What's the best process for submitting your work to the Eisner Award committee? Dave and Brad get some great advice from Jackie Estrada, who has been in charge of the awards since 1990. But first, Brad's sons ask how they got their names... and the answers are revealing. Questions asked and topics covered... Eisner Award advice Intermittent updates An "About" page for your cast Applying the "webcomics business model" to other types of media Do you have to respond to every comment? Is RSS really ...
Feb 06, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 111
How do you find a comics mentor? How could you become one? We talk about the importance of mentorships — and how to get involved in one. But first, Dave and Brad are using FaceTime to communicate while they're recording the podcast... and it's just not working out. Questions asked and topics covered... Finding a mentor Bringing back inspiration Synchronizing comic time and real time How can a cartoonist limit their carbon footprint? How to introduce a character quickly and effectively Limited-ed...
Jan 30, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 110
Webtoons is a popular platform for independent comics publishers. But with practically no options for reader outreach, is it worth the effort? But first, Dave shares his vacation waterslide adventure... and his lack of fandom for Freakazoid Questions asked and topics covered... The Far Side — we called it Clip Studio Paint doesn't have OpenType support — and that needs to change Should you be building your audience on Webtoons? Do you want to know why a reader left your comic? Obsessing over an ...
Jan 23, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 109
From YouTube’s new policy regarding Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to SmackJeeves' site-wide changes, the ComicLab guys realize that living by the platform can mean dying by the platform. Then they take delight in an ingenious plan to expose unscrupulous T-shirt vendors that use social-media comments to steal copyrighted illustrations. Next, Dave talks about how comics is a career you can build SAFELY. And, when a listener asks how to overcome their boredom over the drawing pro...
Jan 16, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 108
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys talk about buying advertising. Actually, the discussion centers more closely on where NOT to buy ads. Then they advise a writer who is on their third draft and struggling to get to a finished version. And finally, the guys discuss what comics do better than any other medium. But first, we can learn a lot about comics craft in watching "The Madalorian." Questions asked and topics covered... If you had $10k to ...
Jan 09, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 106
The season finale of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! To celebrate the new year, the ComicLab guys are taking a look back on some of their favorite moments from 2019. The Best Of ComicLab in 2019... Calvin & Hobbes audiobook Dave Kellett's So-So Art The Jigglr (feat. Kevin McShane) Dirty throttle body Dave's wedding cake Voltron Satanic pugs Drunk Orson Welles Brad's podcasting under a blanket Dave at the dentist Tipping Inspirational Ikea e-mails Country singers Smooth move Kisses These jerks e...
Jan 02, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 107
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys talk about hand lettering. How can someone beat the learning curve? Then, Dave pitches a superhero comic, while Brad pitches a space opera. And finally, when a listener share their mentors admonition to "learn the rules so you can break them," both Brad and Dave share all of the mistakes they made following that very advice. But first, while their house undergoes a full remodeling project, Brad and his family...
Dec 26, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 105
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss the strategy behind creating a comic solely for the film rights. Is this really a good idea? But first, could Brad win in a fight with a hamster? Questions asked and topics covered... Creating comics for the film rights Scheduling time to get drunk Autobio comics... why are they so sad? Improving your autobiographical comic Comics consultations Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at...
Dec 19, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 104
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys talk about hiring an editor. It's more than catching spelling errors. A good editor can help craft your story and improve your plot. But first, Dave remembers listening to Gloria's pregnancy meditation tapes during her first pregnancy. Questions asked and topics covered... What is the best way to ensure you do not inadvertently plagiarize other works? Please never use the word "doodling" How does an editor co...
Dec 12, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 103
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss unexpected outcomes of webcomics success. Plus, Beth Reidmiller, the talented force behind the coloring of Sheldon and Drive, joins the guys to talk about collaboration and more! But first, writing tips for the sleep-deprived. NOTE: Dave's audio quality suffered a slight decline during this episode — which was recorded during the same recording session as last week's show. We apologize for the momenta...
