Interview with Nicholas Ivins [nicholasivins] on Whohub

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What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?

I am an illustrator and graphic designer. I also do websites, but don't tell anybody.

But in my heart of hearts, I think I've always thought of myself primarily as a comics creator, since that's where my passions and interests gravitate to.

What is your message?

Too many to count! My work almost always has some sort of philosophical/moral underpinning to it, and it ranges across all sorts of topics and levels of seriousness. But it all boils down to two goals: making people laugh and making people think. And impressing girls.

Your biography in four lines.

Do you upload your work to the web? If so, where could we see it?

How is an idea born? For you, what is inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration arises out of the beauty of the mundane, the grandeur of the unassuming details we tend to pass over. Sometimes it's the way some random girl has her hair tied up, or a shift in the way I feel about my physical appearance. Basically, if it's too weird or boring for most people, I'm all up in that.

What role does technology play in your creative process?

Well, every single tool I use is technology, technically speaking... But I assume you mean advanced stuff. I've always greatly valued the things people can do with their hands and the most basic materials and I have an aversion to work that is too slick and digital. After a certain point those flawless vectorized shapes and gradient fills become soulless and say nothing.

But I use computers and software on a regular basis and I value the strengths and advantages they offer. At the very least I enjoy the ability to revise my work (primarily color) quickly and in many different ways, as well as correcting mistakes and typos. And the web is always a great resource and time-waster when it comes to those last minute deadlines.

It's a value of how much creativity is imbued in an object or act. I don't see it as an either/or parameter, but rather a percentage of every action humans perform on a daily basis. They way we each do our signature is unique, so that contains at least 1% art. When I sit down to do a drawing in order to give an idea form, that's 100% art. If a magazine asks me to do an illustration on something I don't particularly care about, it's part art and the other part wanting to get paid/having my work seen/an opportunity to impress the art director who might be single and a woman/man.

When do you get your best ideas?

Anytime ever except for the when I'm in front of my drawing table. Seriously. Whenever I sit there and try to come up with something - nothing. But if I'm at work and supposed to be concentrating on an assignment, or supposed to be listening to my mom's latest anecdotes about the cats - boom, that's when the creative engine's blasting full steam ahead. Life's cruel that way!

How do you evaluate whether an idea is good or not?

It's the same as asking how I evaluate whether a food is good or not. Once it hits the tongue, I pretty much know almost immediately. Granted, sometimes things grow on me and other lose their taste over time, but for me it's mostly an instinctive thing I've learned to trust.

I could come up with a very general laundry list, but above all else it must be original, either in theory, execution, or both. I either want to be doing things no one's ever thought of, or doing things in ways no one's every come up with. Or both! Because otherwise, it begs the question, "What's the point?"

Three creative ideas that you would have liked to have created?

Putting insects in boxes under glass was a stroke of genius and has given birth to millions of conversation-starters throughout history! And prevented my wall from being quite so bare.

Other than that, not much.

When and how did you begin to see yourself as an artist?

For as long as I can remember.

Why do so many artists and creators have such volatile personalities?

Volatile! Did someone say that about me? Who, blast you! *begins crying and throws drawings into the fireplace*

I think artists and creators have as varied personalities as any group of people. I really don't recall meeting many who were volatile, and if they were, it's because they were just assholes; it wasn't an art thing.

But I'll play along and say that artists obviously have a very personal connection to the work they do. For many, the art is merely an extension of themselves, and attacking it or trying to marginalize it is an analogous offense.

Do you consider yourself postmodern?

Oh, my stars, yes! I'd like to tell you how, but that wouldn't be very post-modern. Instead I'll do a drawing of myself standing in front of a mirror, but looking AWAY. Eh?

How should a work of art be evaluated?

$$$

Just kidding(?). Every person needs to come up with that answer themselves. For me, originality is key. It has become so much more important with the proliferation of the web and other media outlets. Simply put, we're exposed to so much generic crap that artists have to try that much harder to find their own unique voice.

Must an artist reinvent him/herself everyday?

"Reinvent" is such a strong word. It's like asking "How often should a house be rebuilt?" My answer would be "only when necessary." Continual touch-ups and inspections are always a good idea, though.

I think every artist's work changes naturally as they age, since it is (or at least should be) a representation of who they are as a person. I think making a conscious effort to change one's style is going to result in work that is forced and indicative of current trends and fads. Once an artist has found their voice, they should simply let it grow and develop as time goes on, as if it were a child. Or very intelligent pet. Like a chimp or something, I don't know.

What do you think about public funding for the arts?

Does it pain you to let go of a piece you have sold?

At first it kind of did, but I think it's something you get over. Besides, there's always photos/scans.

Is a work of art purchased, or is it better said, that it is the artist who is bought?

Enough of your existential claptrap!

I think if anything it's a snapshot of who the artist was when they did the piece. Depending on the artist, it might be consistent 50 years later or it might be unrecognizable in a month.

In art, there is no guide. How do you know what the next step is?

Instinct and talent mitigated by experience.

How do you feel about the fact that the pieces exhibited in contemporary art museums are often of artists already deceased?

I don't think we should kid ourselves that museums are anything more than businesses. Or rather, banks.

That's not really my scene anyway, so whatever, MOMA's!

What types of jobs do you usually do?

Which of your jobs or tasks do you most enjoy?

Logo design is always fun. You know, the reason why anybody gets into graphic design.

Web design is oddly amusing, as well. Compared to the artistic stuff I do, it's practically engineering, but certain areas of my personality are tickled by the organizational/analytical side of that.

Do you personally collect any items?

Framed insects. Religious propaganda. Iron Man action figures.

Which websites do you frequently visit?

What advice would you give to those just beginning?

"Is this what you really want to do?"

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