PREVIEWSworld D.I.Y. Month: Terry Moore

Comic Books have long been a prime example of the Do-It-Yourself or D.I.Y. spirit. Creating a sequential story via linked, progressing illustrations and dialogue involves many different aspects of hands-on work and creative talent. From writing to drawing to inking & coloring, the tools of the trade may have changed over the years, but the constants involved in the creation of comics are still the most important: Hard Work, Determination, and Talent.

In honor of this month’s D.I.Y. theme, we reached out to comics creators to get their opinions and learn how they got into the business, and what it takes to create comics. First up: Terry Moore!

PREVIEWSworld: How did you learn to draw for comics?

Terry Moore: I had a cartoonist friend from grade 6-12 and we drew comics together, trying to make each other laugh. I learned from this daily “market-testing” that the better you draw and write the setups, the better the payoff. So, I read everything I could get my hands on to learn and get better. Bottom line: Watching somebody read my cartoons every day, that’s how I learned.

PREVIEWSworld: How did you learn to write for comics?

Terry Moore: High school training got me into comics. Staying in comics while making long format series was another matter completely. I couldn’t learn that much from mainstream comics because their writing agenda is unique to them, so I looked to novelists and short story writers. Harlan Ellison mentored me for a few years. I learned a lot about writing from him.

PREVIEWSworld: What tools do you find indispensable for your creative process?

Terry Moore: My scanner! I love my Epson 1640 scanner. It cost $2,400 — which is more than my car is worth! — but it has served me faithfully for almost 12 years now. My art life was much harder before this scanner.

PREVIEWSworld: What advice do you have for creators who want to do it all themselves?

Terry Moore: Do it. If you’re a creator, “Art” is a verb. Do it. Go for it! One short life, people. Follow your heart and pursue your dreams, or one day you will become old and bitter, yelling at young creators to get off your lawn!

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