Comic Lab

Webcomics workhorses Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop with Kazu Kibuishi on the eve of the release of the eighth book in his graphic-novel series, _"Amulet." _The New York Times Best-Selling graphic novelist talks about the early crisis that redefined his career. BUT FIRST, Kazu Kibuishi enjoys a tasty, tasty croissant. Show notes 00:00 — "What am I — the Queen??" xx:18 — Introducing Kazu Kibuishi 03:24 — Leading a team of artists on a single project 08:15 — Is it energizing working in a studio environment? 10:00 — Promoting a book through social media and travel 16:30 — The early "failure" that redefined Kazu's career 28:25 — Persistence sometimes includes stepping away 31:28 — Planning an epic-length comic / Kazu's process 38:00 — How to approach a publisher / the importance of having an agent 44:30 — How much impact ro reader comments and feedback have on your writing? 50:43 — What skills have you developed that time has rendered useless, and do you wish you coul

Webcomics warriors Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! They discuss why you should be encouraging people to follow your Kickstarter campaign — and how it translates into big money in the last 72 hours of your marketing push. THEN, a thoughtful Patreon backer asks how they can support the web cartoonist in their life. NEXT, a backer asks for strategies for building buzz on Twitter (short of a flame war). ALSO, the guys give advice on knowing which parts of your webcomics business you should outsource. And FINALLY, a patron asks why there has been so little innovation in webcomics. BUT FIRST, Dave Kellett was his high school’s prom king, and Brad wants every last detail. Show notes 00:00 — Dave Kellett: Prom King 05:58 — Roll the timpani for the DriveKickstarter.com update! 10:36 — Brad Guigar: Prom Loser 13:36 — Following a Kickstarter campaign 20:30 — How can you support the web cartoonist in your life? 28:22 — Best strategies for building buzz on Twitter 35:55 — How do you guys make the decision

Webcomics wannabes Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! The guys discuss the monthly Patreon dip — what it means and why you shouldn't freak out. THEN Dave talks about why he lays out his longform sci-fi comic the way he does. NEXT, Brad argues that reboots are good — and sometimes necessary, and he and Dave examine the best ways to go about it. FINALLY, Dave shares some helpful guidance for anyone who wants to branch into enamel pins. BUT FIRST, Brad has one more story from his trip to Michigan... the deer with a red tag an its ear, and a warm story in its heart. Show notes 00:00 — The red-tag deer 08:36 — "Why does my Patreon drop at the first of the month?" 18:78 — Why does Dave lay out "Drive" the way he does? 30:20 — Should you reboot your comic? 54:00 — A primer on creating enamel pins 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 po

Webcomics whackos Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! Brad took a four-week vacation from his comic this summer, and he says it’s the smartest thing he has ever done. THEN we take another swing at the topic of “Good content vs. Viral content.” Have we over simplified the discussion? NEXT, Dave and Brad note that they’ve been using Bonjoro app all summer long. Are they still as excited about it as they were when they started? And FINALLY, why do we hate thought balloons so much? Is it time to re-think our animosity? BUT FIRST, Dave’s DriveKickstarter.com funded in ONE DAY! He talks about the strategies he used to pull that off. Show notes 00:00 — Kickstarter panic 01:45 — The strategy that lead to DriveKickstarter.com funding in ONE DAY 11:20 — Brad took a four-week vacation from his comic, and it was the best decision ever 21:47 — Viral content vs Good content… redux 32:40 — Bonjoro… we’ve been using it all summer. Is it working? 51:20 — Bonjoro pro tip… why we wave 58:08 — Why do we hate thought

While Brad's son was at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, Dave called him in his hotel room to talk comics. Pantsless, Brad obliged. They discussed Dave's new Kickstarter at DriveKickstarter.com and the agony of Kickstarter panic. THEN Dave gets some intriguing advice on using one's own photo as a social-media avatar. NEXT, a patron asks about brainstorming from scratch. THEN another patron asks about the main sources of webcomics revenue and how it has changed over time — and which revenue sources should be the focus of beginner cartoonists. NEXT, Brad loses his ever-lovin' temper over NSFW creators bad-mouthing Patreon. THEN a patron asks whether we've switched comics with other creators for something fun to do. Brad's mood does not improve. BUT FIRST, what can make an anti-social grump like Brad come out of his hotel room to attend social hour? Here's a hint: It rhymes with bree fear. Show notes 00:00 — Dave's wife imagines his internal monologue as ♪♫♪ "do-dee-do-do-doooo." ♪ ♫♪ 02:13 — How Br

