Interview with Nick Seluk

Nick Seluk is a talented author and artist, and creator of the popular Awkward Yeti comics and the New York Times Bestselling Heart and Brain series. In 2018, his first children's book, The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal, was published, and is part of a 3-book series.

Nick is also the creator of the card game OrganATTACK!

Aveson chatted Nick on September 5, 2025 to talk about his background, interests, and the origins of his popular comics.

Aveson: How did you get into creating comics/drawings/art?
Nick: Drawing was an outlet for me for as long as I can remember. I drew for myself, I drew for family and friends, I drew just for the fun of it. It was something that always came back, no matter what I was doing in life. I would draw comics in my notes while studying psychology in college to help me remember things, I would draw comics at my corporate job to joke about our clients, and eventually I drew comics and posted them on the Internet - which led to my current career as a cartoonist.

A: How did you convey your love of comics/drawing into writing books?
N: As my comics became popular online, publishers took notice and gave me opportunities to publish collections of my comics and even a non-fiction children’s book series. My brand of medical and mental health humor seemed to especially catch on, and I have tried to embrace that as much as possible. Now I’m fairly well-known for my takes on medical conditions, among other things.

A: Who is your favorite character that you’ve created?
N: Of the characters in the Awkward Yeti / Heart and Brain universe, Tongue is one of my favorites. It embodies pure manipulation because of its sole purpose: to taste something good. It’s fun to write a character that’s kind of an unapologetic narcissistic hedonist. 

A: What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
N: Maybe that I challenge myself by facing the things that terrify me the most. Last year, for example, I took a standup comedy class (something that has terrified me for decades just to think about), did a Ted talk (which was even more terrifying), and planned and launched a comic convention (Webcomicon) all within about a 4-5 month span. 

A: What are some of your other interests outside of the Awkward Yeti / Heart and Brain?
N: I occasionally like to play guitar badly or run slowly, I love sci-fi, and I like to illustrate purely for the therapy of it.

A: What’s one thing you wish you could go back and tell a younger version of yourself?
N: I would tell my younger self that he can make a living as a cartoonist if he perseveres, but don’t forget that you’re a writer first and foremost. Cartoonists have a habit of focusing on drawing because we all have people in our lives saying “wow, I can’t even draw a stick figure!” - so the art is constantly reinforced even as a kid. It’s rare for someone to compliment amateur writing, because, technically, anyone can write. I have read a lot of terrible children’s books because everyone thinks they can write a children’s book. So, kid me, don’t undervalue the writing and learn to do it better. 

A: What is the one thing you’re most proud of with your comics?
N: I am proud of the profound impact my work has had on many people over the years. The way it has helped people through very difficult times, or even helped them escape the worst of themselves, or helped couples connect to one another. It’s a great honor and responsibility that has helped me see more value in myself and my work. 

Fun Fact: Nick and Aveson founder Jon Arenz went to the same high school in Michigan!