Comic Lab

Brad thinks Kickstarter is the right place to go for a Brazilian cartoonist who wants to have his work re-published in English, but Dave thinks his co-host is Lost in Translation. Then, the dynamic duo gives some advice to a pro-am cartoonist who just lost their day job and is considering making the move to full-time cartooning. But first, Brad and Dave share some comic convention horror stories.SummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the chaotic experiences of comic conventions, the challenges of translating comics for the English market, and the importance of building an audience. They also provide advice for cartoonists who have been laid off, emphasizing the need for financial stability. The conversation touches on the realities of comic publishing and the necessity of having an emergency fund when transitioning to full-time cartooning.TakeawaysComic conventions can be chaotic and noisy environments.Translation of comics can be a significant time investment.Building

While you're stuck trying to find the RIGHT way to start your comic, someone else is starting a comic THEIR way. That's because the only RIGHT way to start a comic is the WRONG way. Confused? We'll explain. Also—storytelling without conflict? Kishōtenketsu is a story structure that highlights contrast rather than conflict. But first, Dave's Los Angeles may have the most "perfect days" in the United States, but Brad argues that Philadelphians truly appreciate their sunny weather more when it occurs.SummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the challenges of starting a comic, emphasizing that there is no right way to create comics and that experimentation is essential. The hosts provide practical advice on overcoming creative blocks, the importance of consistency in practice, and the necessity of starting, even if it means doing it imperfectly. In this episode, the hosts explore the creative process, discussing the fear of starting projects and the importance of embracing im

Chuck Dillon joins us this week to talk about his work for Highlights magazine, designing the Costco Monopoly board, and his delightful children's books like The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Chuck Dillon, a talented cartoonist and illustrator, shares his journey from early inspirations to his successful career in children's book illustration. He discusses the challenges of client feedback, the importance of teaching in his artistic growth, and how boredom can spark creativity. Dillon also reflects on his notable projects, including the Costco Monopoly board and his children's books, The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of perspective in art and the joy of collaboration, culminating in a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recognition he has received from his peers.Chuck DillonWebsiteBuy Chuck's books and original artBored PandaThe Bravest BoogerThe Most Serious FartCostco MonopolyTakeawaysChuck Dil

A listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. They sure do... and it's not what you'd expect!Today's showRomance novels"Must-Read" Comics ListSummaryCartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the value of romance novels in storytelling, contrasting their narrative preferences. Brad advocates for the insights gained from romance, while Dave expresses a preference for macro stories over micro narratives. Next, a listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator.This conversation delves into the evolution of comic storytelling, exploring influential works and characters that have shaped the medium. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding tropes, the impact of classic comics, and the significance of personal taste in appreciating the art form. They also touch on modern webcomics and the challenges of concluding long-running series, highlighting the diverse narrati

As he prepares to launch his new Kickstarter at newevilbook.com, Brad Guigar tells co-host Dave Kellett that he's decided to eliminate all international shipping except for Canada! Between VAT taxes, new regulations, tariffs, and other uncertainties, he's decided it's just too risky. But first, a listener wrestles with his new role as a comics publisher. Is he helping out some friends, or is he a greedy capitalist?Today's showBecoming a comics publisherIs it important to have an art style?Overseas shippingSummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the intricacies of comic publishing and the importance of ownership in the comic industry. They delve into the ethical considerations of being a publisher, the necessity of clear contracts, and the financial math behind comic sales. The conversation also touches on the significance of developing a personal art style. The comics uncles delve into the intricacies of drawing and artistic styles. To close out the show, the fellas talk about

Many singers do a key change in the middle of a song to indicate drama. Dave Kellett is so good, he does it right in the middle of a word! Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett learn too much about each other while sharing a hotel room with his friend at the National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Dave and Brad return from Boston brimming with stories from a week of cartooning camaraderie and community.Here's how to join the NCS. If you're under the age of 27, your membership is only $27!Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett reflect on their experiences at the NCS Conference and Reuben Awards sharing insights on the importance of community, networking, and the evolving landscape of cartooning. They discuss the joy of meeting fellow cartoonists, the impact of online creators, and the significance of new voices in the industry. The conversation also touches on travel tales, humorous anecdotes, and the camaraderie that defines the cartooning community.TakeawaysThe NCS Conference and Reuben Awards is

