Indie Interviews – Nicole Goux

This week we sit down and talk to the one and only Nicole Goux. If you like comics, and we’re sure you do, you’ll want to take a peek at what Nicole Goux is up to. After you’re done, be sure to check out her work here.

What was your reason for getting into comics? That is, how did you end up involved in comics?

As a kid, I was obsessed with manga and anime and wanted desperately to move to Japan and become a mangaka. As I grew older I fell out of the comic’s world and moved to traditional painting and illustration. It wasn’t until after college that I was persuaded by a friend to draw an 8-page story he had written and I caught the comics bug again and have made books ever since.

Who would you say is your comic book inspiration as a writer?

My favorite writers are usually writer/artists. Jillian Tamaki (writer/artist) and her cousin Mariko Tamaki (writer), Eleanor Davis (writer/artist), and Emily Carroll (writer/artist) are the first that come to mind.

Before comics, what did you do? If you’re still doing it, what are you doing?

Before comics, I was working as a freelance illustrator for toy and editorial. I sometimes still do one or both.

What was your first work in comics like?

I look at my first story, and like anyone’s first anything, I mostly see the flaws that come with not knowing the ropes yet. The project was very low pressure though, as I was creating a short story for Action Hospital, Dave Baker’s collaborative epic, and I answered only to him. He gave me a lot of creative freedom and I was able to learn on the job.

How many years have you been working in comics?

I’ve been making comics for roughly 3 years.

Tell me a little bit about your work. Where does it draw inspiration from? Where do you come up with your ideas?

My work tends to be about the hardships of being a teen/20 something, girl outsider. Some of that comes from personal experience, and some from stories I feel like are lacking in the industry currently. If I can create a story that gives a voice to a diverse under-serviced group, I will.

Who have you worked alongside in the industry?

My main creative partner is Dave Baker, but I have also worked with Sarah Gaydos at IDW and a few other indie creators including Erika Sjule and Ryan King.

Growing up, who is your favorite character or team? Who is it now?

I go less for individual characters than complete stories. As a kid, it was probably Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin, as an adult Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s Skim.

Do you have any advice for a new writer who is just getting into the business?

Don’t wait for someone to say yes. Self-publishing has become so easy and cost efficient that no one is stopping you from doing it yourself. And if you’re goal is to get picked up by a publisher, it’s much easier to convince them if they can see that you’re capable of creating competent, completed work. It also gives you a chance to develop your skills before jumping into a situation where someone is relying on you.

Where do you see your work taking you?

The plan is to move from self-publishing to progressively more published work by larger companies. I am currently working on several OGN projects and am always up for covers and smaller jobs!

What are you up too next?

Currently working on an unannounced OGN.

Where do you see the direction of the comic industry heading in 20 years?

The comics industry is at a breaking point. It honestly feels like the direct market is all going to come crashing down any second unless there’s some radical shift. I feel like the future of comics is OGNs and trades, which is a little sad for people who have been going to the shop every week for years, but we’ve got to move forward.

How can people get a hold of you?

I respond to DMs on twitter at @nicolegoux and Instagram at @ngoux

Where can we buy and/or see your work?

I have a website and online store at http://www.nicolegoux.com/

Any last words for the industry?

There are many voices in this industry that are still struggling to be heard. The range of stories from diverse and minority creators are not only needed to give the industry more depth but could literally save the industry by bringing more readers who want something other than what is currently available into the fold.

A Little Background…

When she’s not binge-watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the 47th time, Nicole Goux makes comics. Her books include Jem and the Holograms: Dimension, Suicide Forest, Fuck Off Squad, Teenage Switchblade, Fever Coast, This Is Not a Girl Gang, This Is Not a Girl Gang: Northwest Edition, and Action Hospital.

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