Doug Walker of ThatGuyWithTheGlasses.com is an Internet comedian who is well known for playing his character, the Nostalgia Critic.

Walker is an alumnus, and graduated from NIU with a degree in communications. While between panels at Karoshi-Con Saturday, he was able to answer a few questions.

Northern Star: What is it like being back at NIU?

Doug Walker: Nostalgic, actually. I always remember when it was hectic and in between classes when I worked on cartoons for the Northern Star.

NS: Would you say anything you did at NIU helped you become what you are now?

DW: The thing that helped the most was working for the paper because originally when I was going to leave, I wanted to be an illustrator. It showed me a little what it is like to work with clients, and it also gave me a creative outlet and helped me prioritize dates and deadlines.

NS: Where did the idea for the Nostalgia Critic originate from?

DW: I was going through a nostalgia phase that I think everyone goes through from my childhood, and I was realizing a lot of the things I thought was great, wasn’t. I just thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if there was a character that was obsessed with that angle, betrayed by his childhood?’ Upon seeing James Rolf, [another Internet comedian] I realized that there was a crowd for this. I always wanted to do movie reviews, but in a Lewis Black style. I never thought there could be another outlet other than Hollywood ‘til I saw Rolf’s videos online, and that you can bring the people to you.

NS: Anything you wish you could go back in time and change?

DW: Probably nothing major I can think of. There’s certainly stuff I regret doing, but still it’s good I did it because I learned from it and how to adapt.

NS: What is your favorite part of the process of making your videos?

DW: Editing. I thought it was the part I would hate the most and love the acting. Turns out acting is my least favorite because it keeps me away from editing.

NS: Can you think of any future plans or ideas you have in store?

DW: We’re just looking to get more shows off the ground. It’s been a slow process because we found out set building actually takes a long time. A few setbacks, but we are looking to get talk shows and a game show going, other various types of shows going on.

NS: Is there anything you can recommend to NIU students about getting out into the field?

DW: Just be adaptable is the best thing. Be passionate and patient, as well. Different strategies for different things but those things connect to everything.