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar hosted a live performance of ComicLab at the 79th annual National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Joining them onstage to talk about the business of comics were three marvelous cartoonists:Jason Chatfield, a remarkably talented cartoonist who is as comfortable doing stand-up comedy as he is sitting down to create cartoons for The New Yorker. His new book, “You’re Not a Real Dog Owner Until…”, is a danged delight, and belongs on your shelf.Sean Wang, the creator of Runners, a wonderful sci-fi comedy about alien smugglers. Its most recent Kickstarter launched a couple days before the recording of the show, and was funded shortly thereafter — which is 100% a coincidence, but we’ll be claiming credit nonetheless.Cassidy Wasserman, whose debut graphic novel, On Guard, was published by Random House earlier this year to rave reviews. She has also illustrated no fewer than three delightful children’s books.On the show...What's working — and what's not working — in your c

After discussing the best lettering techniques for shouts and whispers, Brad and Dave talk about plateaus. Is it possible to plateau for too long? Can they actually be beneficial? PLUS... Dave shares his experience after the first week of taking the ComicLab Social Media Challenge. This may be the best time-management tool yet!Today's ShowThe best lettering techniques for shouts and whispersSusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationAre plateaus... good?Is it possible to plateau for too long?The ComicLab Social Media Challenge ... is it your time management solution?SummaryIn this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various themes related to creativity, comic artistry, and the challenges artists face. They discuss the importance of improv in everyday situations, the nuances of comic lettering, and the significance of legibility in comics. The conversation also explores the role of boredom as a catalyst for creativity, the inevitability of plateaus in artistic development, and the nece

Today's show is brought to you by Dreamhost! It's the first step in owning and controlling your own work. Check out the special offers at dreamhost.com/comiclab . Once again, Dave Kellett returns from Comic-Con International with a full report featuring actual numbers from his time spent exhibiting at his booth. He'll share what worked, what didn't, and what he has planned for next year. Next, it's the COMICLAB SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE! After Brad challenges Dave to remove the social-media apps from his phone and charge the phone on the other side of the room at bedtime, the guys decide to make this a group experiment. Do YOU accept the challenge?SummaryDave reflects on the success of his booths, strategies for engaging with fans, and the importance of presentation. The conversation shifts to a new social media challenge, where they explore the impact of social media on productivity and creativity. They encourage listeners to join them in reducing social media usage and share their experiences. The episode conc

This episode is sponsored by Dreamhost — your first step in owning and controlling your own work! Visit them at https://www.dreamhost.com/comiclab . This week, Brad and Dave are joined by Greg and Karen Evans, who are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their syndicated comic strip, Luann. Karen — then, a toddler — was the inspiration for the strip when Greg launched it in 1985. Twenty-seven years later, Karen joined her father to co-write the comic. They'll discuss that journey, their collaborative process, the significance of reader interaction, and more.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Greg and Karen Evans reflect on their 40-year journey with the comic strip Luann. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the submission process, the evolution of their characters, and the importance of collaboration in their creative process. The conversation also touches on their experiences at Comic-Con, the significance of reader interaction, and the unique challenges of adapting 2D characters into 3D models. Th

Today, YOU are the star of the show. We asked ComicLab listeners to help us celebrate our 400th episode by calling in with favorite memories from our seven years of podcasting. And — WOW! — did you ever deliver! Today's show will put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.ComicLab has been cranking out episodes about making comics — and making a living from comics — every week since January 2018. (Twice a week, if you count the Patreon-exclusive Pro Tips episodes!) A show that set out to share shop talk, advice, and friendship has become a weekly favorite of cartoonists, comic creators, and people who simply enjoy hearing people share their passion for comics. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Web

This week's show is brought to you by Dreamhost — your first step in owning and controlling your own work. This week, the fellas wonder what it would be like to win the lottery. Then, Brad shares stories from the American Library Association conference in Philadelphia. Finally, Brad and Dave explain why placing white text on a black background can cause eye fatigue.Today's ShowWhat if we won the lottery?No more Susan MacTaggartDreamhost.com/ComicLabUPDATE: The American Library Association conference in PhiladelphiaWhite type on a black backgroundSummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the joys and challenges of cartooning, the impact of wealth on creativity, and the importance of connecting with one's audience. They explore what they would do if they won the Powerball, emphasizing the value of investing in others and creating opportunities for future cartoonists. The conversation also explores the balance between art and commerce, the role of stress in creativity, and th

The episode is sponsored by Dreamhost —the first step in owning and controlling your own work! Today, a listener asks how he can develop an art style as quickly as possible! Your Humble Hosts have some very bad news for him. Next, a cartoonist asks whether it's a good idea to start a second social-media account to share personal views.Today's ShowI need an art style — quick!Susan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationsSponsor: Dreamhost.com/comiclabA second social-media account for posting personal viewsSummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett delve into the challenges of learning to draw and developing an art style. Later, the conversation turns to the impact of social media on personal branding and mental health.TakeawaysCreating an art style takes time and dedication.There are no shortcuts to developing artistic skills.Social media can complicate personal branding.Engagement with the community is more impactful than online noise.It's essential to consider the purpose of sharing opi

