Comic Lab

• Verbal vs. Visual

  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 strategies behind running a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting community engagement and personal anecdotes. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the intersection of customer service skills and creative work, particularly in the context of managing a Patreon. They discuss the importance of empathy, professionalism, and the balance between listening to customer feedback and maintaining creative integrity. Personal anecdotes from their early jobs provide insight into the skills that can be transferred to creative endeavors while emphasizing that the customer's perspective should not dictate creative decisions.TakeawaysGardening can be a therapeutic hobby during tough times.Citrus grafting allows for the creation of unique fruit varieties.The balance between visual and verbal storytelling is crucial in comics.Some jokes are best conveyed visually, while others require words.Skill development is a continuous journey for comic creators.Reviewing past work helps identify growth and areas for improvement.Visual humor can create a more substantial impact than verbal humor in specific contexts.Understanding the audience's expectations is key to compelling storytelling.Experimentation is essential for growth in creative fields.Creating a compelling narrative often requires a mix of both visuals and text. Self-critique is essential for growth in comic creation.Bravery in execution can lead to improvement.World-building should not overshadow storytelling.Short stories are crucial for developing writing skills.Engaging with the community can enhance project visibility.Mistakes are part of the learning process in comics.Visual and verbal storytelling require different approaches.Kickstarter campaigns can be exhausting but rewarding.Feedback from peers is invaluable for improvement.The act of writing reveals the true nature of a story. Short stories allow for experimentation in world building.Customer service skills are valuable in managing Patreon campaigns.Empathy and professionalism are key in customer interactions.It's important to assume the best intentions from customers.Never listen to one reader; always consider the audience as a whole.The customer's always wrong when it comes to creative decisions.Feedback from patrons should inform, not dictate, creative choices.Maintaining creative integrity is essential for artists.Personal experiences shape our understanding of customer service.Rhetoric plays a powerful role in communication and engagement.   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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:08:41
• Happily Writing Tragedy

  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 artists, emphasizing the significance of tracking engagement and adapting to audience responses. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the complexities of social interactions, particularly in the context of pursuing creative careers. They discuss the importance of understanding the motivations behind casual conversations and the superficial nature of social niceties. The dialogue shifts to the challenges of engaging with audiences on social media, especially regarding political discourse, and the pitfalls of seeking validation through online engagement. They emphasize the value of building a passionate audience over merely chasing numbers, and the dangers of slacktivism, where social media activity gives a false sense of accomplishment without real-world impact.TakeawaysWriting a tragedy involves the same principles as other stories.Character Wants and Needs are crucial in storytelling.Foreshadowing can create a sense of inevitability in narratives.Emotional hooks are essential for audience engagement.Not all stories need a happy ending to be satisfying.Catharsis can come from tragic outcomes.Characters can have bittersweet endings that resonate emotionally.The choice of where to end a story defines its genre.  Cinematic guilty pleasures can be surprisingly engaging.Subverting audience expectations can enhance storytelling.The journey in a narrative is as important as the ending.Unhappy endings can be satisfying if they feel earned.Character arcs should lead to emotionally satisfying conclusions.Kickstarter strategies can significantly impact project success.Tracking engagement helps identify effective promotional channels.Building a narrative involves using the same principles for different outcomes.Friendship and collaboration can enhance creative projects.Understanding audience expectations is key to effective storytelling. You don't need to justify yourself to others.Most people are just trying to be polite.Engagement on social media doesn't always translate to meaningful connections.It's okay to keep conversations superficial with strangers.Building a passionate audience is more valuable than a large one.Political posts can alienate potential fans.Slacktivism can give a false sense of accomplishment.Focus on your brand and what you want to communicate.Real-world actions are more impactful than social media posts.Everyone is navigating life awkwardly, regardless of age.   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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:03:46
• Webcomics Revenue Streams Ranked Best to Worst

