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INTERVIEW 1 - RUSS NICHOLSON - PART 2 « previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | next » FFG: Were you happy with your contribution to the FF legacy? On the whole yes. I was delighted to have been involved from the beginning with Steve and Ian and wished I had done more after Citadel of Chaos, especially as I felt a few of the drawings (which I had done at a different repro scale to Warlock) had been a little less successful than I had hoped for. But I didn't get a chance again until three years later - for I had gone to work in Papua New Guinea and the Puffin editors of the books (at that time) decided they could not solicit work from such a distance. This did not stop my output of work for I did Fantasy game books and other types of illustration for other publishers. But the FF series was closed to me until my return when having contacted the new editor, found I was most welcome, and was given Masks of Mayhem - and so was again working on the series. If I have a regret it was never being offered any of the "Space" FF Adventures - a type of art I love to do. But even here, one tends to be "pigeon - holed". FFG: What of all your FF covers are you most proud and least proud of? Non are mine. Except one printed in Holland or Denmark. FFG: Why? I did have the opportunity to work on the cover of Warlock but it was before the nature of the content had been decided. It was chaos. Three changes in editor, Three different cover ideas searching for what was wanted (I should have produced roughs only). Result - no time left as the main book illustrations needed to start, and the work was "Stiffening" so I reluctantly had to stop trying for the result everybody wanted. Was never offered a chance again FFG: Which interior illustrations and book were you most happy with? Hard one. Most of Warlock, lots in the others; Trolltooth Wars, especially as I had the opportunity, thanks to Steve and the editor, to create the layout and select the illustrations for inclusion in the book. In truth, I was happy with most of the work, only a weak subject tended to lead to a not so satisfactory drawing. But I always attempted to do the best I was capable of and rarely was told to change anything. FFG: How were you approached to illustrate the FF books, especially the brilliant illustrations of so many FF books? Long story - when I have more time. You could ask Steve and Ian, it was there idea. FFG: Why did you redesign the Warlock Cover? I did not. My involvement was ended with my termination fee. The Warlock of the interior came a bit later. When He came "alive" I knew what should be on the cover. But I was never consulted. Even the colouring is another's interpretation. I coloured him once - First Prize in some Irish FF competition - I asked for no fee, except copies, and to be told whom had won. But aside from the copies Puffin Publicity gave me no news. I always wonder WHO won and if he/she liked the picture. FFG: What made you start Illustrating? A need to draw the worlds I see. Corny but true FFG: What influence did you have over the interior illustrations and cover? I was usually given a written description of the text to be illustrated, the rest was up to me. Covers were never discussed with me. I suggested a dragon for the cover of Warlock and was told pointedly none were to appear in the book. But the illustrator did do a nice job. As for any thing else - only what has been mentioned. FFG: Were you ever suprised by the success of the books No. But it has always been a pleasure to see them printed in so many languages. |