Comic Lab

Today's episode is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is building a website, and Dreamhost is there to make that simple, painless, and inexpensive. Go to www.Dreamhost.com/ComicLab for details.The life of a comic artist is often a solitary one. Brad and Dave discuss ways of maintaining social connections for mental health and creativity. Later, they discuss the dangers of setting an artificially low Kickstarter goal.ON TODAY'S SHOWThe lone life of a comic artistUPDATE: Susan MacTaggart's affirmationshttp://www.Dreamhost.com/comiclab for special offers on web hosting for listenersAn artist is reminded of the importance of artSetting an artificially low Kickstarter goalSUMMARYIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the themes of socialization and loneliness in the life of cartoonists. They share humorous anecdotes from a recent trip to San Diego Comic Con, discuss the challenges of working alone, and emphasize the importance of maintain

Now that comic creators are returning to websites, SEO (search engine optimization) is once again a hot topic. We'll talk about methods to help search engines index comics. Also, if Brad and Dave were to design a four-year degree for cartoonists, what classes would be on the curriculum?Today's showSEO for webcomicsShould you use alt text on social media posts?Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: Comiclab Live stage show at the NCS conference, Aug. 14-16UPDATE: Apple loses its 30% cash grabUPDATE: Superfan Ray Michels does it againWhat would Dave and Brad's comics BFA degree include?SummaryIn this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of SEO for comic creators, particularly in 2025, highlighting best practices for optimizing webcomics. The episode concludes with practical tips for improving website performance and audience engagement through effective content strategies. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar promote their upcoming ComicLab LIVE stage show at the

Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is creating a website, and Brad and Dave have relied on Dreamhost for years. Check out Dreamhost.com/comiclab to find out how you can lock in a rate of $2.59/month for three years!Every beginning cartoonist agonizes over drawing eyes! Why is that — and while we're at it, what's the right way to do it? Next, we'll talk about why we hate anthologies, and answer a listener who suspects his webhost is throttling his traffic.Today's showHow to draw eyesSusan MacTaggart's personal affirmationDreamhostAnthologies"Is my host blocking my traffic??"SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of cartooning, focusing on the art of drawing eyes and the importance of expressiveness in comics. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the evolution of their styles, and provide valuable insights for aspiring cartoonists. The discussion highlights the balance between maintaining a unique style

Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is creating a website, and Brad and Dave have relied on Dreamhost for years. Check out Dreamhost.com/comiclab to find out how you can lock in a rate of $2.59/month for three years!Your social media profile needs to answer three questions clearly: Who are you? What do you do? And why should I care? If you're wasting time being cute, you're missing out of opportunities. Also, the NCS releases the nominees for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, and a person hired to illustrate a children's book faces a tough question from the writer: How do we sell this thing??Today's ShowBranding on your social media profileSusan MacTaggartShow sponsor: Dreamhost dreamhost.com/comiclabUPDATE: NCS Outstanding Cartoonist nominationsWe made the book... now what?"Have we ever considered not doing free content?SummaryIn this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of branding for cartoonists on social media, emph

Cartoonist Scott C joins us to discuss his artistic journey. He discusses his beginnings, including art directing Psychonauts and Brutal Legend for Double Fine Productions, as well as his first webcomic, Double Fine Action Comics. He shares valuable insights on working with watercolors and creating graphic novels for younger readers. His paintings are currently on display at Spoke Art in New York.Scott CWebsitePreorder Scott's new book, Cabin Head and Tree Head!Great ShowdownsDouble Fine Action ComicsSpoke ArtYouTubeTwitchInstagramSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar interview Scott Campbell, a renowned artist and illustrator, exploring his journey from childhood art aspirations to his significant role in game development. The discussion covers Scott's early influences, his transition into the gaming industry, and the challenges of art direction, particularly in collaborative environments. Scott shares insights on navigating feedback and the creative process, emphasizing the impo

Is it OK to change your comic after you've already sent it to your audience? The guys also tackle tariffs, ISBNs, bar codes, and offering comics to charity organizations.Today's showMaking a change to a comic after it's "out there"Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: Tariffs on books??ISBNs and bar codes for self-published booksComics for CharitySummaryIn this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of humor writing, the importance of building an audience on new platforms, and the challenges of editing long-form comics. They discuss the creative process, social-media presence's significance, and tariffs' implications on publishing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility in creative work and the importance of adapting to changes in the industry. In the mid-show update, they discuss the complexities of navigating tariffs and customs in the publishing industry, particularly for self-publishers. They emphasize the importance of planning for potential costs, such as tarif

It's a jam-packed show this week! Brad and Dave argue over the better delivery for story exposition — dialogue or narration. Dave is discontinuing international shipping; Brad gets his Wikipedia updates; and the guys agree that Dee Fish does autobio comics right. Then Dave does another behind-the-scenes analysis of his recent Kickstarter, talking about his pricing strategy for stretch goals and how they processed hundreds of images for the campaign. Finally, with the SFWA opening their membership to comic creators, they discuss whether they should join.Today's showNarration or Dialogue?Susan McTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: international shippingUPDATE: Brad's Wikipedia pageUPDATE: Autobio comics done right: Finding DeeDave's Kickstarter Stretch GoalsDave's Kickstarter imagesSFWA membershipSummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar focus on the debate between using narration boxes versus dialogue. Brad Guigar emphasizes the importance of comfort in storytelling choices, while both

