5 Questions for Illustrator Nic Johnson

I can't draw a lick. 

But, fortunately for me, my dude Nic Johnson can draw with the best of 'em (watch 1-minute time-lapse video below). 



In 2012, I wrote a series of children's books called Grits & The Grimels. In 2015, I got serious about getting those books published. I began praying and searching for an illustrator. Fortunately, I didn't even have to leave my circle of relationships to find the perfect fit. 

Reggie and Vanessa Johnson were best man and matron of honor at our wedding (find Vanessa's book Thrive: A Call to Healing here). My wife Emily suggested I reach out to Reggie and Vanessa's son, Nic, a super-talented young artist to see if he'd have any interest in illustrating the book. 

The rest, as they say, is history. 

Nic, a sophomore student-athlete at Elon College, was cool enough to answer five questions for us about illustrating. 

1.      How did you get interested in drawing?

I have always been a visual person. Since I was little, it was always better for me to learn through pictures and visual references and being able to transfer what I saw or thought in my head onto a piece a paper. It just became natural to me. 

At first, I did not know I had a “talent” for drawing and art, because I assumed that everyone could do it. I did not start to realize that I had this talent until about middle school when everyone began to see just how talented I was.

2.      What is some of your favorite work?

I really like a lot of urban contemporary art. My favorite artists are David Garibaldi and an artist known as Paper Frank.

3.      Can you share with readers how you brought the characters in the book to life?

I honestly do not know how I was able to bring the characters to life per say. When I initially read the book and each page, scenes and different images just started to pop into my head. 

I just transferred that on to whatever I am drawing on. It is hard to explain, but that is how I am able to do any kind of work. It just comes to me in my head almost like a vision, and I just simply transfer the thought on to paper.

4.      What type of products (i.e. sketch pads, iPads, etc.) do you recommend for illustrating?

There are several things you can use for illustrating. I personally like to go the more digital way of illustrating, so I use things like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and I have a Wacom Bamboo Tablet that allows me to draw things directly onto my computer in Illustrator or Photoshop. I also use my iPad and a stylus to do some of my work as well.

5.      What advice do you have for  others who may be interested in illustrating?

I would say to go for it! I love illustrating and creating new things, because it does not feel like work to me. 

Many people are shocked when they realize that I am football player that is a graphic design major with a double minor in digital art and music production. 

Most football players end up majoring in things like business or sports med. I feel like you should do whatever makes you happy at the end of the day. And if illustrating is your true passion and you have the talent for it, then you should definitely use what God has given you to make you happy. 

Chris Lassiter is an author and a freelance journalist. He worked at the News Leader a a reporter for 15 years, and he's written faith and culture articles for VIBE, Rapzilla, Jam The Hype and Young Life Relationships. He can be contacted at chrislassiter540@gmail.com or (540) 569-0270. He blogs at http//thecrosspromotion.blogspot.com 

Nic Johnson is an illustrator and a student-athlete at Elon College. You can visit contact him at Johnson.nic12@gmail.com and see part of his art portfolio at https://www.behance.net/NICATNITE 

Nyree Press was founded in 2011 when founder Kennisha Hill transitioned her writing firm into a full-service publishing company to provide all the essential services writers need to begin their journey as published authors. You can contact Nyree press at contact@nyresspress.com or visit the Website at www.nyreepress.com