Webcomics wardens Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are joined this week by “The Long Con” writer, Dylan Meconis. They discuss ways in which an artist can improve their critical eye. NEXT, a listener asks whether a creator should have one, central Patreon campaign — or should they split them among different projects? THEN, the trio brainstorms strategies to integrate new readers into an ongoing longford comic. FINALLY, Dave and Brad announce their plans to attend the Patreon convention, PatreCon, in November! BUT FIRST, when Brad takes his kids to the Huron County Fair, they learn a lot about rural life. Show notes 00:00 — During his trip to Michigan, Brad takes his boys to the Huron County Fair. (The Zipper) 06:23 — The FFA livestock auction 09:50 — Introducing special guest Dylan Meconis 12:00 — Brad’s looking forward to his Huntsville, Ala., work vacation 14:43 — Documentary about Osamu Tezuka (“Astroboy”) 17:07 — “How do I develop my critical eye?” 33:41 — Should you have one Patreon campaign or split them am

Webcomics wild things Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are joined this week by lawyer-to-the-comics-stars, Katie Lane. She has some advice on attempting the elusive “working vacation.” THEN she discusses the legal questions that perennially haunt creative professionals, like how does one find a good lawyer? NEXT, she tackles work-for-hire contracts and right of first refusal. FINALLY, she shares some priceless advice… avoid one-size-fits-all legal advice. There’s no, one “right way” to do this. BUT FIRST, as Brad shares his plans for a road trip to Michigan to visit his family, Dave recalls the family trips of his youth. Show notes 00:00 — Brad preps for his road trip to Michigan to visit his family, and Dave remembers the family road trips of his youth 03:28 — The concept of the working vacation 06:13 — The search for Floyd Lake 09:12 — Introducing Katie Lane 12:10 — Katie makes her move to replace Brad when he, inevitably, gets lost. 12:22 — The elusive working vacation — is it possible? 17:52 — Brad’s briefca

  Webcomics warlocks Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talkin’ shop! Dave Kellett has returned from his 20th appearance at Comic Con International in San Diego — and it was a huge success! He shares the strategies he used to beat the odds and make a profit at an incredibly demanding show. Plus... booth barnacles, Hollywood scouts and the religious pugs. Show notes 00:00 — Religious pugs and other oxymorons 02:34 — The new pedestrianized Comic-Con frontage 05:45 — Hard times in Hall H? — Marvel and Disney's reduced presence impacted foot traffic on the floor 11:51 — Dave's best Comic-Con ever 12:59 — The Webcomics section of the show has shrunk 15:25 — Small Press and Artist Alley 21:19 — Selling long-form vs selling short-form comics 29:24 — Flyer advice 32:33 — The Big Takeaway... the show is about the Experience for most people. It's not about buying your book. And (ironically) understanding that concept can help you improve sales. 37:58 — How can you offer an Experience? 50:38 — Using Instagram to increase con

Webcomics wizards Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talkin’ shop! Some fan mail revives the topic of the “punch word” in writing humor. THEN, Brad has some bad news for you. You’re not talented. And, actually, that’s good news. NEXT, a listener asks what we listen to while we work. AND FINALLY, Dave and Brad talk about the people who most inspire their work today (as opposed to childhood heroes). BUT FIRST… Dave gets called for jury duty on the same week as Comic Con International, and he had to scramble to get out of it. Show notes 00:00 — Jury duty during Comic Con 03:30 — The SyFy cafe — Imagine Greater 07:26 — Fan mail! 08:14 — Collaboration follow-up — “Working with an editor improved my humor writing” 11:47 — The concept of the “punch word” 13:43 — Savannah College of Art and Design 16:31 — We want to be invited to a Tokyo comic con 22:06 — Video ComicLab — let’s make it happen 22:57 — You’re not talented… and that’s good news 32:53 — What do you listen to while you’re drawing? 41:36 — Five-Year-Plan Ch

Webcomics weirdos Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talkin’ shop! When a listener asks how to recover after a failed con, Brad launches into a discussion of the gambler’s mentality of comic conventions. And Dave launches his newest character, Susanne Mactaggart, inspirational speaker. THEN, if a key to success is making good comics, what should you be focused on learning and doing to make that happen? NEXT, looking back over his decision to launch a NSFW comic series, is there anything that Brad would have done differently? AND Dave mentions the sweet perfection of the title of Danielle Corsetto’s new comic — “BOO! It’s Sex!” FINALLY, what size should your original art be — and why? BUT FIRST… When doctors say, “STAT!” on medical dramas, what does that mean? And why isn’t it just was cool for copy editors to yell “STET!”   Show notes 00:00 — When doctors say, “stat,” what does it mean? 04:52 — How do you recover after a failed con? 17:45 — Susanne MacTaggart, inspirational speaker 17:55 — If “Good Work” is the ke