In a recent interview for the National Cartoonists Society, Greg Evans (the creator of the newspaper comic strip "Luanne") spoke about painting a single wall in his studio red. Mel Lazarus, creator of the syndicated strips "Momma" and "Miss Peach," told him that the color red was proven to increase creative thoughts. This resulted in one burning question for the cartoonists assembled to watch the interview: "DID IT WORK!?"Today's ShowCreativitySusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationUsing copyrighted music lyrics in a comicSummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss various topics related to creativity, including the significance of the color red in creative spaces and personal superstitions that influence their creative processes. They explore the humorous aspects of creativity and the shared experiences of cartoonists while also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the comic strip 'Luanne'. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the complexities of creativity,

Where's the line between an autobiographical comic and a semi-autobiographical one — between "based upon" and "inspired by"? And when does the whole thing veer directly into fiction?? Plus... Dave Kellett shares real numbers from his recent Kickstarter, and we arrive at a jaw-dropping conclusion: Bluesky is it.The Webcomics Handbook will publish a visual breakdown of Dave's analytics on April 14th.Today's showWhere to draw the line on an autobio comicMalignant ProcrastinationSusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationDave shares actual numbers from his KickstarterThe Wrong Way Show: Toy Story's WoodySummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share insights on navigating autobiocomics, exploring the balance between fiction and fact in storytelling. The conversation highlights the significance of making personal stories compelling and meaningful for audiences. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the intricacies of storytelling in comics, mainly focusing on autobiog

As they attempt to save the marriage of one of their listeners, Brad and Dave consider the best path for a cartoonist who wishes to pursue a master's degree. Would a Master's in Fine Arts be the right choice, or would a Master's in Business Administration be the better option? Considering the expense, perhaps the best choice is to avoid both! After grappling with that dilemma, Susan MacTaggart stops by to share a personal affirmation with a member of the ComicLab community.Today's ShowIs a Master's Degree in comics worthwhile?Susan MacTaggart's AffirmationUPDATE: Brad and Dave's Wikipedia pagesMixing word-balloon stylesSummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of education for cartoonists, debating the merits of pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts (MFA) versus a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). The discussion highlights the value of writing skills in comics and the necessity of understanding business principles in today's publishing climate. In this episode, the hosts delve into the inte

When does a running gag stop being funny — and where does it start, for that matter? Cartoonists Brad and Dave must first agree on what a running gag is! Next, they'll talk about aesthetics — in other words, how does one develop their editorial eye? Finally, Dave reviews his accounting from last year's San Diego Comic-Con and discusses how it influences his decisions for this year's show.Today's ShowWhen does a running gag go too far?Developing an editorial eyeUPDATE: San Diego Comic-Con numbersSummaryIn this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of humor in comics, focusing on the use of running gags and tropes. They discuss the importance of timing, audience familiarity, and the subjective nature of humor. The conversation also delves into the challenges of building an audience in webcomics and the significance of developing an editorial eye for creators. Through various examples, they highlight how running gags can engage audiences while cautioning against overuse. In

Social media has convinced an entire generation of creators to focus on numbers — followers, subscribers, likes, shares, and other engagement metrics. However, focusing on numbers can often lead an artist to make bad decisions.Today's ShowFocusing on numbersLimiting comments on BSkyUPDATE: Hoganmag.comLost the Kickstarter mojoComic book vs graphic novelSummaryIn this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss recent updates on Blue Sky, a social media platform, and how it offers a healthier commenting environment. They emphasize the importance of quality followers over quantity, sharing insights from their own experiences with Kickstarter campaigns and the ineffectiveness of traditional social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The conversation concludes with a focus on engagement metrics and the need for creators to prioritize passionate followers rather than simply chasing numbers. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad discuss the importance of building the right audience for comics,

Brad and Dave discuss finding the right balance between visual and verbal. Dave asks if too much worldbuilding is an excuse to avoid actually writing the story. And a listener asks if it's a good idea to approach your Patreon as a customer-service job.Today's showVerbal vs. VisualUPDATE: DogKickstarter.comUPDATE: The Wrong Way Show draws ShrekWorldbuilding vs. actual writingIs Patreon like a customer service job?SummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into a discussion about the art of storytelling in comics, focusing on the balance between visual and verbal elements. The hosts explore how to effectively convey humor and plot points, emphasizing the importance of skill development in the medium of comics. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the intricacies of comic creation, emphasizing the importance of self-critique, the challenges of world-building versus storytelling, and the value of short stories in honing writing skills. They also discuss the excitement and strate

