Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Elena Casagrande

What inspires you to create and keeps you going?

The common flame of all my works is to create stories that can let the readers enjoy them, so give them emotions and something beautiful to remember; but I like to accept always new challenges every time in order to improve myself and don’t get annoyed.

Do you have a set routine?

Actually not, following the step of the process I’m working on I have few identical actions that I repeat (like to print the script instead of keep it digital or made a final pdf of the issue to control if the issue works or not). 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

The one that give me feels like a reader could have.

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

It depends. Silence for reading the script and made thumbs of the whole issue; sometimes music for the pencils and movies or tv-series for the inks, but lately those kind most of all. 

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

“Pinky” by Massimo Mattioli. I copied his characters many times and created new stories with them all the time. I was 8. 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

After the high-school I’ve attended in a school of comics at the same time of the University: after six months of both I understood that comics were my only path.

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

To be original and communicative at the same time.  

What else do you have to learn?

How to be better in my work everyday (like drawing animals!)… and I hope I won’t never stop to improve! 

What keeps you motivated to get better?

Happy readers and drawings that after months I still like them. 

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

No, never. If I’m not drawing, I’m making some projects for my kid or for my home… I’m not creative only when if I want a specific result I have to follow specific rules.

 

Booster Shots

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

Never give up and keep drawing every day, follow a lot of other artists (and initially copy from them, just recognizing it), their WIP, tips or critiques, show your results to get feedback and be modest but dynamic, read a lot of comics of every kind and a lot of movies, tv series or cartoons… you can’t know from where the best inspiration can be from!

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

Yes, I do, often: when I have these kind of moments usually I start to drawing like I’d be at a convention or at a session sketch, because that different point of view gives to my brain different input that help it to find a solution. 

How do you handle the slow times?

First answer: I accept them, or I try to do it at least. It’s normal to don’t be always to out best, especially for an artist: we receive influences from everything and often we get overloaded, don’t speak for our personal lives! So, when you’re slow, don’t panic, take it easy: luckily you’re not a doctor.

Second answer: the really few slow moment I like to travel or meet friends, anyway stay out of home, because it’s home where I use to work.

Website you want to promote?

Yes: my IG profile @casagrade_e and my blog larawest.blogspot.com , where people can find everything about me!

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

be reprinted or reposted without permission.