Nichol was an illustrator, graphic designer and cartoonist. As a Prisoner of War Europe 1941-1945, he produced posters and realist artworks of life in Stalag VIIIB POW Camp. Upon return to Australia he resumed work as Staff Artist/contributor for the Sydney Morning Herald; produced freelance illustration for the Sunday Telegraph; Smith's Weekly; Man Magazine; Man Junior; The Bulletin; and animation for ABC television.