Webcomics workhorses Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop with Kazu Kibuishi on the eve of the release of the eighth book in his graphic-novel series, _ "Amulet." _The New York Times Best-Selling graphic novelist talks about the early crisis that redefined his career. BUT FIRST, Kazu Kibuishi enjoys a tasty, tasty croissant. Show notes 00:00 — "What am I — the Queen??" xx:18 — Introducing Kazu Kibuishi 03:24 — Leading a team of artists on a single project 08:15 — Is ...
Oct 04, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics warriors Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! They discuss why you should be encouraging people to follow your Kickstarter campaign — and how it translates into big money in the last 72 hours of your marketing push. THEN, a thoughtful Patreon backer asks how they can support the web cartoonist in their life. NEXT, a backer asks for strategies for building buzz on Twitter (short of a flame war). ALSO, the guys give advice on knowing which parts of your webcomics business you s...
Sep 27, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics wannabes Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! The guys discuss the monthly Patreon dip — what it means and why you shouldn't freak out. THEN Dave talks about why he lays out his longform sci-fi comic the way he does. NEXT, Brad argues that reboots are good — and sometimes necessary, and he and Dave examine the best ways to go about it. FINALLY, Dave shares some helpful guidance for anyone who wants to branch into enamel pins. BUT FIRST, Brad has one more story from his trip t...
Sep 20, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics whackos Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! Brad took a four-week vacation from his comic this summer, and he says it’s the smartest thing he has ever done. THEN we take another swing at the topic of “Good content vs. Viral content.” Have we over simplified the discussion? NEXT, Dave and Brad note that they’ve been using Bonjoro app all summer long. Are they still as excited about it as they were when they started? And FINALLY, why do we hate thought balloons so much? Is it ...
Sep 13, 2018•1 hr 20 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast While Brad's son was at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, Dave called him in his hotel room to talk comics. Pantsless, Brad obliged. They discussed Dave's new Kickstarter at DriveKickstarter.com and the agony of Kickstarter panic. THEN Dave gets some intriguing advice on using one's own photo as a social-media avatar. NEXT, a patron asks about brainstorming from scratch. THEN another patron asks about the main sources of webcomics revenue and how it has changed over time — and which revenue sou...
Sep 06, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics wardens Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are joined this week by “The Long Con” writer, Dylan Meconis . They discuss ways in which an artist can improve their critical eye. NEXT, a listener asks whether a creator should have one, central Patreon campaign — or should they split them among different projects? THEN, the trio brainstorms strategies to integrate new readers into an ongoing longford comic. FINALLY, Dave and Brad announce their plans to attend the Patreon convention, PatreCon , i...
Aug 30, 2018•1 hr 20 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics wild things Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are joined this week by lawyer-to-the-comics-stars, Katie Lane . She has some advice on attempting the elusive “working vacation.” THEN she discusses the legal questions that perennially haunt creative professionals, like how does one find a good lawyer? NEXT, she tackles work-for-hire contracts and right of first refusal. FINALLY, she shares some priceless advice… avoid one-size-fits-all legal advice. There’s no, one “right way” to do this. BUT...
Aug 23, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics warlocks Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talkin’ shop! Dave Kellett has returned from his 20th appearance at Comic Con International in San Diego — and it was a huge success! He shares the strategies he used to beat the odds and make a profit at an incredibly demanding show. Plus... booth barnacles, Hollywood scouts and the religious pugs. Show notes 00:00 — Religious pugs and other oxymorons 02:34 — The new pedestrianized Comic-Con frontage 05:45 — Hard times in Hall H? — Marvel and Disn...
Aug 16, 2018•2 hr 33 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics wizards Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talkin’ shop! Some fan mail revives the topic of the “punch word” in writing humor. THEN, Brad has some bad news for you. You’re not talented. And, actually, that’s good news. NEXT, a listener asks what we listen to while we work. AND FINALLY, Dave and Brad talk about the people who most inspire their work today (as opposed to childhood heroes). BUT FIRST… Dave gets called for jury duty on the same week as Comic Con International, and he had to ...
Aug 09, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics weirdos Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talkin’ shop! When a listener asks how to recover after a failed con, Brad launches into a discussion of the gambler’s mentality of comic conventions. And Dave launches his newest character, Susanne Mactaggart, inspirational speaker. THEN, if a key to success is making good comics, what should you be focused on learning and doing to make that happen? NEXT, looking back over his decision to launch a NSFW comic series, is there anything that Brad woul...
