Episode description

Start your webcomic using the latest platforms, monetization methods, and social media strategies. If you're launching a new comic in 2025, this episode has all the information you'll need to get it off the ground! 

How to start a webcomic in 2025

• Don’t try to “game” your readership. Write about what YOU like
• Building readership takes time and consistency. Creating for love is essential in the early years. 
• Focus on writing as the core of comic creation. Focus on creating comics for the love of the craft. The first comics may only be seen by you; embrace the process.
• Mistakes in the early stages are recoverable.
• Copyright
• Own and control your work
• You do NOT need to be on Webtoon/Tapas
• Social media presence is important for comic creators. Today, that’s Bluesky and Substack. ComicLab has Collections that provide strategies for each platform** They’re free to members and available at a one-time fee for others.
• Be active on social media to build your audience. Four Cs
• How many updates FCS
• Persistence is key; it's a marathon, not a sprint. If you need a schedule to post regularly, set a schedule and stick to it. 
• Don't rush into monetization; it takes time to build a following. Starting on Patreon or Kickstarter too soon is a common problem that derails a lot of creators.
• Develop your aesthetic by studying good comics.
• You don’t need a website immediately, but you’ll need one eventually. Start planning now.
• Seek honest feedback to improve your work.
• Reach out to other comics creators who are doing stuff that’s similar to yours and build networks.
• Do it for love

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of passion in creating comics, the challenges of building a readership, and the necessity of starting your comic journey despite fears and anxieties. The conversation emphasizes the value of maintaining independence as creators and finding an audience that resonates with your unique themes rather than chasing trends. They address the challenges and strategies for comic artists navigating social media. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right platforms, such as Blue Sky and Substack, over TikTok for comic promotion. The hosts introduce the 'Four C's' of social media—Content, Curation, Commercial, and Kindness—as essential for building an audience. They also share acronyms like SWIG and FCS to guide effective promotion and posting frequency. The conversation concludes with a reminder that building a successful comic takes time and persistence, likening it to a marathon rather than a sprint. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the essential steps for starting a webcomic in 2025. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the craft before monetization, developing a unique aesthetic, and the necessity of having a personal website. The hosts also highlight the value of networking, seeking feedback from peers in the comic community, and navigating the evolving landscape of social media and comic publishing.

Takeaways

• Creating comics should stem from personal passion, not trends.
• Building a readership is a gradual process that requires time and consistency.
• Mistakes in the early stages of comic creation are normal and recoverable.
• Your comic's idea is less important than your unique execution of it.
• Independence in comic creation allows for greater control over your work.
• Social media platforms are evolving; choose wisely for engagement.
• Focus on writing as the core of comic creation.
• Engagement and growth are key metrics for success in comics.
• Don't let fear of theft prevent you from sharing your work. TikTok may not be suitable for comic artists.
• Blue Sky and Substack are better platforms for engagement.
• Social media requires a balance of content, curation, and kindness.
• Persistence is crucial for building an audience.
• Curation can enhance networking opportunities.
• Promote by saying why your work is good.
• Frequent, consistent, and significant updates are key.
• Avoid rushing into monetization too soon.
• Missing updates is forgivable; focus on quality instead.
• Building a crowd is essential before seeking funding. Focusing on early monetization can distract from improving your craft.
• Having a small number of Patreon backers can lead to poor decision-making.
• It's crucial to develop your aesthetic by studying successful comics.
• A personal website is essential for maintaining control over your work.
• Networking with other comic creators can provide valuable feedback.
• Feedback from peers is more beneficial than casual opinions from non-creators.
• The comic landscape is evolving, and adaptability is key.
• Do it for the love of comics to sustain motivation.
• There are more opportunities in comics now than ever before.
• Building a community around your work can enhance your growth as an artist.

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Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.