Comic Lab

Webcomics veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! This week, they discuss... Increasing engagement on social media An improved hashtag strategy for Instagram When — and how — to ask for help Which comes first in writing — story, character or setting? What gratification do you get from comics? ...But first, Dave's gearing up for Comic Con International at Booth 1228! Great rewards when you support ComicLab • $2 — support the show • $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 podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com  Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

In this episode, Dave and Brad talk to Dylan Meconis about her new book, Queen of the Sea! Also... Brad has some repairs done to his house, and it goes poorly. The case for traditional publishing — children's books Dave's upcoming appearance at Comic Con International Working with an editor Listener asks "I lost my day job. How do I generate excitement over working on my comic?" How to "kill your darlings" What's your favorite part about making comics? Great rewards when you support ComicLab • $2 — support the show • $5 — submit a qu****estion 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 podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talkin' comics! In this episode, a question-asker asks if you can spur creativity by changing the layout of your studio. NEXT, the guys take a moment to talk about their fathers — and the influence their dads have had on their creative lives. FINALLY, is it possible to make comics more accessible for people with visual impairment? BUT FIRST, Dave takes his family to an indoor water park — or as he calls it "a cathedral to e. coli bacteria" SHOW NOTES Spurring creativity by changing the layout of your studio Father's Day thoughts accessibility to visually impaired readers Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — Support the show $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 Pro

Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, they talk about Arrival Fallacy, and how it lures creators into a treadmill of despair! THEN a Patreon backer asks how Brad "NSFW" Guigar could possibly be disturbed by Public Displays of Affection! FINALLY, they discuss the Shonen Jump approach — could it work for webcomics? BUT FIRST, Brad's son points out that two of his father's popular aphorisms are in direct conflict with one another! SHOW NOTES "You can't choose what you're good at" vs "No such thing as talent" Arrival Fallacy Public displays of affection Shonen Jump Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — Support the show $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 exclusiv

What's in a name? A lot -- as Dave can tell you. He shares the troubles he experienced by naming his strip after a character who has since faded into the background. Also in today's show... Ziggy Zippy Should you re-draw old comics? How should you introduce a new style to your readership? Do splash pages work on the Web? The guilt of not creating Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — support the show $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 podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

LIVE! (on tape) from Huntington Beach, it's a special episode of ComicLab recorded during NCSFest. Brad and Dave talk about webcomics publishing becoming more centralized — and much more! 04:55 — Webcomics publishing started as centralized, become de-centralized, and is getting centralized again 08:13 — "Vanity Press is the new Publishing, and Publishing is the new Vanity Press" — Jake Parker 20:00 — Optimism over the future of comics 30:47 — Working with assistants 34:50 — Getting the vapors 36:30 — Dave loves to draw backgrounds (Brad doesn't) 41:00 — When you forget how to draw 44:40 — Question from the audience: Do we consider our non-cartoonist listeners? 49:11 — Working in Dave's studio 54:19 — Question from the audience: Do we plan for continuing education to expand our knowledge?

With Brad visiting Dave in Los Angeles to attend NCSFest, the guys take the opportunity to record a rare show originating from the same ZIP code. The guys talk about how webcomics — which started in centralized cells like Keenspot — has come full circle, and is becoming more centralized again. Next, Dave talks about what her learned from his recent Kickstarter campaign. Finally, the guys take from questions from $5 Patreon backers including: Should a first-time Kickstarter campaign focus only on hardcover books? Should you make decisions based on practicality — or on joy? How far ahead do you plot your stories? Patreon backers can see video of the recording session here!

David Malki, of Wondermark fame, joins us for an in-depth discussion of writing and all things webcomic!

This week on ComicLab, Brad and Dave discuss... When doing a Kickstarter for a product that hasn't been started yet, what should the visuals be? Would you still do a comic — even if nobody was reading it? Longform story advice The best posting schedule Leveraging readers from your old project to your new one. But first, Dave discover's Brad's first comic strip. "Googar."

Dave Kellett attended Comics Camp, an event hosted by Alaska Robotics, and he's back — filled to the brim with joy and enthusiasm — from this annual retreat/comic convention. You can get on an e-mailing list for [next year's event here](http://). He shares stories from the week, including: Ursaphobic Stan Lee Classes taught by fellow cartoonists The importance of play in revitalizing an adult's creativity Anonymously sharing income sources Dissatisfaction and Imposter Syndrome occur at all levels of success Dave Malki, Scott C., and Dave Kellett... out-of-sync snoring "You're kinda like a Comics Dad!" Re-evaluating happiness after bring offline for four days. New projects launched that weekend.

This week, Chris Hallbeck joins us to talk Instagram strategy. He was one of the first cartoonists to see the potential in the social media platform, and his comics Maximumble and Pepple & Wren are pure delights. BUT FIRST, Brad shares the story of how much it hurt when he fell out of heaven.

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! The guys welcome Mr. Inktober himself — Jake Parker. Jake talks about why he recently turned down a publishing contract... at the considerable risk of being labeled an "artisanal success." THEN, they go into publishing with a company verse self publishing. NEXT the guys share their thoughts on going to conventions. AFTER THAT, Jake Parker shares his plans for Patreon. BUT FIRST, Brad becomes angered over his son's forgetfulness, only to find the shoe's on the other foot. Or, rather, it isn't. Join us for sophomoric fun!  Show notes • 00:00 — One cleat and one dress shoe • 07:39 — Jake Parker - Art Drop Club • 16:58 — Jake Parker - Publishing • 45:16 — Jake Parker - Con going • 58:34 — Jake Parker - Patreon Support ComicLab at patreon.com/comiclab

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! Dave talks about his new Kickstarter for Sheldon! We hear about need-to-know features when it comes to the cover design of your graphic novel. FOLLOWING this, Brad and Dave go into their thoughts about buying ads as a way to boost interest in your work. BUT FIRST, the guys bust their guts over birds, squirrels, and Brad’s Honeymoon.  Show notes 00:00 — Birds, Squirrels, and Vacations 08:12 — Dave’s Kickstarter 101 18:20 — Guidance with cover design 41:42 — Stretch Break! 42:33 — Buying ads or no?

