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Yeovil Graphic Designer tops "dream team" list of indie comic review site -(amended version replaces previous release)

A Yeovil graphic designer, Nich Angell, was thrilled to find his name topping the dream team list of possible illustrators for globally recognised comic publisher DC Comics which is currently undergoing a "rebirth" of its comic's story universe.

Nich, who works as a graphic designer and illustrator at South West based Mostly Media, explains, "DC is one of the ‘big two' comics publishers in the world, along with Marvel. DC Comics publishes the famous Batman and Superman comics, whereas Marvel has Spider-man and Iron Man. Both of these companies are famous for ‘rebooting' or ‘rebirthing' their respective comic's story universes in order to keep them accessible to new readers.

In his spare time, Nich is involved in the comic indie scene. He explains, "This is a huge industry in its own right made up of many independent small studios and publishers and solo creators working freelance or selling their comics at conventions or online. Many of us make a living off their comics entirely and the indie-scene has its own fan base with the quality of work rivalling and sometimes surpassing that of the Big Two!

"I've been drawing and selling comics as a part of the Indie circuit for over 10 years. I have always wanted to tell stories and create worlds and characters with my drawings. Comics were the perfect avenue for me to do this as I could design and write everything, I could be the architect of a whole world!"

The indie comic review site, Pipedream Comics, nominated Nich in its dream team of illustrators as the perfect illustrator for DC Comic's Aquaman comic. Nich says, "I couldn't believe it when I saw my name topping the list, it's a major compliment."

When he isn't drawing his ongoing graphic novel series 7STRING, a fantasy adventure about a boy with a guitar sword in a world where Music is Magic, Nich is busy using his skills in animation and illustration to help service a range of clients at creative media buying agency Mostly Media.

Nich explains the power of the cartoon by using an example of an internal communications campaign for Mostly Media client Ironmongery Direct. He says, "They wanted a superhero theme to guide their employees through a certain process. This is a prime example of how effective cartoons and illustration can be.

"In an informative or infographic context cartoons can strip away details that a reader may unintentionally focus on and keep the message tight and focused. Also by setting it against a theme (such as superheroes) the message can have an overarching feeling, such as empowerment or success, instead of it looking dull, domestic and every day. On top of that, colour and dynamism makes a message interesting and fun which keeps the reader engaged."

Nich says that he hasn't yet created or worked on a major mascot character but he often employs them in pitches to potential new clients and explains the strengths of such an approach, "They work very well in a campaign as characters like the robots from Confused.com and the Meerkats from Compare the Market have shown, you can use them in multiple contexts to convey new messages and new deals. Added to that is the ability to sell merchandise of the characters themselves as bonuses to offers! They provide a bit of fun and trust to big brands and make them relatable and connectable."

Senior Designer Simon Radcliffe, from Mostly Media, commented, "We shared in Nich's excitement when his name came out top of James Blundell's Pipedream Comic's dream team, and are delighted that he is able to bring his considerable skills to our graphic design team at Mostly Media where we all aspire to be super heroes!"

For more information about Mostly Media, visit: www.mostlymedia.co.uk and for more information on A Head for PR go to: www.aheadforpr.co.uk

For further details on Mostly Media, E/: leigh@mostlymedia.co.uk or T/: 01935 478238

For press information contact Jane Adkins, A Head for PR, E/: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk or T/: 01935 813114 or M/: 07960698089.

April 2016 (MM 02)