Episode description

As we begin a new year, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar make their predictions for 2025 and share their goals for the next twelve months.

Predictions

• DAVE: Business planning anxiety
• BRAD: Because of Dave’s prediction, the winners will be people who help address that anxiety. (That’s us!) Be the distraction/escape people need; they won’t forget you. 
• DAVE: Bluesky at 50M by the end of the year
• BRAD: Substack gains prominence — rises to Kickstarter/Patreon levels
• DAVE: we’ll all be playing reactionary, whack-a-mole life choices for the first two years of the trump admin. Until the midterm elections, when it might calm slightly. 
• BRAD: AI will go mainstream and start to gain acceptance among artists and writers
• DAVE: Kickstarter and Patreon continue to be market leaders. No change on the horizon for that
• BRAD: Printing is on the decline under tariffs. And we might be working with small US printers to do smaller books.
• DAVE: in publishing, YA & kids will continue to dominate the career path of published cartoonists. 
• BRAD: Non-social media options will grow, hopefully including RSS
• DAVE: Webtoons might begin to fall apart in the US market. Their Hollywood goals are not working, and they were playing the long game toward THAT in terms of accumulating debt 
• DAVE: I will have to raise prices on all my books. Or cut features in my books. No more metallic foils, spot gloss, or bookmarks…you’re just getting a bare-bones book. 

Goals

• BRAD: Survive
• DAVE: Survive
• BRAD: EiAD v3 or Webcomics Handbook
• DAVE: ANATOMY OF DOGS Kickstarter 
• BRAD: Build Spice Rack Comics into an example of what you can do with the webring / collective concept. Suggest that this is the time to start building quasi-collectives.
• DAVE: Triple down on Bluesky in the 4-6 years before enshittification 
• BRAD: Lean into KDP for After Dark books
• DAVE: Triple down on Bluesky
• DAVE: Launch and start building THE WRONG WAY. I have been planning it for over a year. 
• DAVE: Focus on one of the few things I can control: my family's happiness and health. Outlive the fuckers and try not to let them steal my joy. I find solace in friendships at Alaska Camp and SDCC. 
• DAVE: if we can’t do books, do we do more smaller Quickstarter?
• DAVE: Is this the time to start on Substack?

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss a range of topics, including a personal quest for a long-lost book, Wimpy the Wellington, predictions for the comic industry in 2025, the anxiety surrounding business planning for cartoonists, and the evolving role of cartoonists in providing relief during turbulent times. They also explore the rise of new platforms like Blue Sky and Substack and the potential mainstream acceptance of AI in the creative fields. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and his co-host discuss the evolving role of AI in creative processes, emphasizing its potential as an assistant rather than a replacement for artists and writers.

They make predictions for 2025, including the impact of tariffs on print publishing, the continued dominance of YA and kids' books, and the uncertain future of Webtoons in the U.S. market. The discussion also touches on the concept of 'shrinkflation' in publishing, where features may be reduced due to economic pressures.

Ultimately, both hosts express a shared goal of survival in a changing industry landscape. In this episode, the hosts discuss their goals and predictions for 2025, focusing on the importance of social media platforms like Blue Sky, the launch of a new project called The Wrong Way, and the innovative approach of Spice Rack Comics. They also touch on adapting to market changes, personal goals, and the significance of community support in the creative industry.

Takeaways

• Cartoonists have a significant impact on their audience's mental health.
• Business planning in the comic industry is becoming increasingly complex.
• The rise of platforms like Blue Sky may change social media dynamics.
• Substack is poised to become a major player in content monetization.
• Anxiety will be a common theme in the coming years for creators.
• AI's acceptance in the creative industry is on the horizon.
• The importance of community and support among creators is paramount.
• Predictions for the future can help guide current decisions.
• The role of humor and distraction in art is vital during tough times. AI will be used as a writing assistant, not a replacement.
• Ethically sourced AI can enhance creative processes.
• Print publishing is expected to contract significantly due to tariffs.
• YA and kids' books will continue to dominate the market.
• Webtoons may struggle in the U.S. market moving forward.
• Shrinkflation will affect the features of published books.
• Survival is the primary goal for creators in 2025.
• Economic changes will force a reevaluation of publishing strategies.
• The creative industry must adapt to new market dynamics.
• The future of comics relies on navigating these challenges. Tripling down on Blue Sky is a strategic move for growth.
• The Wrong Way project is set to launch in 2025.
• Spice Rack Comics aims to innovate web rings and promote collaboration.
• Adapting to market changes is crucial for sustainability.
• Personal goals should focus on what can be controlled.
• Community support is essential for success in creative fields.
• Digital income sources are becoming increasingly important.
• Maintaining joy and personal happiness is a priority.
• Nostalgia can be a refuge during uncertain times.
• Building a supportive network can enhance creative endeavors.

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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.