Webcomics warriors Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking about making comics. Several webcartoonists hosted on LINE Webtoons were nominated for ‘Ringo Awards. Is it the new hotbed of webcomics talent? THEN is there any value to being “syndicated” on GoComics? NEXT. what should you look for in a contract? And FINALLY, the guys talk about how to improve the writing of a journal/autobio comic. BUT FIRST… Brad has been watching “House M.D.” and if that show can be “What if Sherlock Holmes was a doctor,” then he wants a new medical-mystery series — “Dr. Columbo.” Show notes 00:00 — Brad’s idea for a new medical mystery drama — “Dr. Columbo” 06:22 — Sponsor: Skittercomic.com 09:07 — ‘Ringo Award nominees and LINE Webtoons 22:53 — Should you be “syndicated” on GoComics? 32:49 — How to negotiate a contract 51:37 — How to do a journal or autobiographical comic 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

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talk about making comics! In a previous episode, both artists came out against re-working old comics… until one of Dave’s “Drive” readers pointed out that he had done it himself before the first “Drive” book was released! THEN a listener asks how to ensure that every page ends on a story beat. NEXT, we talk about the positive effect that Patreon has had in establishing close-knit communities. If Patreon changes, will this disappear? THIRDLY, a reader is concerned that comics are being replaced by memes. And FINALLY, a cartoonist is worried about allowing their drawing style to mature. Will they lose readers? And how DO you pronounce “mature” anyway?! Show notes 00:00 — Don’t ask Brad to ‘Like’ your Facebook Page 05:19 — Shaving naked, a gentleman’s guide 09:05 — Reworking old comics 18:00 — Ending each page/update own a story beat 36:02 — Patreon’s paywall encourages close-knit communities — what happens if it goes away? 55:00 — Are comics being replaced by memes? 01:

Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talk about the contentious controversies caused in creating comics! For example, a discussion about using an exclamation point in a sound effect leads to a deep dive into the psychology of lettering! THEN, Brad thinks we need to encourage more collaboration. And FINALLY, Dave asks how to overcome a writing challenge — when you know the overall story, but you just can't write the next step! BUT FIRST: After a former co-worked found a Disney animation desk at a garage sale, Dave find himself obsessed with finding one of his own. Show notes 00:00 — Dave's white whale — a Disney animation-desk garage-sale find! 05:35 — What is Video ComicLab, and how can you help make it happen? 07:49 — Using exclamation points in sound effects leads to a deep discussion on the psychology of comics lettering 30:38 — We need to encourage more collaboration in comics 50:36 — A writer's nightmare: "I know the overall story, but I'm stuck at getting from one plot point to the next!

Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar welcome webcomics star Zach Weinersmith of SMBC, cerator of BAHfest, and author of several books including Soonish. They discuss how to know when a comic is "done" — and when it it overworked. Zach talks about having a font designed to mimic his hand-lettering — and why it was worth the expense. Then, the folks discuss when it's time to quit one's day job to do cartooning full time  — and that there's no shame in having one in the first place . BUT FIRST: Dave puzzles over the inherent bizarreness of the Smurfs. Show notes 00:00 — The economics of LEGOs 07:26 — Introducing Zach Weinersmith 12:00 — When are you "done" — and when do you go back and "fix" an old comic? 21:12 — Overworking a comic 25:50 — Creating a font based on his hand-lettering solved Zach's hand-cramping problems 29:53 — How does Zach describe his career? 30:50 — Does the New York Times bestseller list matter? 36:30 — How do you know when it's time to quit your day

Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar tackle another collection of questions about the care and feeding of cartoonists. FIRST, Danielle Corsetto's GWS collection leads to a discussion of "complete" collections and hardcover books in general. NEXT, Creation vs Learning — which is more important? THEN, it's the perennial question – How do I get more Patreon backers? FOURTH, should experienced webcartoonists be more open to offering critiques when asked? And FINALLY, Dave challenges Brad to write a 10-year plan! BUT FIRST: Dave discusses a parent's cunnundrum — the perplexing economics of LEGOs! Show notes 00:00 — The economics of LEGOs 06:25 — Brad is still dealing with phishing phallout 09:00 — Danielle Corsetto's GWS collection leads to a discussion of "complete" collections and hardcover books in general 15:26 — Creating vs Learning... which is more important? 24:27 — How to get more Patreon backers 37:33 — Should we offer critiques? 56:10 — Challenge: Create a 1-, 5- and/or 10-

