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	Pub. Date	Title	Duration
	06 Jun 2024	They can't all be winners	01:09:57
How much of your work would you consider "top tier?" Fifty percent? Twenty percent? And speaking of the top tier, Brad and Dave share a partial list of people they think should be nominated for a Reuben Award this year. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the ratio of their work that they consider to be top-tier. They also talk about the benefits of posting comics panel by panel. Next, they share their lists of cartoonists who should be considered for the golden Reuben Award. They also touch on the ethical dilemma of selling redrawn original art and the importance of original art in the collector's market. ON TODAY'S SHOW How much work is "top tier"? Posting panels vs pages Who would Brad & Dave pick for the Reuben Award? Redrawing pages to sell as originals? TAKEAWAYS Pickleball is a fun and inclusive game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The ratio of top-tier work to average work varies for each cartoonist, but striving for improvement over time is important. Posting comics panel by panel is beneficial for mobile readers and helps capture new readers. The Reuben Award is a prestigious recognition in the cartooning industry. Nominations are based on the best work of the year. Sarah Anderson, the creator of Sarah's Scribbles, should be a strong contender for the Reuben Award due to her consistent and unique voice in the industry. The hosts discuss their top picks for cartoonists who should be considered for awards They mention Dana Simpson, Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Tauhid Bondia with Crabgrass, Asher Perlman, Darren Bell, Jonathan and Elizabeth from War & Peas, and several manga cartoonists They also touch on the ethical dilemma of selling redrawn original art and the importance of original art in the collector's market CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction and Pickleball 00:06:07 Striving for Improvement in Your Work 00:28:49 Nominations for the Rubin Award 00:32:38 Sarah Anderson: A Strong Contender for the Reuben Award 00:34:25 Top Picks for Cartoonists Who Should Be Considered for Awards 00:49:36 The Ethical Dilemma of Selling Redrawn Original Art 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	04 Jun 2020	Is Art School Worth It?	01:05:23
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, Dave and Brad ask — as art schools move towards virtual learning — is it worth the money? Special Offer Join us at the $5 tier by July 4! When you do, you (along with all of the other $5 backers) will get an exclusive invite to the Cocktails with ComicLab Zoom meet-up! Plus... FOUR eBooks from the co-hosts... How to Make Webcomics The Webcomics Handbook Evil Inc: Under New Management Drive Act One Questions asked and topics covered... As colleges and universities make the move to virtual learning, is art school worth the money? Do originals with hand-lettering sell better? How do you disconnect from technology? Kind Words — How one member navigated a contract negotiation using ComicLab advice. 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	19 Nov 2020	What does it mean to be a "cartoonist" in today's world?	01:15:05
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, a ComicLab listener writes in to inform Dave and Brad that neither of them "actually have a cartoonist's job." To put it lightly, the guys disagree. But first, Brad creates a socially distant candy chute for Halloween -- Questions asked and topics covered... Dave delivers a Zoom lecture to art students What does it take to be considered a "cartoonist" in today's world? Should the drawing match the writing? A Clip Studio Paint boot camp in the ComicLab Discord sever "I hate Kickstarter extras!" Grad school or comics? "I think I quit my day job too soon." 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	01 Oct 2020	Artisting hurdles	01:07:54
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, Dave and Brad talk about the hurdles they've experienced as artists. And then, when a prominent arts educator advocates for the use of "Poor Man's Copyright," Brad's head nearly explodes. Questions asked and topics covered... Artisting hurdles Poor Man's Copyright What did Dave do at Mattel? Why don't we talk about fumetti comics? 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	03 Dec 2020	Blessings in disguise	01:22:48
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, the guys talk about blessings in disguise — moments when they didn't achieve a goal they greatly desired... and later found out that succeeding would have made their lives worse. Questions asked and topics covered... What thing did you really really want for your career, that didn’t happen...that only NOW do you see is a godsend that it didn’t happen? Stuck on the first C of social media — Content Backgrounds — when to draw 'em. when to drop 'em, and how much detail to put into 'em "My humor-based, storyline-driven comic is getting too serious! Help!" 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	14 Jun 2018	Starting comics later in life	01:06:24
