Environments, Architecture, Cars, Gadgets, Military Gear, Sci Fi Vehicles, and more.  You also have to learn to “Imply” what you don’t have time to draw in detail.

What keeps you motivated to get better?

The act of creating along with the fan’s reactions both compel me to keep drawing and getting better. After all these years, I still love to draw.

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

Getting into the creative zone is not a “mechanical switch” for me.  I have to immerse myself into my creative inspirations for a few hours to get up to that productive creative speed.

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

Draw something every day, and include Backgrounds, Tech, Cars, and other “Props” you see in comic books.  Don’t just draw Character Pinups and think that will get you a job.  Tell stories that have Environments along with your characters, then put this material online regularly to build a following.

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

Not at all.  The only thing I worry about is running out of time to draw my ideas.

How do you handle the slow times?

I work on Idea Pitches and Concepts for future comic books. Since I have a “Day Job” I no longer have to worry about hunting paying work between comic jobs.

How do you feel about the industry?

Because we now have the Internet as our direct connection to fans, we no longer have to build “political networks” with the Big Two publishers to get our work seen.  Creators can now reach an international audience by putting their comic books online!  Now is the best time to be a Comic Book Creator! As I say in my Opening Introduction to my Wednesday Wham Podcast: “Creating Beyond Calculation, Beyond Politics and Beyond the Big 2!” Now is the time!  Go out there and CREATE!

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

be reprinted or reposted without permission.