Dec 05, 2019•55 min•Ep. 101
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss Patreon Assembly. Did it live up to the hype — or have they missed an opportunity to foster creator growth? But first, how to navigate Thanksgiving — and dairy farms — as a professional cartoonist. Questions asked... Patreon Assembly replaced last year's PatreCon, and it wasn't an improvement Super Patreon Grant How do you pick up a new skill? Would you ever do a project just for fun? Special Offer! I...
Nov 28, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 100
Today is the LAST DAY to sign up for our Special Offer at Patreon.com/ComicLab! And here’s a special sneak-peek of what you’ll get when you join: A Patreon-exclusive “Pro Tips” episode. When you join, you’ll get over THIRTY FIVE HOURS of these episodes. You could drive from Miami to Los Angeles, and still have Pro Tips episodes left over! Special Offer... Remember: When you make your pledge before Thanksgiving, you'll get... "How To Make Webcomics" eBook (PDF) "The Webcomics Handbook" eBook (PDF...
Nov 27, 2019•27 min•Ep. 102
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss the importance of allowing a failing Kickstarter to come to its natural end. But first, Dave learns the saga of Jim Hanks. Listener questions... Should you "save" a failing Kickstarter? How do you convert Patreon followers into backers? Should you use Myers-Briggs personality tests to help define characters Should you do Charge Upfront on Patreon? Drawing smoother lines with shaky hands Special Offer!...
Nov 21, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 99
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! On this week's show, the ComicLab guys are joined by MAD magazine's Tom Richmond to talk about caricature. They talk about... The ubiquitous theme-park caricature The International Society of Caricature Artists convention Tom's technique for capturing a face "That doesn't look like me!" Where do beginners go wrong? Has the homogenization of Hollywood hurt caricature? How to improve your caricatures Listener questions... When your imagination excee...
Nov 14, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 98
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys ponder George R.R. Martin's assertion that writers are either garderers or architects. Also, they talk about commissions. What are some best practices — and how can you avoid common mistakes? Then a question-asker asks how much time Dave and Brad spend trying to get their comics reviewed by comics journalists and websites. Next, can a sale or discount actually act as a dis -incentive for sales? And finally, h...
Nov 07, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 97
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss pandering. Is it pandering to create comics that your readers are more likely to respond to? Then, a listener asks if Dave's aware that Clip Studio Paint doesn't have a CMYK mode? And does it matter? Finally, Dave receives a tweet from one of his readers explaining why he couldn't possibly become one if Dave's Patreon backers, touching off an epic rant on fan behavior. BUT FIRST... Dave tells Brad abo...
Oct 31, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 96
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss "The Webcomics Business Model." What is it, anyway?? Also, social media has evolved, but many independent creators haven't kept up. And finally, should an aspiring cartoonist go to art school? BUT FIRST... Brad's son asks the Big Question: "Why is Brad talking to his wife as if she's Dave Kellett?" QUESTIONS ASKED... What is THE Webcomics Business Model? Social media has evolved. Have you? What has 40...
Oct 24, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 95
Welcome to ComicLab: The podcast about making comics, and making a living from comics! If you loved Webcomics Weekly, you're gonna love this show: 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! You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 — Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a ques...
Oct 22, 2019•3 min
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss Kickstarter's decision to fire workers who tried to unionize. Also on today's show, the USPS has decided to remain in the Global Postal Union — much to the relief of small-businesspersons everywhere, and a question-asker wants to know how far Dave and Brad write in advance. Next, eBook-publishing is hot, but are Amazon and ComiXology delivering for independent creators? Then — how do you maintain sati...
Oct 17, 2019•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 94
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss how big a comic's cast of characters should be. Also on the show: Improving your comic by varying the line weight. Then a question asker asks if Brad would ever do a non-superhero comic, and finally Dave shares why he thinks bookstore signings are a waste of time. BUT FIRST... Brad's kids gift the Kellett children with thirty pounds of LEGOs. ComicLab enamel pins Each pin is available for $10 apiece. ...
