Comic Lab

Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett
  • 5,0 (2)
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The podcast about making comics — and making a living from comics! 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! And if you like what you hear, join our community at patreon.com/comiclab (For sponsorship inquiries: comiclabpodcast@gmail.com)

  1. HÁ 31 MIN.

    2025 in Review — Predictions and Goals

    At the beginning of the year, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar made their predictions for the coming year — and set goals for themselves. Now, as the year comes to a close, it's the brutally honest follow-up episode where they grade themselves — and sometimes discover that Past-Brad and Past-Dave were wildly optimistic. Or deluded. Or both. 2025 PREDICTIONS DAVE: Business planning for cartoonists is gonna be filled with a lot of anxiety. Trump will be a chaos agent.BRAD: the “winners” of 2025 will be the cartoonists and businesses that help people *deal* with anxiety.DAVE: Bluesky will be at 50M users by the end of the year (we were at 23M when he made that prediction)BRAD: Substack: will gain in prominence. They’re going to have a user base in the same league as Patreon, Kickstarter, or Twitter.DAVE: “We will all be playing reactionary, whack-a-mole with our life decisions in the first two years of the Trump administration.”BRAD: AI will start to gain a foothold among writers and artists, as an assistant to their writing or their process or their brainstorming. Dave concurred. DAVE: Pickstarter and Patreon will continue as market leaders in the next 12 months. (Brad: I concur, provided Patreon doesn’t issue their IPO).BRAD: You’re gonna see publishing take a huge contraction. From Random House to the Guigar House, you’ll see it all shrink, due to tariffs. (Note: We didn’t know about the tariff exception to printed matter.) Dave: Agree! My hidden hope is for incompetence.DAVE: YA and kids books will continue to dominate cartoonists who have *gone to publishers*.DAVE: Webtoons *might* begin to fall apart in the US market. This was more of a “curious” prediction than an “I feel strongly about this” prediction.DAVE: I’m gonna have to raise prices or lower features in my books.   2025 GOALS BRAD: My big goal is to “just survive” in 2025. It would almost be counterproductive for me to make goals. It’s like writing my goals in the sand at the shoreline.DAVE: I also wrote down “survive”!DAVE: run ANATOMY OF DOGS Kickstarter.BRAD: Kickstarter in the first part of the year…but "I don’t know what it’s gonna be”. Worried about the risk of a NSFW book under Project 2025DAVE: gonna triple-down on Bluesky for the next 1-3 years. Gonna focus on it and build it out. Brad co-signs.BRAD: will use and pay for Buffer.comDAVE: wrongwayshow.com will launch as a project, after a year of planning. It launching is the goal. We did it!BRAD: build Spice Rack into an example of what loose collectives can do, and what they can bring to our businesses.DAVE: If I get burned on this first book KS in 2025, I will switch to smaller Quickstarters that are more nimble and more financially manageable.BRAD: Dave says he’s pulling back from KDP. Brad will lean in on KDP.DAVE: second half of 2025: launch on Substack? DAVE: focus on the things that I can control in 2025. Focus on my health, my family, my creativity…and not let them steal my joy, and outlive the f*****s.BRAD: show up every week and record ComicLab.HUION Our multi-week partnership with Huion is nearing the finish line. Huge thanks to them for supporting the show. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tablet or dipping your toes into digital art hardware, now’s a great time to check out their lineup. Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: COMICLAB Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. TAKEAWAYS The hosts reflect on their goals for 2025 and the importance of survival in the creative industry.Anxiety has been a significant factor in business planning for cartoonists this year.Dog humor has provided a universal joy amidst the chaos of the world.AI tools are becoming more accepted in creative processes, even if not openly discussed.Substack is rapidly growing and may surpass Patreon in user numbers.Competition among platforms like Substack and Patreon is beneficial for creators.The publishing industry may have experienced a contraction, but anecdotal evidence suggests a strong demand for printing services. Tariffs impacted smaller publishers more than larger ones.Young adult graphic novels are a strong market for cartoonists.Webtoons' business model may face challenges in the US market.Creators should prioritize owning their careers for long-term success.Sponsorships can provide valuable tools for creators.Setting realistic goals can lead to unexpected successes.Social media scheduling tools can enhance productivity.Collaborative projects can be rewarding but require careful planning.Evaluating different publishing platforms is crucial for profitability.Moral dilemmas in business are complex and often unavoidable. 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.

    1h25min

  2. 18 DE DEZ.