  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 uncertainties. Brad and Dave discuss the economic challenges facing creators, particularly in light of rising costs and potential trade wars. They explore strategies for adapting to these changes, such as adjusting Patreon tiers to accommodate supporters' financial situations. The conversation then shifts to the often-overlooked topic of font credit in comics, questioning why font designers are not acknowledged in the same way as letterers. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of font creators and suggest that doing so could set a new standard in the industry.TakeawaysPatreon is a top income stream for creators.Kickstarter offers big swings in income.Digital commissions can be lucrative.Physical rewards on Patreon can be problematic.Sales of printed merchandise are important.Comic-Con can be a significant income source.Understanding income streams is crucial for success. Comic-Con can be profitable but comes with risks.Digital merchandise sales can provide better profit margins.Diverse income streams are crucial for financial stability.Merchandise sales often yield lower profits due to costs.Day jobs are a valid source of income for many artists.Media mail is essential for affordable shipping of books.Patreon collections can be a surprising revenue source.Economic challenges may impact artists' income streams.Understanding costs is vital for convention profitability.Experimenting with new income strategies is important.  Economic challenges are impacting creators' income.Adjusting Patreon tiers can help retain supporters.Hedging bets is a smart strategy in uncertain times.Font credit in comics is often overlooked.Acknowledging font designers could elevate the industry.Younger creators often follow the practices of established ones.Listing fonts used in comics could become a new norm.Digital lettering has changed how fonts are accessed.Creators should consider the impact of tariffs on their work.Engaging with supporters through lower tiers can maintain connections.  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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:03:23
• The Information We Share — And Why We Shouldn't

  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. The conversation then shifts to writing advice, focusing on story pacing, exposition, and actionable strategies for aspiring writers to improve their craft.TakeawaysSharing information among creatives is essential for growth and learning.Facts are verifiable truths that can help guide creative decisions.Marketing often skews perceptions and can lead to poor decision-making.Herd mentality can mislead creatives into following trends without critical thinking.Misinformation can come from well-intentioned but uninformed sources.Bad actors exist in the creative community, and caution is necessary.Understanding the difference between marketing and facts is crucial for success.Social media is primarily a marketing tool for many creators.  Book signings often don't attract large crowds.Celebrating career milestones can boost mental health.Reflecting on past achievements can provide motivation.Each page of a comic should be satisfying on its own.Writers should focus on manageable story lengths.Use visuals effectively to enhance storytelling.Avoid information dumps in storytelling.Create tension through micro-tension techniques.Leave breadcrumbs for readers to follow in the narrative.     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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  59:30
• "F*** me! That actually worked!"

  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 skepticism towards various platforms like T-shirts, advertising, and crowdfunding. They share personal anecdotes about their misjudgments regarding new technologies and trends, emphasizing the importance of humility and adaptability in their careers. Two mid-show updates touch on the recent bankruptcy of Diamond Comics Distributors and their new show, The Wrong Way. In this conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the challenges and anxieties surrounding social media for artists, particularly in building an online presence while focusing on their craft. They explore the importance of self-promotion, the consequences of delaying engagement with social media, and the potential of new platforms like Blue Sky. The discussion emphasizes the need for artists to balance their creative work with the realities of marketing and audience building while addressing the mental health aspects of sharing their work online.TakeawaysHogan's Alley Magazine is a significant resource for comic history.Niche topics in webcomics can lead to unexpected success.Webrings can significantly boost site traffic and engagement.Comics history is often overlooked but is vital for understanding the medium.The internet favors focused, passionate content over general interest.Understanding your audience is key to successful cartooning.Comics can be both serious and joyful, reflecting their cultural impact. T-shirts as a monetization strategy were initially surprising.Advertising proved to be a lucrative avenue for comics.Skepticism towards Kickstarter was common in its early days.Technological advancements can change the way comics are created and consumed.Vertical scrolling comics have become a preferred format for mobile readers.Humility is crucial in recognizing when to adapt to new trends.Keeping an eye on peers can lead to valuable learning opportunities.The bankruptcy of Diamond Comics marks a significant moment in the industry.Independent comics are evolving beyond traditional distribution methods.Embracing discomfort can lead to growth and new opportunities. Focus on improving your craft before engaging on social media.If social media causes anxiety, it's okay to wait.Blue Sky is currently a growing platform for audience building.Social media fatigue is a common issue for artists.Self-promotion is essential for making a living from art.Building an audience takes time and effort.Sharing your work gets easier with practice.Consider the consequences of delaying social media engagement.It's important to find a balance between art and marketing.Artists can impact the world even as a hobby. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:06:03

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