Comic Lab

Today is the LAST DAY to sign up for our Special Offer at Patreon.com/ComicLab!And here’s a special sneak-peek of what you’ll get when you join: A Patreon-exclusive “Pro Tips” episode. When you join, you’ll get over THIRTY FIVE HOURS of these episodes. You could drive from Miami to Los Angeles, and still have Pro Tips episodes left over!Special Offer...Remember: When you make your pledge before Thanksgiving, you'll get..."How To Make Webcomics" eBook (PDF)"The Webcomics Handbook" eBook (PDF)Patreon-Exclusive Drunk ComicLab #2...and that's in addition to the standard rewards our $5 backers get every month...Submit a question for the showNew Pro Tips episodes every weekReceive the newest ComicLab episodes the week before they go publicAccess to the ComicLab Discord server — a growing community of supportive, creative, friendly cartoonistsAccess to the Pro Tips archive — 100 episodes and counting.But it’s the last day! Join us now at Patreon.com/ComicLab

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss the importance of allowing a failing Kickstarter to come to its natural end. But first, Dave learns the saga of Jim Hanks.Listener questions...Should you "save" a failing Kickstarter?How do you convert Patreon followers into backers?Should you use Myers-Briggs personality tests to help define charactersShould you do Charge Upfront on Patreon?Drawing smoother lines with shaky handsSpecial Offer! If you become a Patreon backer at the $5 level or higher before Thanksgiving, you'll get both "How To Make Webcomics" and "The Webcomics Handbook" as easily downloaded eBooks! Plus, you'll get a new episode of Drunk ComicLab — which will be available only on Patreon!Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com!You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys are joined by MAD magazine's Tom Richmond to talk about caricature. They talk about...The ubiquitous theme-park caricatureThe International Society of Caricature Artists conventionTom's technique for capturing a face"That doesn't look like me!"Where do beginners go wrong?Has the homogenization of Hollywood hurt caricature?How to improve your caricaturesListener questions...When your imagination exceeds your abilitiesHow to avoid zooming in too closely on digital artHow to you encourage people to create comics?BUT FIRST... Dave tells a story about picnicking in IrelandSpecial Offer! If you become a Patreon backer at the $5 level or higher before Thanksgiving, you'll get both "How To Make Webcomics" and "The Webcomics Handbook" as easily downloaded eBooks! Plus, you'll get a new episode of Drunk ComicLab — which will be available only on Patreon!Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and she

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys ponder George R.R. Martin's assertion that writers are either garderers or architects. Also, they talk about commissions. What are some best practices — and how can you avoid common mistakes? Then a question-asker asks how much time Dave and Brad spend trying to get their comics reviewed by comics journalists and websites. Next, can a sale or discount actually act as a dis-incentive for sales? And finally, how can you stop someone from stealing your art for a T-shirt?BUT FIRST... a real-estate ad by the side of the road written in Sharpie marker gets Dave's attention.Special Offer! If you become a Patreon backer at the $5 level or higher before Thanksgiving, you'll get both "How To Make Webcomics" and "The Webcomics Handbook" as easily downloaded eBooks! Plus, you'll get a new episode of Drunk ComicLab — which will be available only on Patreon!QUESTIONS ASKED...When you're writing, are you a gardener or an architect?Commiss

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss pandering. Is it pandering to create comics that your readers are more likely to respond to? Then, a listener asks if Dave's aware that Clip Studio Paint doesn't have a CMYK mode? And does it matter? Finally, Dave receives a tweet from one of his readers explaining why he couldn't possibly become one if Dave's Patreon backers, touching off an epic rant on fan behavior.BUT FIRST... Dave tells Brad about the time he met Paul Rudd... and sparks flew.QUESTIONS ASKED...To what extent do you pander to your audience?Clip Studio Paint doesn't have a CKMYK mode. Is that a problem?The agonizing eyeroll when a reader explains why they couldn't possibly become a Patreon backer.Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com!You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss "The Webcomics Business Model." What is it, anyway?? Also, social media has evolved, but many independent creators haven't kept up. And finally, should an aspiring cartoonist go to art school?BUT FIRST... Brad's son asks the Big Question: "Why is Brad talking to his wife as if she's Dave Kellett?"QUESTIONS ASKED...What is THE Webcomics Business Model?Social media has evolved. Have you?What has 40k Instagram followers brought to Dave Kellett? Very little, it seems...Facebook's alleged lies about video stats is accused of ruining some online publishers......but why did those publishers stay the course even AFTER they realized they'd made a wrong turn??Organic reach vs inorganic reach, and why Brad is a Big Believer of organicBrad and Dave discover that they are about five years ahead of the curve on podcasting, and it's all because of webcomics.Should a person interested in comics go to art school — and if so, where a

Welcome to ComicLab: The podcast about making comics, and making a living from comics! If you loved Webcomics Weekly, you're gonna love this show: It's half shop-talk, half how-to, and half friendship. WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It's tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro. So pull up your drawing chair, put on some headphones, and join us while you draw!

