Hi John,

I read on Mark Evanier’s website that Jack Kirby seldom did pre-planning/sketches when working, and that, along with his work ethic, were factors that positively impacted his output.  

Your output is fast as well. I was wondering if you did extensive planning/sketches when creating and how much lead time there is between the initial idea and producing pencils. 

•••

I used to depend heavily on my eraser—not as a drawing tool as I now use it. Sometimes I would get so obsessed with erasing and redrawing that I would very nearly rub my way right thru the paper (which made it hell to ink!).

It was Al Milgrom who, very early in my career, told me the Simon/Kirby “You don’t get paid to erase” story, which changed my whole approach.

That I had stopped before I turned pro was lost on this doofus.