Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! A listener asks: if social-media delivers only a 1% engagement, what hope does one have in building an audience? Also in today's show: The best way to host a comics-making workshop for kids. Books on Brad and Dave's bookshelf Why did Dave move his comic from site to site for so long? BUT FIRST, Brad is living a home-owner's nightmare. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 — Early access to episode...
Jul 25, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 82
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 ...
Jul 18, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 81
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 ...
Jul 11, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 80
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"...
Jul 04, 2019•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 79
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 &quo...
Jun 27, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 78
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...
Jun 20, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 77
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...
Jun 13, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 76
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...
Jun 06, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 75
David Malki, of Wondermark fame, joins us for an in-depth discussion of writing and all things webcomic! 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 cr...
May 30, 2019•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 74
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." You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 — Early access to episodes $5 — Submi...
May 22, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 73
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 l...
May 15, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 72
This week, Chris Hallbeck joins us to talk Instagram strategy. He was one of the first cartoonists to see the potentia l 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. 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...
May 08, 2019•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 71
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...
May 01, 2019•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 70
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 co...
Apr 24, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 69
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 — LI...
Apr 17, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 68
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 suc...
Apr 10, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 67
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 h...
Apr 03, 2019•57 min•Ep. 66
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 hi...
Mar 27, 2019•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 65
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 ...
Mar 20, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 64
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...
Mar 13, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 63
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 syndi...
Mar 06, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 62
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! They discuss what percentage of your readership you can expect to become Patreon backers. That leads into a fascinating trip down Memory Lane as they recall a disgruntled "How To Make Webcomics" reader. Then, they make suggestions on how many tiers a first-time Kickstarter campaign should have. And finally, they make suggestions on Kickstarter stretch goals and add-ons. BUT FIRST, was a part of Stan Lee's success based on his i...
Feb 27, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Cartoonists Dave and Brad are talking shop. They share which pieces of original art they would most like to have. Then, it's on to tips and tricks for selling prints. Next, Brad revisits the "social media/ fool's gold" discussion. Then, as Brad approached fifty, the lads talk about preparing for old age. That takes a wild turn as Brad shares an AMAZING fact he learned about teaching business to art-school students. And finally, despite Brad's gain being turned up waaaa...
Feb 20, 2019•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 60
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, the guys talk about the cartoonist from history that they would have most appreciated a chance to be tutored by. Then, Dave delivers an update on how Backerkit has been working out for him. After that, Dave points out that Brad keeps saying "Time is a continuum," but... what does that actually MEAN? Next, Brad references a recent social-media post by Joe Rogan that glorifies success — at all costs. Brad an...
Feb 13, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 59
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, they point out that the Eisner Awards have changed their submission guidelines — and that's great news for short-form webcartoonists! THEN they discuss a tweet by Nate Powell that has everyone talking. This Eisner-winning cartoonist claims his income breaks down to about $455 a month! NEXT, it's all about joke theft — what do do when you're accused of it, and what to do when it happens to you! THEN, Dave and Brad do...
Feb 06, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 58
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, they discuss what you should do when you realize you've lost longtime readers. Then, where should you work, when you work from home? What kind of day job should you have? And finally... how do some cartoonists produce those amazing sketchbooks? But first... Dave's going to Alaska Robotics' Comics Camp ! SHOW NOTES 00:00 — Comics Camp 06:10 — Why do longtime readers fall away from your comic, and how can you address ...
Jan 30, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 57
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, Brad makes another lasting contribution to webcomics: Guigar's Law — The first person to comment that they'd buy a certain type of merchandise is the first person to disappear when the merch is offered! BUT FIRST, Brad and Dave fondly remember comic-convention cosplay. Show Notes 00:00 — Spotting the batawang at a comic convention 06:35 — Dave clarifies his production schedule 07:54 — Guigar's Law: The first person ...
Jan 23, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 56
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking comics! In this episode, they discuss best practices for sound effects and promoting longform comics on social media. NEXT, they discuss "Chapter Zero" — what it is, and whether it's right for you. THEN it's strategies for coping with the Q1 slowdown. AND FINALLY, they take a handful of questions from 2018 and drill through them in a Lightning Round! BUT FIRST, as Dave prepared to receive a shipment of books for his latest Kicksta...
Jan 16, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 55
Dave and Brad are planning 2019 — PLUS, Steve McGarry from the National Cartoonist Society drops in to talk about NCSFest in Huntington Beach, Calif, May 17-19, 2019. But FIRST... Brad's teenagers give Dave a look at what's in store for his kids in the future — and it includes sleeping in till noon. Show Notes 00:00 — Teenagers 06:06 — Brad's plan for 2019: Hiring an assistant 20:22 — Dave's plan for 2019: Five personal appearances 22:55 — Dave's plan for 2019: Publishing schedule to include an ...
Jan 09, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 54
Webcomics pros Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talk social-media strategy with Kevin McShane of Buzzfeed, the Lusty Horde , and more ! BUT FIRST, Dave marvels over the exercise craze of the belt vibrator . And that leads to this little-known story about the true-life origin of Marvel supervillain, the Shocker. Show notes 00:00 — The belt vibrator 08:10 — Understanding "sharing statements" in social media 27:05 — Sharing on Instagram 47:50 — We use the passing of Stan Lee to get Kevin to d...
Jan 02, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 53