How do you stop polishing and start publishing? Our strategies for overcoming perfectionism! Also — Dave has a little good news about the tariffs on imported books.Today's ShowDave Kellett at San Diego Comic-Con: Booth 1228How to conquer perfectionismHow to introduce a new dialogue font into your comicUPDATE: Tariffs on imported booksSusan MacTaggartDecreasing image size without losing quality.SummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett share humorous anecdotes about Father's Day mishaps, discuss the importance of deadlines in combating perfectionism, and provide insights on changing fonts in comics. They also touch on the impact of ego on creativity, share updates on Comic-Con, and delve into the intricacies of file preparation for digital comics. The episode features a guest appearance by Susan McTaggart, who offers personal affirmations, and concludes with a discussion on Patreon strategies and the challenges of maintaining subscriber support.TakeawaysBrad shares a humorous story

Are you a shameless self-promoter? Brad thinks a little bit of shame might be a good thing. Also — how do you find good comics?Today's ShowWhose house are you in?Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmationDreamhost.com/comiclabOval vs rounded corber word balloonsFinding good comics.SummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the nuances of self-promotion in the comic industry, using a humorous anecdote about a drop of water to illustrate how small events can have significant impacts on our mindset. They discuss the importance of understanding the context of promotion, emphasizing the idea of 'whose house are you in' to navigate social media and community interactions effectively. The conversation highlights the balance between promoting one's work and being a supportive community member, advocating for kindness and generosity as key strategies for building relationships and gaining visibility in the comic world.Next, they discuss the importance of word balloons, lettering techni

What do you do when someone you looked up to turns out to be a jerk? Also, over a hundred years of comics history reveal a great deal about the importance of artists understanding business.Today's showI Met My Hero, and They're a ZeroSusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationWhat 100 Years of Comics History Tells Us  You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

While Dave was at Alaska Comics Camp, he had the opportunity to talk with Ryan North Gillian Goerz!Ryan North is the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics, and has written for the comic series of Adventure Time and Marvel Comics' The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and Fantastic Four. His works have won multiple Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards and made New York Times Bestseller lists.Gillian Goerz (pronounced like “Jillian Gertz”) works in illustration, graphic recording, cartooning, writing and brush lettering. Her middle grade graphic novel Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer spent 7 weeks on the Canadian Best Seller list, received stars from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly and was warmly reviewed by the New York Times Review of Books. Her follow-up book Shirley & Jamila’s Big Fall (Dial, 2021) won the Doug Wright Award for excellence in children's comics. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show A

While at Alaska Comic Camp, Dave Kellett had the opportunity to speak with cartoonist Lucy Knisley, a critically acclaimed and award-winning comic creator. She specializes in personal, confessional graphic novels and travelogues.LUCY'S BOOKSLucy has published more than a dozen books, with several fantastic publishers. These have included: Simon & Schuster, First Second Books, Fantagraphics, Chronicle, Random House Graphics, Knopf and Rocky Pond. She has also contributed to many collections and anthologies at various publishers and made work for many periodicals and publications. Here are a few...Ride Beside MeWoa: A Housecat's Story of DespairFrench MilkRelish: My Life in the KitchenStepping StonesApple CrushSugar Shack, the third in the Peapod Farm series, comes out August 2025!You can reach out to Lucy via her Patreon page  You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTi

While Dave Kellett was at Alaska Comics Camp, he had the opportunity to speak with Jarad Greene, a cartoonist who works on staff at The Center for Cartoon Studies and has helped color many graphic novels for younger readers. He is the author and illustrator of the graphic novels A-Okay, A for Effort, and Scullion: A Dishwasher’s Guide to Mistaken Identity — available wherever books are sold and through his affiliate Bookshop.org shop. He talked with Dave about the joys of learning to use a brush for inking.MORE ABOUT JARADWebsite  | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

Dave Kellet returns from Alaska Comics Camp once more rejuvinated, recharged, and reinvigorated! He shares his joy-filled experiences from a week in Juno, Alaska, with about 60 other cartoonists sharing knowledge, friendship, and happiness. In the second half, a cartoonist shares her feelings of depression after losing a couple of cartooning contests.Today's ShowAlaska Comics CampSusan MacTaggart's personal affirmationComicLab LIVE at the NCS conference, Aug.14-16Rejection storiesSummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share their experiences at the Alaska Comics Camp, a unique gathering of cartoonists that fosters creativity, community, and personal growth. They discuss the joy of disconnecting from technology, the enriching interactions among artists of all levels, and the cultural exposure provided by the camp. The conversation highlights the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative process and the humorous challenges of camp life. In this conversation, the