    Print on Demand... When There's No Demand

    Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the nuances of print-on-demand services. As Brad says, "It's a good place to start, but a bad place to stay." They delve into the importance of advanced planning for holiday sales. Finally, they share strategies for engaging audiences at comic conventions, covering pricing strategies and the psychology of sales, and emphasizing the importance of understanding costs and audience engagement. Today's Show Print on DemandHow to "Let Time Be Your Editor"Convention PricingHuionHuion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. Takeaways Patience is key in daily struggles.Print on demand can be a good starting point but not a long-term solution.Planning for holiday sales should start well in advance.Engaging with audiences at conventions is crucial for building a network.Clear pricing and signage can significantly boost sales at conventions.Using loss leaders can attract customers but should be carefully calculated.Understanding your costs is essential for pricing strategies.Round numbers simplify transactions and reduce friction in sales.Time away from your work can provide valuable perspective for editing.Building a strong online presence is important for comic creators. 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.

    1h11min

  3. 11 DE DEZ.

    Special Guest Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott from "Baby Blues"

    Syndicated cartoonists Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman share their journey of collaboration that spans over 35 years, focusing on their iconic comic strip, "Baby Blues." They discuss their initial meeting, the challenges of working together, the creative process behind their gags, and the evolution of their work. The dialogue highlights the joys and conflicts of collaboration, the importance of humor in parenting, and the unique dynamics of their partnership. They discuss their early encounters with legendary cartoonists, the challenges and joys of taking over legacy strips, the impact of awards on their careers, and the importance of authenticity in parenting comics. You can read "Baby Blues" at Gocomics.com/babyblues HuionHuion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. Takeaways Jerry and Rick's collaboration spans over 35 years.Their wives introduced them, both aspiring cartoonists.They bonded over a shared love for comics and cartooning.Baby Blues was inspired by their experiences as parents.They learned the importance of hitting deadlines.Collaboration requires open communication and compromise.Writing gags often starts with the punchline first.The creative process is a blend of writing and drawing.Their friendship enhances their creative output. Meeting legendary cartoonists was a pivotal moment.Legacy strips come with both pressure and opportunity.Awards can create a sense of responsibility.Parenting comics resonate deeply with readers.Book titles can encapsulate the essence of the work.Professional jealousy is detrimental in the creative field.Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.The weight of awards can be both a blessing and a burden.Creating relatable content helps connect with audiences.Collaboration and community are vital in the cartooning world. 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.

    1h20min

  4. 4 DE DEZ.

    What's the Best Platform for Audience Building?

    Where should you post if you want to build an audience? Substack delivers unbeatable audience-building tools... but it has some drawbacks. Bluesky is active... but small. Webtoon is terrific... if you're doing the style and content that their users prefer. Patreon has recently added features to promote discoverability and reader-retention. And the legacy social-media platforms — Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook — have been failing creators for years now. Brad and Dave share actionable advice to help you navigate it all. Today's ShowWhat's the best platform for audience building?How to launch a comic in 2026How important is "local"?HuionHuion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. TakeawaysPsychographics can create connections beyond demographics.Comics can resonate with audiences from different backgrounds.Humor-based storytelling appeals to a wide range of people.Unexpected fan interactions can reveal common interests.Shared love for specific genres can unite diverse individuals.The beauty of human connection lies in shared experiences.Comics can transcend geographical and demographic barriers.Character-based narratives foster deeper audience engagement.Understanding audience psychographics enhances storytelling.Diversity in readership enriches the comic experience.    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.

    1h

  5. 27 DE NOV.

    Color Commentary — Can You Succeed with a Black-and-White Comic?

    Today's show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Kamvas 22 Plus ! In today's show, Brad and Dave tackle an old question — does your comic HAVE to be in color? The answer is more nuanced than you might think! Also, the comics uncles will discuss the right ways — and the wrong way — to sign your books for fans. Huion Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare.Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability.Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do.Today's Show: Color or B&W?Dave Kellett's "Drive" in color?ComicLab Accent ChallengeHow to sign a bookUse offer code 'COMICLAB' to get an extra discount on these Huion products — Kamvas 22 Plus , Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) , and the Huion Note . (Offer ends Jan. 4, 2026)Summary In this engaging conversation, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the debate between black and white versus color in comics, the dynamics of creative teams, and book-signing etiquette. The share personal anecdotes, insights on the creative process, and the importance of listening to audiences. The discussion also touches on the future of comic adaptations and the satisfaction of creating art for its own sake. The hosts delve into the intricacies of storytelling, discussing the journey of creating a narrative and the potential future projects that may arise from it. They share insights from their experiences at Comic Con, particularly focusing on book signing etiquette and best practices. Additionally, they touch on the importance of analytics in understanding audience engagement through platforms like Patreon. But first, Dave waxes poetic over the "Golden Girls" spin-off, "Golden Palace." Takeaways Breakups in creative teams can be heartbreaking, even when things are going well.Color comics are generally preferred by audiences, but black and white can work too.Mastering different aspects of cartooning is essential for success.The chemistry of a team can change dramatically with one member missing.It's important to listen to your audience, even when making positive changes.Black and white comics can help artists focus on line work and composition.The adaptation of comics into other media can be a complex process.It's okay to be content with your work as a comic artist without seeking adaptation. The journey of storytelling is fulfilling and rewarding.Future projects can stem from the success of previous works.Evil Inc. has the potential for further evolution and expansion.Comic Con experiences enhance the connection with fans.Signing books is an art that requires etiquette and practice.Analytics are crucial for understanding audience engagement.Creating a sequel can be a natural progression for a successful story.Engaging with fans at events can lead to lasting memories.Patreon can provide valuable insights into audience demographics.The importance of personalizing book inscriptions for fans.    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.