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss Kickstarter's decision to fire workers who tried to unionize. Also on today's show, the USPS has decided to remain in the Global Postal Union — much to the relief of small-businesspersons everywhere, and a question-asker wants to know how far Dave and Brad write in advance. Next, eBook-publishing is hot, but are Amazon and ComiXology delivering for independent creators? Then — how do you maintain satisfaction after achieving a goal, and how much should creators engage with fans when they misinterpret the story?BUT FIRST... Dave has a case of the post-Kickstarter bluesQUESTIONS ASKED...News update: USPS stays in the Global Postal UnionKickstarter fired workers for trying to unionize — what (if anything) should creators do about that?How far do you write in advance?Do ComiXology and Amazon Kindle Direct deliver sales for indie comics publishers?In praise of Gumroad and DriveThruComicsHow do you maintain satisfaction *

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss how big a comic's cast of characters should be. Also on the show: Improving your comic by varying the line weight. Then a question asker asks if Brad would ever do a non-superhero comic, and finally Dave shares why he thinks bookstore signings are a waste of time.BUT FIRST... Brad's kids gift the Kellett children with thirty pounds of LEGOs.ComicLab enamel pinsEach pin is available for $10 apiece. But ComicLab backers can get both for ten bucks. That's like getting one of the pins for free! And you have two choices in which to make your purchase...Buy it from Dave at sheldonstore.comBuy it from Brad at newevilbook.comQUESTIONS ASKED...How big should a comic's cast of characters be?US to leave the global postal union? (Update: They recently negotiated a deal to stay in the union)Line weightWould Brad change teams?Bookstore signings are incredibly inefficientYou get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon$2

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss analysis from paralysis! How do you stop overthinking a project?! Also, in this show, an update on Brad's assistant, how to boost your confidence, and UNhelpful questions. Along the way, a listener asks for help with motivation and the guys discuss the perception that The Far Side is returning as a webcomic.BUT FIRST... Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe only earned $9 for writing The Raven? ... and he was inspired by Charles Dickens' pet.QUESTIONS ASKED...What did Brad learn by hiring an assistant?How do you build your confidence when it's low"The Far Side" ... returning as a webcomic?UNhelpful questionsPlease motivate meConquering paralysis from analysisYou get great rewards when you support ComicLab$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast$10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast$50

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, after Dave Kellett shares an update on his ongoing Kickstarter, the ComicLab guys share their plans for the next one year, three years, and five years.BUT FIRST... Dave marvels over an elephant's ability to take a leak.You get great rewards when you support ComicLab$2 —Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast$10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast$50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcastBrad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.comDave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss how converting to a digital workflow on Cintiqs improved their time management. Also, how do you balance storytelling tension in a longform comic? Next, the guys talk best practices in newsletters. Later, should you hire a proofreader? Dave Kellett shares an update on his ongoing Kickstarter, and finally, what are the must-have features for a book project? BUT FIRST... Ensure killed my pappy. QUESTIONS ASKED... How do you balance storytelling tension in a longform comic? What best practices would you recommend for a webcomic newsletter? (Frequency, what to include, how to get sign-ups, etc.) As self-publishers, do you hire proofreaders before sending out books for print? For printing a book, what extras are "must haves", "strongly should consider", "nice to have", and "pass". You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a questio

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the guys discuss all of the lessons Dave learned on his trip to Disneyland — from cool-hunting pins to branding emotions. Then a question-asker asks about the best way to transition social-media accounts. Next, Dave talks about launching his new Kickstarter. And finally, the guys talk about the "Good Ol' Days" of Webcomics — and what they'd like to bring back. BUT FIRST... Brad explains to his college students why everyone loves Snow White so much. QUESTIONS ASKED... Dave talks about how Disney branded happiness The Enchanted — and problematic — Tiki Room Cool-hunting Disney pins Garfield originals are being auctioned off by Heritage Auctions Dave discovers you can change your Wacom pen nib Transitioning social-media accounts Dave launches a new Kickstarter Which part of the "Good Ol' Days" would you bring back? You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for pos

