Fansite and webcomic Sonic the Comic Online has published an in-depth interview with artist 2000AD artist Richard Elson, covering the seven years he spent wowing a generation on the 1990s Sega tie-in title Sonic the Comic.

The interview includes some of his concept sketches, delves into his working habits, and the creative process behind Sonic the Comic‘s stories, and who he prefers out of Sonic and Mario.

Asked for advice for would be artists, Elson comments: “It’s boring, but it’s true. The very best advice that I can give you is practice, practice, practice. I’ve said it so many times, but it is true: drawing is not a spectator sport.

“The only way that you can get better is by doing it. Assimilate as many positive influences as you can, but, most of all, keep your eyes and ears open. Life is the best lesson and the more you can absorb from the reality around you, the richer your work will be.”

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

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Tags: Comic Artists