This week, the guys talk about a LIVE ComicLab session! NEXT we hear about the upcoming ‘Ringo awards and AFTERWARDS, the guys go into how much direction and detail they give to a colorists. THEN they grapple with a question about a Kickstarter for commissions. NEXT, Dave shares his experience selling work on eBay. FINALLY the guys talk about how you can get the most out of your Comic Con weekend. BUT FIRST, Brad tells us about his recent trip to Mexico. 00:00 — Brad’s trip to Mexico! 14:06 — LIVE ComicLab and ‘Ringo Awards 26:45 — How much direction do you give your colorist? 35:56 — Stretch Break! 36:48 — Kickstarter Commissions 46:55 — Selling on eBay 53:16 — Getting the most out of Comic Con

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! On this week’s ComicLab the fellas talk about writing yourself into a corner. NEXT a question-asker asks "is my Patreon reward tier too high?" And FINALLY, they grapple with this — if they could time-travel back to the early 90s with their current skills, would they have been able to make it as syndicated cartoonists? BUT FIRST, Brad bends over to pick up a 12-pack of soda and throws out his back in the process. Getting old sucks.  Show notes • 00:00 — “So-so art” • 06:24 — My Back! • 17:23 — Creative problem solving • 33:35 — Stretch Break! • 34:34 — Patreon tiers • 47:38 — Getting popular now versus then • 01:05:56 — When community building gets complicated Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — support the show $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

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! On this week’s ComicLab we have an interview with Tony Cliff, creator of delilahdirk.com Brad has a failed attempt of a formal introduction. DURING the interview with Tony, the guys all answer the question on what they choose as their career titles. THEN discussing their routines when it’s time for deadline crunch. ENDING with the most sophisticated outro Brad and Dave are capable of. BUT FIRST, Dave shares some fond memories of wooing his wife! • 00:00 — Dave Kellett: the Master of making the first move • 05:09 — The most formal intro ever • 06:48 — Interview with Tony Cliff • 31:21 — Cartoonist or creator • 41:36 — Deadline crunch time • 54:03 — The most formal outro ever

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! Dave dives in on his full experience at ECCC this year, including some wonderful critters he met and his interaction with a rep from Nickelodeon. Dave answers the burning question — Did he do well enough to justify going back next year? Following this, Brad shares his thoughts on the recent success of Nathan "Strange Planet" Pyle. Next, the guys answer the questions on options in going digital. BUT FIRST, Dave tells us about his lovely ECCC roomie, Inktober's Jake Parker. 00:00 — ECCC Rooming with Jake Parker 04:40 — Dave’s ECCC recap — will he go back next year? 33:59 — Shaking dogs and bird poo 35:45 — Nickelodeon lady faux pas 40:33 — Stretch Break! 41:23 — Smooth Move 43:18 — Nathan Pyle’s “Strange Planet” proves Guigar’s Law of Worthless Ideas 52:00 — "Calvin & Hobbes" ... the audiobook 55:29 — Going digital — buy big now or buy small and work upwards? 01:04:30 — Digital originals 01:10:29 — I love my day job Great rewa

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! Going back to the discussion of publishers vs crowdfunding: What really brings you success? THEN, selling Patreon rewards on different platforms. ALSO, answering questions about background and comic structure WHILE bringing up the more modern characters seen in comics today compared to years ago. FINALLY, figuring out when it is beneficial to hold on to old domains or cut loose. BUT FIRST, "f--- Voltron!"  Show notes ** • 00:00 —** f--- Voltron ** • 6:33 —** “Artisanal Success” ** • 23:17 —** Is it OK to sell Patreon rewards elsewhere? ** • 28:29 — Stretch Break! ** • 29:19 — Backgrounds ** • 43:35 — **What is an idea best for? Longform? Shortform? ** • 50:43— **4 panels comics, then and now ** • 52:48 — **New age characters ** • 01:00:55 — DAVE! See a doctor! ** • 01:01:42 — Holding on to old domains Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — support the show $5 — submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTip

Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, they discuss the secrets of Instagram tagging. THEN ... if a backer asks you to add a crowdfunding platform to Patreon, should you? ALSO... what's the danger of waiting too long for success? AND FINALLY... Rob Salkowitz from Forbes drops by to discuss the changing comics industry. BUT FIRST... Dave tells Brad about the time he ate his whole wedding cake. Show Notes 00:00 — The time Dave ate his whole wedding cake 04:15 — Instagram tagging 08:18 — Crowdfunding - Diversifying vs Duplicating 18:31 — Waiting for success 29:25 — Managing multiple projects 45:56 — Copyrighting digital rewards 1:00:36 — Interview with Rob Salkowitz on the changing comics industry Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — support the show $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 s

Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett are talkin' comics! In this episode, each cartoonist offers a step-by-step guide to their creative process — from the idea stage to posting the finished comic. Then, they take a moment to talk about how real-life struggles can often interfere with our goals as creators — and that's OK. Finally, a Patreon backer asks how soo is TOO soon to launch a new Kickstarter after their current crowdfunder closes. BUT FIRST, Dave fondly remembers Screwgie, perhaps the only syndicated comic strip written by a baseball hall of famer. SHOW NOTES 00:00 — Screwgie 10:49 — What is your creative process? 42:53 — Anything worth doing well is worth doing poorly 53:02 — How soon is TOO soon to launch a new Kickstarter? Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — support the show $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