Oct 10, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 93
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss analysis from paralysis! How do you stop overthinking a project?! Also, in this show, an update on Brad's assistant, how to boost your confidence, and UNhelpful questions. Along the way, a listener asks for help with motivation and the guys discuss the perception that The Far Side is returning as a webcomic. BUT FIRST... Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe only earned $9 for writing The Raven ? ... and ...
Oct 03, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 92
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, after Dave Kellett shares an update on his ongoing Kickstarter , the ComicLab guys share their plans for the next one year, three years, and five years. BUT FIRST... Dave marvels over an elephant's ability to take a leak. You get great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 —Early access to episodes $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $10 — Record an audio question for possib...
Sep 26, 2019•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 91
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the ComicLab guys discuss how converting to a digital workflow on Cintiqs improved their time management. Also, how do you balance storytelling tension in a longform comic? Next, the guys talk best practices in newsletters. Later, should you hire a proofreader? Dave Kellett shares an update on his ongoing Kickstarter, and finally, what are the must-have features for a book project? BUT FIRST... Ensure killed my pappy. QUESTION...
Sep 19, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 90
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the guys discuss all of the lessons Dave learned on his trip to Disneyland — from cool-hunting pins to branding emotions. Then a question-asker asks about the best way to transition social-media accounts. Next, Dave talks about launching his new Kickstarter. And finally, the guys talk about the "Good Ol' Days" of Webcomics — and what they'd like to bring back. BUT FIRST... Brad explains to his college students why ev...
Sep 12, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 89
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the guys discuss tips and strategies to improve your humor writing. Then, a question-asker asks if it's OK to re-use backgrounds. Next, it's advice on doing a comic convention when you have a speech impediment. Also, when will self-publishing become acceptable in other media — such as kids' lit, sci-fi, novels, etc.? And finally, Brad explains romance novels to Dave. But first... Brad's wife came home to find a dog asleep on t...
Sep 05, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 88
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, a listener asks if they guys carry around sketchbooks in their everyday lives. Also, the guys talk about their First Time experiences— with offset print runs, that is. Then, a question asker asks how they built a sustainable comics career without becoming burnt out. Next, what pitfalls do Dave and Brad see in the next five-to-ten years? BUT FIRST... Valium has turned Dave's dog into a member of Dr. Teeth's Electric Mayhem QUES...
Aug 29, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 87
This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! In this week's show, the guys talk about the long paths they took to become full-time cartoonists. Then, they look at the importance of livestreaming, and share some tips on doing that well. Next, a question-asker asks what Dave and Brad want to be remembered for. Finally, a cartoonist writes to say that they are their own worst booth barnacle! How can they stop doing that? BUT FIRST... Remember that lady who showed up to San Diego Comic Con INSIS...
Aug 22, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 86
Today's show is sponsored by Wacom ! Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett are talkin' comics. The guys talk about how their drawing styles evolved, and then detail what a typical day in their studios looks like. Next, they talk about strategies for deconstructing a comic in order to learn from it. After that, a question-asker asks if there are times the guys wish they could go back in time to fix things in their comics. Finally, it may seem that promoting a short-form, humor-based comic stri...
Aug 15, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 85
This episoide of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! Now that Dave Kellett is settled in from his trip to San Diego for Comic Con International, so it's time for Brad Guigar and him to get down to answering some listener questions! Page numbering — After receiving a polite rebuttal to his original dismissal of page numbering, Brad reverses course on the topic Why MAD magazine folded (it had nothing to do with its content) AT&T's WarnerMedia pulled its Rooster Teeth booth at SDCC — and what that...
Aug 08, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 84
This episoide of ComicLab is sponsored by Wacom ! Dave Kellett has returned from San Diego, after spending a week exhibiting at Comic Con International, and he brought stories and analysis with him. In today's show: Dave and Brad remember the first time they used a Wacom Cintiq Did Dave turn a profit? Was the show worth the expense? Hollywood parties vs comic con parties Getting booth barnacled — by people who should know better! ComicLab listeners who visited the booth Dave walked the show floo...
Aug 01, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 83
