Comic Lab

Today’s show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — go to https://bit.ly/41pXyI7 or https://comiclabshop.com and use the code COMICLAB5 to unlock an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid 4/6/2026 - 6/14/2026)

The Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is the New 22" Benchmark. A powerful yet accessible 21.5'' pen display featuring a 2.5K QHD 90Hz screen, PenTech 4.0, and Canvas Glass 2.0. Designed for smooth, precise, and true-to-life creation, it redefines what an entry-level display can deliver — professional performance without the premium price.

TODAY'S SHOW

How to do a two-page splash page

Get your discounted Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) at comiclabshop.com - COMICLAB5

UPDATE: Got a comment for ComicLab? Dial the ComicLab Confab! ‪(609) 379-3520‬... that's (609) DRY ELB-0

NCS in Columbus, Ohio, Aug 6-8

USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26th and ends (maybe?) Jan. 17, 2027 (NOTE: This will not affect Media Mail pricing)

Editorial cartoonists on social media

What's the deal with Susan MacTaggart?

Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby

Splash Pages

Brad and Dave take a deep dive into splash pages — what they are, how they’ve traditionally been used, and how they function differently in print versus webcomics. They discuss classic first-page splash images as attention-grabbing devices, as well as the practical reality that they can help creators hit deadlines. Dave shares how he uses splash pages sparingly in Drive to give big moments room to breathe, while Brad explains how he uses them consistently at the start of chapters in Evil Inc, both as storytelling tools and promotional assets. The conversation also explores why two-page splash spreads can struggle online — especially on mobile — and reinforces a key principle: a graphic novel page is not the same as a webcomic update, and each must be designed with its medium in mind.

ComicLab Confab (Listener Calls)

The guys remind listeners about the ComicLab Confab — their voicemail line where creators can call in with questions, comments, or hot takes. It’s an easy, low-pressure way for the community to participate in the show and potentially have their thoughts featured on-air. If you’ve got something to say about comics, business, or creative life, you can dial ‪(609) 379-3520 — that’s (609) DRY-ELB-0.

National Cartoonists Society — Columbus, Ohio

Brad and Dave highlight the upcoming National Cartoonists Society event in Columbus, Ohio (Aug. 6–8), encouraging cartoonists to attend. They emphasize the value of in-person networking, camaraderie, and professional development that comes from gathering with other working cartoonists — something that can be hard to replicate online. https://nationalcartoonists.com/registration-now-open-80th-reuben-awards-ncs-conference/

USPS Fuel Surcharge Update

A practical business note: the USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26 and is expected to run (possibly) through January 17, 2027. This will impact many shipping rates for creators who sell physical goods, though Media Mail remains unaffected. For cartoonists running Kickstarters, online stores, or Patreon rewards, this is a reminder to factor rising shipping costs into pricing and planning. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0325-usps-announces-transportation-related-time-limited-price-change.htm

Editorial Cartoonists on Social Media

The conversation touches on how editorial cartoonists are navigating social media — including the challenges of visibility, audience building, and platform changes. Brad and Dave reflect on how shifting algorithms and audience behavior can affect political and commentary-based comics, and what that means for creators trying to get their work seen.

What’s the Deal with Susan MacTaggart?

In a classic ComicLab aside, Brad and Dave riff on the mysterious (and confusing) name “Susan MacTaggart,” using it as an example of how something presented without context can create intrigue — or just bewilderment. It ties back humorously to their broader discussions about clarity, audience expectations, and grabbing attention.

Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby

The episode also features the introduction of Dr. Reginald Wigglesby — a comedic bit that adds to the show’s ongoing tradition of playful world-building and running gags. It’s a reminder that even in a craft-focused podcast, humor and character bits are part of what makes ComicLab feel like hanging out with friends.

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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

In this episode, Brad and Dave tackle a question every cartoonist eventually asks: Where should I invest my time and energy? From gallery shows to professional organizations to keeping up with “the kids,” this conversation is packed with practical, experience-tested advice.

But first things first! Here's Brad's 2021 blog post about the science behind why vampires don't cast a reflection in a mirror.

Are Art Galleries Worth It?

A listener asks whether exhibiting in a gallery helps grow a comics career.

Key takeaways:

• Gallery exposure rarely converts into comic readers

• If it’s not clickable, it’s not effective promotion

• Sales are often split (sometimes 50/50), cutting into profits

• You can usually sell original art more effectively on your own platform

• The biggest benefit? Personal satisfaction and a nice ego boost

Should Beginners Join Professional Organizations?

Brad and Dave revisit a classic question: Are groups like the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) worth it?