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 to find your niche and stay there. It helps Amazon’s algorithm, according to conventional wisdom. So… should you? FINALLY, Are you undervaluing your Patreon pledge tiers? And, if so, what should you do? BUT FIRST: After living out of a suitcase for a few weeks while his family moved into a new house, Dave realizes he needs just a little bit to live happily. And a little bit more. And a little bit more. Show notes 00:15 — Dave needs very little to survive… or does he? 03:08 — Bonjoro update 04:17 — What advice would you give to someone starting cartooning later in life? 18:30 — What’s the best way to support a comic creator? 28:27 — Building community on a post-Web 2.0 environment 42:02 — Advice on staying focused within your chosen genre to satisfy Amazon’s algorithm. 54:03 — Are you undervaluing your Patreon pledge tiers? 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	08 Nov 2018	What level of Patreon support denotes success?	00:51:31
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! This week, they’re talking about avoiding boredom, and they take a deep dive on grappling with self-doubt. THEN they talk about how they adapt their writing processes to address those issues. NEXT, they talk about the dangers of sharing your self-doubt on social media. AND finally, a crucial question for today’s independent creators: What level of Patreon support denotes success? Show notes 00:00 — The “hi-five retweet” 06:10 — Since you have long-running series, how do you stay interested and not get bored nor riddled with self-doubt? 07:45 — Talking about Brad’s writing process 15:56 — Give yourself the option to switch comics 17:17 — Self doubt 20:12 — Don’t share your self-doubt on social media 24:23 — What level of Patreon support denotes success? 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	26 Aug 2021	The ideal career path for comics	00:58:35
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, we're talking about the ideal career path for comics Questions asked and topics covered... Kickstarter strategy of "fun" Stretch Goals Ideal comics career path "Pro-am status" Is "do a good comics" really all there is? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	05 Jul 2018	Special guest Zach Weinersmith	01:09:02
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 place . BUT FIRST: Dave puzzles over the inherent bizarreness of the Smurfs. Show notes 00:00 — The economics of LEGOs 07:26 — Introducing Zach Weinersmith 12:00 — When are you "done" — and when do you go back and "fix" an old comic? 21:12 — Overworking a comic 25:50 — Creating a font based on his hand-lettering solved Zach's hand-cramping problems 29:53 — How does Zach describe his career? 30:50 — Does the New York Times bestseller list matter? 36:30 — How do you know when it's time to quit your day job and start cartooning full time? 50:00 — There's no shame in a day job 53:15 — Zach's creative process 01:00:00 — Zach's foray into political comics 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 Feb 2018	Growing your Readership (feat. Dylan Meconis)	01:12:47
The wonderful Dylan Meconis joins Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett to take a question from a Patreon backer who wants advice on growing their readership. Another backer asks about finding balance between comics and "real life." BUT FIRST... they grapple with what "Love is..." This episode of ComicLab is sponsored by THE DAEMOS CHRONICLES: ADVENT LIGHT! In a world where humans are endangered and live amongst mythological beasts, The Daemos Chronicles: Advent Light follows the story of a young monk who receives a prophecy from the Gods of his world and must travel between realms to learn its truth before tensions rise and war seals humanity's fate. 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Dylan Meconis is the creator of Family Man, and the soon-to-be-released Queen of the Sea. Support her on Patreon! 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	12 Jan 2023	LIVE at the Charles M. Schulz Museum	00:52:09
To celebrate what would have been the legendary cartoonist's 100th birthday, the Charles M. Schulz Museum invited Dave and Brad to come to Santa Rosa, California, to talk about the influence Sparky still holds over today's comics artists. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... The influence of Charles Schulz Q&A from the audience 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	23 Jan 2025	Introducing: The Wrong Way!	01:02:35
Cartoonists Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett and Kevin McShane are teaming up on a new show — The Wrong Way! We'll teach you how to draw your favorite cartoon characters without getting sued over copyright theft! Along the way, we'll share tips, tell stories, and roast each other mercilessly. Pay attention and you might learn how to draw The Wrong Way! Today's Show Wrong way Clever vs funny Summary In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett introduce fellow cartoonist Kevin McShane, announce their new YouTube show, 'The Wrong Way,' where they draw beloved characters in a legally safe manner. The conversation delves into the creative process behind the show, the dynamics of their friendship, and how they engage with their audience through Patreon, offering insights into the art of cartooning and the importance of community. