One of the things we like to do here at Comic Impact is feature various comic book artists each month. Some you may know and some that are new to you. The idea is to make people aware of the amazing talent that’s out there and hopefully to get you interested in reading new books! This month we’re taking a look into the mind of Nick Bradshaw.
1-Who are you and what are you known for?
My name is Nick Bradshaw and I am a Comic book Illustrator.
2-Who do you currently represent and what are you working on?
I am currently working for Marvel comics wrapping up a run on Wolverine and the X-men and starting soon on Guardians OF the Galaxy
3-How did you get into the world of comic art?
Ten years ago I started with posting fan art online for Army Of Darkness as I was a big geek for those films. it got spread around in forums and such and Dynamic forces had spotted having newly acquired the license they hit me up for art duties on the book.
4-Did you ever think as a kid that you would be working in the comics industry?
I figured if no one would hire me I would find a way to do it myself. Independent publishing was just starting then and there were a lot of like minded folks trying their own way in the industry.
5-Do you read comics and if so, what are your favorite titles?
I find I read a lot of older titles these days. my old classic House of mystery, older Cockrum X men runs. Recently reading my old Rom and Micronauts comics. Newer titles are Saga, Thor, Hawkeye various other titles from Image I always try out. Great stuff coming from those guys the last few years.
6-Who is your favorite comic book character?
Hulk
7-What artists or writers are your biggest influences?
Art Adams, Mike Weiringo, Jack Davis,Jason Pearson…I tend to lead towards more of the cartoonier illustrators since my style is more cartoony in and of itself.
8-Who is the one character that you’ve always wished you could put your artistic touch on?
Hulk…I got to draw him here and there a bit…but would love to tackle a full issue…just Hulk Smashin’…I will draw anything with glee though, I love it all.
9-How long does it take for you to complete a project, issue, or cover?
Depends, covers generally take 3-4 days with approvals, that’s pencils to final inks. I can do 3-4 pages casually a week that’s 10 hour days…I can do 9 to 12 pages a week if I am pressed.
10-What is your basic creative process for each project?
Breaking down the script. I make rough thumbs, then those get cleaned up and backgrounds get measured out. I print out the blulines at a larger scale, clean pencil on those and ink time willing.
11-Do you do most of your work traditionally, digitally, or a combination?
I use computer for scanning, some compositing and cleanup but all drawings are done traditional.
12-Have you ever met anyone you were star struck over?
My first con I went to I was sent at the last minute in Toronto. Had no prints, no art to show or sell as nothing had been printed yet…just a book of paper my name on an 8×10 loose leaf sheet . They sat me down between two seasoned pros with banners,stacks of art, books and computer screens. Jimmy Palmiotti came walking by , looked right at me and came forward to shake my hand and say hi. I was 22 and very green…meant the world to me. Then I got to ride home in a van with Will Eisner and Kaluta. That was awesome!
13-Do you buy any toys, busts and etc. based on some of your work?
Nope…my room is a shrine to classic Horror movies. All figures art and posters are themed to that. Only comic book stuff on my walls are original art.
14-What does your workspace look like?
Oh…I suppose like everyone else. I have two drafting tables. One in a corner with a glass top when I ink and my drafting table is a small craft drafting table. I had a nice big expensive one but just could never get comfortable with it. So my Partner uses it in her studio now.
15-What is the strangest thing that someone has asked you to draw?
Those Charmin Toilet paper bears…you know those unsanitary bears that dont even know how to wipe their bum. A mother was with her kids and she said since I am paying I want a drawing too! ( right before I could tell her I dont charge young kids for sketches) she plunked down 80$ and asked for those bears as a couple of superheroes.
16-Do you have any upcoming projects or plans you can share with us?
Sure! Medusa one shot! Guardians of the Galaxy! whole lotta cosmic funtimes in 2014…gonna be a blast!
17-Where can people find you and interact with you?
Gonna start doing a few more cons per year. I tend to limit it to 2-3 but I will try for a few more . Or they can find me online Through facebook, comicartfans…eventually twitter and Tumbler.
Noelle Raemer
Noelle@comicimpact.com