Back to where it all began! Tales From Nottingham #5 is Now Available!

Q: What does your creative process look like, and where do you draw inspiration from?

Damien: When I conceptualize a story, I initially try to find a motivation that I can connect with to a character. For example, when I wrote Robin in this issue, I realized I didn’t have anything particularly in common with him. I’m not a zealot or not remotely as ruthless as he is, but I had to find a way to connect to him. I had to equate his passion for England and Richard to something in my life that I would do anything for. Then when I figure out motivations, I start building out how the story unfolds and cool ways show those motivations.

But I draw inspiration from many places including video games like Final Fantasy, God of War, and The Last of Us to other creators like Brian Hawkins, David Hazan, Jarred Lujan, Rachel Distler, Kenneth Laster, Akira Brown and so many others.

Rafael: Well the first step is reading the script and talking with the writer, in this case it’s the absolutely wonderful Damien Becton. Me and Damien hashed out the pacing of the story before he made his first draft. He’s a great collaborator and he was always open to adding or combining panels to help tell the story better; I’m especially grateful for the trust he gave me when it came to the action scenes!
After reading the script, I do research and gather reference. I then practice drawing the characters to familiarize myself with their designs, like with Robin below.