Aug 02, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomics warriors Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking about making comics. Several webcartoonists hosted on LINE Webtoons were nominated for ‘Ringo Awards. Is it the new hotbed of webcomics talent? THEN is there any value to being “syndicated” on GoComics? NEXT. what should you look for in a contract? And FINALLY, the guys talk about how to improve the writing of a journal/autobio comic. BUT FIRST… Brad has been watching “House M.D.” and if that show can be “What if Sherlock Holmes was a d...
Jul 26, 2018•1 hr 16 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talk about making comics! In a previous episode, both artists came out against re-working old comics… until one of Dave’s “ Drive ” readers pointed out that he had done it himself before the first “Drive” book was released! THEN a listener asks how to ensure that every page ends on a story beat. NEXT, we talk about the positive effect that Patreon has had in establishing close-knit communities. If Patreon changes, will this disappear? THIRDLY, a reader is...
Jul 19, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar talk about the contentious controversies caused in creating comics! For example, a discussion about using an exclamation point in a sound effect leads to a deep dive into the psychology of lettering! THEN, Brad thinks we need to encourage more collaboration. And FINALLY, Dave asks how to overcome a writing challenge — when you know the overall story, but you just can't write the next step! BUT FIRST: After a former co-worked found a Disney animation...
Jul 12, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar welcome webcomics star Zach Weinersmith of SMBC , cerator of BAHfest, and author of several books including Soonish . They discuss how to know when a comic is "done" — and when it it overworked. Zach talks about having a font designed to mimic his hand-lettering — and why it was worth the expense. Then, the folks discuss when it's time to quit one's day job to do cartooning full time — and that there's no shame in having one in the first p...
Jul 05, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar tackle another collection of questions about the care and feeding of cartoonists. FIRST, Danielle Corsetto's GWS collection leads to a discussion of "complete" collections and hardcover books in general. NEXT, Creation vs Learning — which is more important? THEN, it's the perennial question – How do I get more Patreon backers? FOURTH, should experienced webcartoonists be more open to offering critiques when asked? And FINALLY, Dave challen...
Jun 29, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast Dave and Brad are thrilled to welcome our longtime friend and Webcomics Weekly co-host Scott Kurtz to the show. Ten years after collaborating on the How To Make Webcomics book (along with Kris Straub), we sit down and open up about the greatest goals we've yet to accomplish. BUT FIRST... in true Webcomics Weekly fashion, we spend the first part of the show catching up for lost time. Show notes 21:00 — Brad's unaccomplished goal 31:43 — Dave's unaccomplished goal 43:39 — Scott's unaccomplished go...
Jun 21, 2018•53 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar tackle another bushel of questions from creative professionals! FIRST, they share advice for people who are starting their first steps into cartooning later in life. How do you do comics with a spouse, kids, a mortgage and, well… a life? NEXT, what’s the best way to support a comics creator? THEN, if you came of age in a Web 2.0 environment of message boards and forums, how can you hope to build community these days? PLUS, the prevailing advice is t...
Jun 14, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast This week on the show we're thrilled to welcome the creative powerhouse Gloria Calderón Kellett . Well-known for the critically acclaimed relaunch of "One Day At A Time," she is a show-runner, writer, actor and all-around force-to-be-reckoned-with. She talks with Dave and Brad about her writing process, finding new ideas, sitcom writing, writing as a collaboration, editing for humor, and much, much more. Gloria and Dave have been married for a number of years. (Which number is anybody'...
Jun 07, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Great news! We have a DISCOUNT CODE for Bonjoro — exclusively for our $5+ Patreon backers! NEXT: Dave and Brad drill deep on the ubiquitous DRM-free PDF. We discuss what it is, why we use it, and how to best implement it. THEN: We grapple with one of the great mysteries of life — If we could time-travel back to talk to ourselves in our 20s, what advice would we give? FINALLY: If you're doing a comic strip that incorporates a storyline, you should be doing a longform comic instead. BUT FIRST... A...
May 30, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast Today on ComicLab, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take a full one-eighty on Bonjoro . After trashing it last episode, they're ready to sing its praises as a game-changer in crowdfunding and web publishing. Find out what caused this massive reconsideration. THEN the guys take an audio question from a Patreon backer who wants to know how to address concerns from readers who find a story hard to follow. And FINALLY, another backer asks how much effort should be put into making sure your idea hasn't b...