Dave and Brad are thrilled to welcome our longtime friend and Webcomics Weekly co-host Scott Kurtz to the show. Ten years after collaborating on the How To Make Webcomics book (along with Kris Straub), we sit down and open up about the greatest goals we've yet to accomplish. BUT FIRST... in true Webcomics Weekly fashion, we spend the first part of the show catching up for lost time. Show notes 21:00 — Brad's unaccomplished goal 31:43 — Dave's unaccomplished goal 43:39 — Scott's unaccomplished goal 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.

Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar tackle another bushel of questions from creative professionals! FIRST, they share advice for people who are starting their first steps into cartooning later in life. How do you do comics with a spouse, kids, a mortgage and, well… a life? NEXT, what’s the best way to support a comics creator? THEN, if you came of age in a Web 2.0 environment of message boards and forums, how can you hope to build community these days? PLUS, the prevailing advice is to find your niche and stay there. It helps Amazon’s algorithm, according to conventional wisdom. So… should you? FINALLY, Are you undervaluing your Patreon pledge tiers? And, if so, what should you do? BUT FIRST: After living out of a suitcase for a few weeks while his family moved into a new house, Dave realizes he needs just a little bit to live happily. And a little bit more. And a little bit more. Show notes 00:15 — Dave needs very little to survive… or does he? 03:08 — Bonjoro update 04:17 — What advice would you

This week on the show we're thrilled to welcome the creative powerhouse Gloria Calderón Kellett. Well-known for the critically acclaimed relaunch of "One Day At A Time," she is a show-runner, writer, actor and all-around force-to-be-reckoned-with. She talks with Dave and Brad about her writing process, finding new ideas, sitcom writing, writing as a collaboration, editing for humor, and much, much more. Gloria and Dave have been married for a number of years. (Which number is anybody's guess.) So this marks the first time that one of the ComicLab hosts exchanged smooches with one of the guests.  Sorry, Jake. BUT FIRST... Speaking of humor writing, Brad's older son, Alex, has become fascinated with writing comedy. And that has resulting in a strange combination of pride and fear for dad. Show notes 00:00 — Brad's son wants to be a writer 11:10 — Facing the blank page 16:46 — What's missing from webcomics? Craft services. 19:49 — Writing an episode for TV 21:19 — Accepting criticism 25:00 — Do Gloria

Great news! We have a DISCOUNT CODE for Bonjoro — exclusively for our $5+ Patreon backers! NEXT: Dave and Brad drill deep on the ubiquitous DRM-free PDF. We discuss what it is, why we use it, and how to best implement it. THEN: We grapple with one of the great mysteries of life — If we could time-travel back to talk to ourselves in our 20s, what advice would we give? FINALLY: If you're doing a comic strip that incorporates a storyline, you should be doing a longform comic instead. BUT FIRST... As the rest of his family is waiting for him to come home to start a camping trip in the Poconos, Brad makes a mistake that has him sitting in his bank's branch office for several hours, sweating bullets. Show notes 00:00 — Brad gets phished, but good. 19:05 — Bonjoro DISCOUNT CODE 23:40 — DRM-free PDFs 37:27 — What advice would you give to 20-year-old you? 50:55 — If you're doing a comic strip that incorporates a storyline, you should be doing a longform comic instead. Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — sup

  Today on ComicLab, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take a full one-eighty on Bonjoro. After trashing it last episode, they're ready to sing its praises as a game-changer in crowdfunding and web publishing. Find out what caused this massive reconsideration. THEN the guys take an audio question from a Patreon backer who wants to know how to address concerns from readers who find a story hard to follow. And FINALLY, another backer asks how much effort should be put into making sure your idea hasn't been done before. BUT FIRST... Whether it's Flash vs Reverse Flash or Green Lantern vs Sinestro, why do supervillains always have to be the exact opposite of their corresponding superheroes? Is it hack writing or is there something deeper going on? Show Notes 00:00 — Perfectly matched hero/villain pairs — hack writing or philosophical poetry? 08:36 — Backerkit 16:37 — Bonjoro — a game-changers for your crowdfunding and web publishing strategy 42:11 — Audio Question: How do you address concerns from a reader about your