• 10–15 years ago: Limited practical value
• Today: Much more actionable, community-driven, and educational

What You Actually Get

• Real-world, practical learning (panels, talks, workshops)

• Networking with professionals who actually understand comics

• Access to events, meetups, and tabling opportunities

• Career insight you won’t get from general audiences

Pro tip:

For younger creators, discounted memberships make this a much easier entry point.

ComicLab at the Reubens

Brad and Dave will be presenting at this year’s Reuben Awards Weekend, August 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio.

Their session: “Actionable Advice in a Time of Change”

• Practical, career-focused insights

• Guest cartoonists joining a live panel format

• A mix of strategy, storytelling, and real-world experience

They’ll also be around all weekend — panels, conversations, and (possibly questionable) lunch recommendations.

Get on the mailing list so you don't miss out!

Call the ComicLab Talkback Line

Got a question or something to share?

📞 609-379-3520

That's...

📞 609-DRY-ELB-0

Leave a message and you might hear it on a future episode!

Final Thought

Whether it’s galleries, organizations, or audience trends, the theme of this episode is simple:

Focus on what actually moves your career forward — and don’t confuse visibility with value.

Join our comics community

 👉 patreon.com/comiclab

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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

This week on ComicLab, veteran comic artists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett kick things off a discussion about something every cartoonist wrestles with: work-life balance. If you’re juggling a day job, relationships, and your creative ambitions, Brad and Dave break down practical strategies that actually work — including:

• Why consistency beats intensity

• How to build a repeatable creative schedule

• The power of small, daily wins

• And why your health and relationships are just as critical as your drawing skills

They also tackle a big-picture career question: What happens when a long-running comic ends? Dave shares his thoughts on winding down Drive, how to retain an audience, and the challenge of transitioning into your next project without losing momentum.

Plus:

• Smart ways to monetize short comics

• Why finished is better than perfect

• And how thinking long-term can transform your creative output

Whether you’re just starting your first comic or planning your next big move, this episode is packed with actionable advice — and a few chaotic detours along the way.

Key takeaway: Three years are going to pass anyway… you might as well have a finished comic at the end of them.

Today's Show

• UPDATE: Enshittification of Bluesky begins

• Work-Life balance

• UPDATE: NCS Conference and Reuben Awards

• Monetizing short comics

• What will Dave do when Drive is over?

For more information about joining the National Cartoonists Society, go to https://nationalcartoonists.com/how-to-join/

• Get on the mailing list 

• More information on the 27 Club

• 80th annual Reuben Awards and NCS Conference — August 6-8, 2026

 

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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

In this episode of ComicLab, Brad and Dave tackle a surprisingly practical question: How do you start a web ring for comics creators? With social media platforms becoming less reliable for discovery, the classic web ring is making a comeback as a way for creators to promote each other directly.

Along the way, the guys discuss audience targeting, technical setup, and why the success of a web ring depends more on community alignment than on code. Plus: tattoo debates, Tolkien romance arguments, and the eternal challenge of drawing the right amount of detail in your comics.

 Key  topics

How to start a web ring

UPDATE: Dave should read Tolkein as a romance

How much detail should we include in our drawings?

Amazon plagiarism

Paid setup

Matt Sowers, who created the Hot Box web ring software can install and host the software for you. Contact him at [email protected]

$50 — install on your server

$100 — hosted setup (includes one year hosting). After that, hosting is $75/year.

$75/year — ongoing web hosting for your comic

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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Making friends in the comics community can be... complicated. After all, we're kind of an introverted bunch. When it comes to social interaction, Brad and Dave have made all the mistakes, so you don't have to! They'll talk about trying too hard, encountering hostility, and trying to fit into a community that's just not right for you. Speaking of realizing a community isn't a good fit, Dave just found out he was kicked off Amazon. And that's perfectly OK with him.

Today's Show

UPDATE: Dave has been kicked off Amazon!

UPDATE: Our listeners recommend eBay for international shipping

Making friends with other cartoonists

What can a full-time self-published comic artist expect to earn?

Summary

In this engaging episode, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the complexities of social interactions within the creative community, the challenges of online publishing, and the evolving role of AI in content moderation. They share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on navigating friendships, social media, and the digital landscape as artists and creators. They share personal stories, industry insights, and humorous banter that will inspire and inform creators at all levels.

Key Topics

Social interactions among artists and creators

Challenges of online publishing and content moderation

Strategies for building and maintaining friendships in creative communities The financial realities of full-time cartooning

The importance of evolving creatively and professionally

Understanding the influence of zeitgeist on comic success

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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.