May 24, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are thrilled to welcome Erika Moen, creator of OhJoySexToy. They talk about her currently running Kickstarter to launch a collection of sex-education cartoons . She has a decidedly different approach to the "soft launch" for Patreon backers discussed on an earlier ComicLab podcast — and her strategy is worth strong consideration. Then, the gang tackles some great topics like the uncomfortable relationship we artists have with photo reference. Why is there a stigma ar...
May 17, 2018•1 hr 16 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast We recorded Drunk ComicLab Saturday, and boy are our livers tired. Brad and Dave talk about the fun they had recording this upcoming Patreon-exclusive show — and the horrors they faced the morning after.Then a listener asks: "How to you stay motivated to comics year after year?" The guys go on to discuss the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (May 12-13), handling an underperforming Patreon tier, working on a new comic at the same time you're working on an existing one, and the mixed blessing...
May 10, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast The Eisner Award nominations were announced, and there's a lot to talk about! Then it's on to questions from our Patreon backers. In a social-media landscape that favors branding the creators themselves over their creations, it it OK to have a pen name? And what's the best approach to warm-up sketches? BUT FIRST... Brad hit a monster pothole on a winding Philadelphia thoroughfare, rupturing the tire, forcing him to pull over on a road with no shoulder and wait for AAA Roadside Assistance for ove...
May 03, 2018•55 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Dave and Brad field some tough questions about the best ways to handle negative comments and clingy fans. They also discuss using Instagram stories for comics promotion and strategies for writing longform comics But first, following up on last week's fascination with the "B.C." comic strip, Brad tells Dave about how the Flintstones used to do in-show smoking commercials . Show notes 3:24 — "The Flintstones" did smoking commercials 6:19 — Brad gets a bicycle, and that touches ...
Apr 26, 2018•1 hr 20 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar answer a wide variety of questions submitted by Patreon backers, such as: Are gag comics sustainable on the Web? We'll ask Dave, who has been doing a gag comic for 20 years. Also... How can I use hashtags more effectively? How many updates do I need to build a readership? How can I keep up my energy at conventions? And... Doctor, does this Winkerbean look Funky to you? But first, Dave has moved into his new house, and his high-speed internet connection... isn't. Show...
Apr 19, 2018•59 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Brad and Dave tackle listener questions! First, a high-school art teacher asks why they can't seem to finish a project once it's started. And then, the guys list some Dos and Don'ts for people who are planning to launch their first Patreon campaign. BUT FIRST... When Brad makes a post on Facebook, and the responses drive him up the wall, Dave realizes that he's dealing with a split personality. Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 support the show $5 submit a question for possible use on t...
Apr 12, 2018•55 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Dave and Brad welcome Ryan North , two-time Eisner Award winner, creator of Dinosaur Comics and writer for Marvel Comics' Squirrel Girl . We discuss his upcoming book, How to Invent Everything and his successful Shakespearean choose-your-own-adventure To Be or Not To Be . Along the way, we go deep on several topics involving writing — getting ideas, subconscious plagiarism, self-plagiarism, rejecting unoriginal ideas, creativity as a compulsion, juggling multiple projects, exorcising ideas, and ...
Apr 05, 2018•51 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast We're joined by webcomics OG Danielle Corsetto . She shares her unique perspective on Patreon, and she has some advice for last week's question about choosing the best comic convention — TCAF! Her strategy to implement Kickstarter in the process is one you'll want to hear. Plus, Dave Kellett asks if he should delete his Facebook account. And, finally both Danielle and Brad Guigar discuss ending a long-running webcomic. BUT FIRST... Dave and his wife book a hotel room for an anniversary celebrati...
Mar 29, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast Whew! We covered a LOT of ground with this episode. First, one of our $10 backers sent in a fantastic audio question about longform comics and the continuous scroll presentation on the Web. Is it better than conventional previous-next navigation-button presentation? And that touches off a whirlwind of topics, including, but not limited to... Kickstarter — Dave's tips REALLY WORK WELL! Backerkit — Brad tries to get Dave on the pro-Backerkit team, but he's not having it Dave's hair Calls to action...
Mar 23, 2018•58 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast Brad Guigar went to the Patreon On Tour / NYC conference, and he brought back tons of useful advice from the crowdfunding giant. Learn how to get more backers and make more money. Then, he and co-host Dave Kellett move on to tackle writer's block! What can you do to kickstart creativity? They share some useable strategies that apply to several situations. Finally — which awards are most valuable for the average webcartoonist? Is it the Eisners? The Harveys? The NCS Division Awards? The Ignatz? B...
Mar 15, 2018•59 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast 