A listener seeks writing advice. How can you motivate readers to engage with a story that has an unhappy ending? Additionally, Dave's new DogKickstarter.com, tips for responding to inquiries from "civilians," and the importance of personal branding when posting on social media.Today's ShowHow to write an unhappy endingUPDATE: DogKickstarter.comQuestions from civiliansPosting politics on social mediaSummaryIn this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the importance of character wants and needs in storytelling, and how to create satisfying yet unhappy endings that resonate with audiences. In this conversation, Dave  and Brad discuss various narrative techniques in storytelling, particularly focusing on how to engage audiences through subverting expectations, making journeys worthwhile, and crafting satisfying character arcs. They also touch on the importance of unhappy endings that feel earned, using examples from popular films. Additionally, they share insights on Kickstarter strategies for comic

What are independent comic creators' most reliable revenue streams — and which are the worst? Brad ranks them from top to bottom, and Dave shares his own experiences with each. Also, the guys share the strategy that's making Patreon's "Collections" feature a solid income generator.Today's showWebcomics Revenue Streams Ranked Best to WorstUPDATE: USPS Ground AdvantageUPDATE: Patreon Collections Should you include credits for digital fontmakers in books?SummaryCartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into the various income streams available to comic creators, comparing crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter, and discussing the importance of commissions, freelance work, and merchandise sales. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted mention of Comic-Con income and the challenges comic creators face in the industry. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad discuss the significance of USPS Media Mail for shipping and the recent developments in Patreon Collections amidst economic unc

Brad Guigar has categorized the information shared by creative individuals into three groups. Dave Kellett has a couple of his own to contribute. Of the five, only one is useful. Identifying the others can help you avoid making some significant mistakes.Today's showTypes of information creative people shareUPDATE: Brad Guigar celebrates 25 years in comicsStory pacingSummaryIn this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the information shared among creative individuals, categorizing them into facts, marketing, and herd mentality. The discussion highlights the importance of discerning between genuine facts and marketing tactics. Dave suggests the list should include misinformation and bad actors in the creative community. In this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the realities of book signings, networking, and celebrating milestones in one's career, particularly in the comic industry. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences and reflect on the mental health benefits of recognizing achievements.

This week's episode is sponsored by Hogan's Alley magazine! We'll discuss those moments in our careers when we said, "F*** me! That actually worked!" Also, a listener writes in to say that they want to take our advice and make the jump to Bluesky, but it causes too much anxiety.SponsorHogan's Alley magazine sponsors this week's episode!  In the next issue, they'll cover the Tijuana Bibles and much more! Get your copy now!Today's ShowHogan's Alley magazine"F*** me! That actually worked!"UPDATE: Diamond Comics DistributorsUPDATE: The Wrong Way"Bluesky stresses me out!"SummaryIn this episode, Dave and Brad are pleased to welcome the sponsorship of Hogan's Alley Magazine! The conversation starts with  a discussion about unexpected successes in the comics industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on what works in webcomics and the importance of niche topics. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad discuss their evolving experiences with monetization in the comic industry, reflecting on their initial sk

We're heading into a year promising significant upheaval — in business, social media, publishing, and more. But, after twenty-five years of self-publishing, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar have learned an important lesson: Discomfort is crucial in growing as an artist — and as a businessperson.Today's showEmbrace discomfortListifications on Bluesky —  https://bsky.app/profile/listifications.appSummaryIn this conversation, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the importance of discomfort in personal and artistic growth, emphasizing that taking risks is essential for creativity. The duo reflects on their experiences in the comic industry, discussing the challenges of adapting to change and the innovator's dilemma faced by established artists. They conclude with insights on the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving landscape. In this conversation, Dave and Brad discuss the challenges and opportunities of innovation in creative careers, emphasizing the importan

Start your webcomic using the latest platforms, monetization methods, and social media strategies. If you're launching a new comic in 2025, this episode has all the information you'll need to get it off the ground! How to start a webcomic in 2025Don’t try to “game” your readership. Write about what YOU likeBuilding readership takes time and consistency. Creating for love is essential in the early years. Focus on writing as the core of comic creation. Focus on creating comics for the love of the craft. The first comics may only be seen by you; embrace the process.Mistakes in the early stages are recoverable.CopyrightOwn and control your workYou do NOT need to be on Webtoon/TapasSocial media presence is important for comic creators. Today, that’s Bluesky and Substack. ComicLab has Collections that provide strategies for each platform** They’re free to members and available at a one-time fee for others.Be active on social media to build your audience. Four CsHow many updates FCSPersistence is key; it's a maratho

Cartoonists Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett and Kevin McShane are teaming up on a new show — The Wrong Way! We'll teach you how to draw your favorite cartoon characters without getting sued over copyright theft! Along the way, we'll share tips, tell stories, and roast each other mercilessly. Pay attention and you might learn how to draw The Wrong Way!Today's ShowWrong wayClever vs funnySummaryIn this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett introduce fellow cartoonist Kevin McShane,  announce their new YouTube show, 'The Wrong Way,' where they draw beloved characters in a legally safe manner. The conversation delves into the creative process behind the show, the dynamics of their friendship, and how they engage with their audience through Patreon, offering insights into the art of cartooning and the importance of community. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding their creative process, the audience for their new show, and the importance of learning from each other. They discuss the techn