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the guys discuss tips and strategies to improve your humor writing. Then, a question-asker asks if it's OK to re-use backgrounds. Next, it's advice on doing a comic convention when you have a speech impediment. Also, when will self-publishing become acceptable in other media — such as kids' lit, sci-fi, novels, etc.? And finally, Brad explains romance novels to Dave. But first... Brad's wife came home to find a dog asleep on the sofa. They don't have a dog. QUESTIONS ASKED... Dave talks about his love for the Wacom swing arm How do you find the Funny? Is it OK to reuse background illustrations? How do you do comic conventions when you have a speech impediment? When will self-publishing become acceptable in kids' lit, sci-fi, novels, etc.? Brad explains romance novels to Dave Brad explains audio erotica to Dave Dave has enough You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible us

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, a listener asks if they guys carry around sketchbooks in their everyday lives. Also, the guys talk about their First Time experiences— with offset print runs, that is. Then, a question asker asks how they built a sustainable comics career without becoming burnt out. Next, what pitfalls do Dave and Brad see in the next five-to-ten years? BUT FIRST... Valium has turned Dave's dog into a member of Dr. Teeth's Electric Mayhem QUESTIONS ASKED... What's in your sketchbook? What was your first offset print run like? How to build a sustainable career without burn-out? What pitfalls do you want to avoid over the next several years? You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your

This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! In this week's show, the guys talk about the long paths they took to become full-time cartoonists. Then, they look at the importance of livestreaming, and share some tips on doing that well. Next, a question-asker asks what Dave and Brad want to be remembered for. Finally, a cartoonist writes to say that they are their own worst booth barnacle! How can they stop doing that? BUT FIRST... Remember that lady who showed up to San Diego Comic Con INSISTING that Dave start exhibiting at sci-fi conventions? Well, somehow she found her way into Brad's studio while they were taping, and she has a message for Dave. And she brought a piano. QUESTIONS ASKED... How long was it before you went full time? I stink at livestreaming — help! What do you want to be remembered for? I kee barnacling myself. How do I stop? You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips po

Today's show is sponsored by Wacom! Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett are talkin' comics. The guys talk about how their drawing styles evolved, and then detail what a typical day in their studios looks like. Next, they talk about strategies for deconstructing a comic in order to learn from it. After that, a question-asker asks if there are times the guys wish they could go back in time to fix things in their comics. Finally, it may seem that promoting a short-form, humor-based comic strip is comparatively easy, but how does one promote a continuous-narrative comic? BUT FIRST — When Dave pitches an idea to Brad, he can immediately tell Brad hates it. Show Notes Constantly improving your drawing style Dave and Brad recall why they moved to a Wacom tablet What does a typical day at the studio look like? How do you deconstruct a comic to learn from it? Do you ever wish you could go back in time and fix certain things about your comic? What's the best way to promote a continuous, narrative comic like Dave

This episoide of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! Now that Dave Kellett is settled in from his trip to San Diego for Comic Con International, so it's time for Brad Guigar and him to get down to answering some listener questions! Page numbering — After receiving a polite rebuttal to his original dismissal of page numbering, Brad reverses course on the topic Why MAD magazine folded (it had nothing to do with its content) AT&T's WarnerMedia pulled its Rooster Teeth booth at SDCC — and what that may indicate What needs to be in place for a first-time webcomic? But first... A convention attendee explains that Dave should do a sci-fi convention. If he wants to succeed. Really. Right now. You get great rewards when [you support ComicLab](http://patreon.com/comiclab) $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll r

This episoide of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom! Dave Kellett has returned from San Diego, after spending a week exhibiting at Comic Con International, and he brought stories and analysis with him. In today's show: Dave and Brad remember the first time they used a Wacom Cintiq Did Dave turn a profit? Was the show worth the expense? Hollywood parties vs comic con parties Getting booth barnacled — by people who should know better! ComicLab listeners who visited the booth Dave walked the show floor at San Diego, and returned a changed man Is Comic Con International... shrinking But first... a married couple approaches Dave's booth, and says, "ComicLab helped our marriage..." You get great rewards when [you support ComicLab](http://patreon.com/comiclab) $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! A listener asks: if social-media delivers only a 1% engagement, what hope does one have in building an audience? Also in today's show: The best way to host a comics-making workshop for kids. Books on Brad and Dave's bookshelf Why did Dave move his comic from site to site for so long? BUT FIRST, Brad is living a home-owner's nightmare.