    1h12min

  6. 20 DE NOV.

    Love it... Hate it... Reddit

    Cartoonist Brad Guigar talks about his love/hate relationship with Reddit — and the publishing strategy that's currently delivering Patreon backers that has him loving it again. Today's Show Brad's Love/Hate Relationship with RedditThe ComicLab Accent ChallengeWorking on Comics at WorkNSFW comic artists on Reddit Brad mentioned getting great advice from people doing NSFW comics on Reddit. Here are a few of them. u/GrimDarkDorku/DarlingSnarlu/LeFauxCreuxTakeaways Boredom can spark creativity and lead to new ideas.Writing on paper during downtime at work is a safe way to create.Avoid using company resources for personal projects to protect your IP.Engaging with readers on Reddit can lead to new opportunities.Consistency in posting is key to building an audience.NSFW content is becoming more accepted on platforms like Reddit.Utilizing hyperlinks in posts can drive traffic to your work.Creating a fourth panel as a stinger can enhance humor in comics.Understanding your audience's feedback is crucial for growth.Experimenting with different formats can lead to new creative avenues.Summary In this episode of ComicLab, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges and strategies of comic creation, particularly focusing on the use of Reddit as a platform for engagement. They explore the ethics of working on personal projects during downtime at work, the acceptance of NSFW content, and the importance of consistency in posting. The episode also features listener interaction, discussing how accents can influence perceptions, and concludes with a challenge from the hosts.     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.

    1h

  7. 13 DE NOV.

    Wobbly Legs

    We always advise having "many legs under your table." In other words, comic creators should have many sources of revenue. If one is threatened, the others can keep the business aloft. So it's important, from time to time, to check for wobbly legs! What are the sources of comics income that are currently vulnerable? Today's Show Vulnerable legsSusan MacTaggartDesign vs StyleSummary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore various themes related creativity and the business of comics. The conversation begins with the importance of diversifying income streams for artists. They also delve into concerns about merchandise shipping costs and the future of platforms like Patreon in the age of AI. Next, the hosts reflect on the relationship between style and design in art, and how generational changes will influence the integration of AI into creative fields. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and insights into the creative process. Takeaways Comic conventions can be a tricky business venture.Diversifying income streams is crucial for artists.Merchandise shipping costs are a growing concern.The future of platforms like Patreon is uncertain with AI advancements.Style and design are interconnected in art.Generational shifts will influence how AI is integrated into creative fields. 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.

    1h9min

  8. 6 DE NOV.

    Kickstarter: What's Working and What's Not

    This week, we're sharing the real numbers from Brad Guigar's recent Kickstarter. The show is brought to you by Hogan's Alley! Enter the code COMICLAB10 at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase from their store — the current issue, back issues, a subscription, digital editions, "The Complete Betty Brown" book collection, whatever you see there that catches your eye! Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss Brad's recent Kickstarter campaign, where he shares insights on his strategy, the challenges of international shipping, and the importance of referral tags and updates to backers. They also discuss the effectiveness of livestreaming the final hour of a campaign and the benefits of late pledges. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining communication with past backers and the value of having a strong online presence for creators. Takeaways International shipping challenges influenced Brad's Kickstarter strategy.Referral tags in Kickstarter help track the effectiveness of outreach efforts.Updates to previous backers can significantly boost Kickstarter pledges.Live streaming the last hour of a Kickstarter campaign can engage backers.Late pledges can add significant funds after a campaign ends.Using a website effectively can drive traffic to Kickstarter campaigns.Regular communication with past backers is crucial for future campaigns. 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.

    1h6min
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The podcast about making comics — and making a living from comics! 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! And if you like what you hear, join our community at patreon.com/comiclab (For sponsorship inquiries: comiclabpodcast@gmail.com)

Informações

  • Criado por
    Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett
  • Anos de atividade
    2018 - 2025
  • Episódios
    419
  • Classificação
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2018-2024 Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett
  • Site do podcast
    Comic Lab

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