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding their creative process, the audience for their new show, and the importance of learning from each other. They discuss the technical aspects of drawing, the competitive spirit that drives them to improve, and the launch of their new project, The Wrong Way Show, including its crowdfunding strategy. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the nuances of humor writing, specifically the difference between cleverness and funniness. In this conversation, the hosts explore the nuances of humor, particularly the distinction between cleverness and funniness. They discuss the importance of surprise in humor, the different levels of humor, and how experience shapes a comedian's ability to write effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the role of audience feedback in developing comedic skills. Takeaways The Wrong Way Show aims to teach drawing techniques while entertaining. Friendship and camaraderie enhance the creative process. Engaging with the audience is crucial for building a community. Patreon offers a platform for deeper interaction with fans. The creative process involves trial, error, and humor. Constructive critique is essential in artistic growth. The show combines entertainment with educational content. Collaboration among artists can lead to innovative ideas. The deeper content on Patreon includes art supplies and business philosophies. The Wrong Way Show is aimed at both beginners and experienced artists. Learning from each other's techniques enhances the creative process. Using new tools can be a challenge but also an opportunity for growth. The competitive spirit among the hosts drives them to improve their work. Crowdfunding is essential for projects that require significant time and effort. Building an audience over years allows for successful project launches. The difference between clever and funny is crucial in humor writing. Cleverness is intellectual, while funniness is visceral and felt in the gut. The Wrong Way Show promises to be a fun and engaging experience for viewers. Funny transcends cleverness and evokes genuine laughter. Improv training is invaluable for honing comedic skills. Learning to analyze comedy can diminish the enjoyment of it. Cleverness is intellectual, while funniness is instinctual. Surprise is a key element that elevates humor. Puns can be effective if they have double meanings. Writers must push beyond cleverness to achieve true humor. Experience and practice are crucial in comedy writing. Writing humor is different from being funny in real life. Continuous self-assessment is essential for growth in comedy. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Jun 2024	It's Friday — am I famous yet?	00:59:46
After six weeks of working on their comic, a listener asks how soon they can expect to make a living doing this — and gets an earful from Brad and Dave. Plus, Brad and Dave share more of their picks for Reuben Award nominees. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the importance of having realistic expectations and enjoying the creative process when making comics. They share their own experiences of how long it took them to see financial success and build an audience. They caution against starting a Patreon too soon and making decisions based solely on trying to gain more backers. They emphasize the need to focus on the love of creating and the joy of storytelling rather than solely focusing on financial success. Overall, they encourage the listener to have patience and enjoy the journey of creating comics. Also, Brad and Dave explore the potential impact of AI on search engine optimization and the web ecosystem. Next, they discuss the importance of giving artists creative freedom when commissioning art. The conversation touches on the challenges of communication between commissioners and artists, as well as the spectrum of visual thinking. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the need for clear communication and understanding between both parties involved in a commission. ON TODAY'S SHOW It's Friday; am I famous yet? UPDATE: More Reuben picks UPDATE: Google’s new AI search is gonna kill a lotta websites Commissioning original art TAKEAWAYS Building an audience and achieving financial success in comics takes time, often several years. Having realistic expectations and not solely focusing on financial goals is important. Enjoying the creative process and the love of storytelling is crucial for long-term success. Starting a Patreon too soon can lead to disappointment and creative compromises. Focus on improving your craft and building a small, dedicated audience before seeking financial support. Patience and perseverance are key in the journey of creating comics. When commissioning art, it's important to find a balance between providing enough detail and allowing the artist creative freedom. Clear communication is key in ensuring that both the commissioner and the artist are on the same page. Understanding the artist's style and approach is crucial when commissioning art. The impact of AI on search engine optimization and the web ecosystem is a topic of concern and uncertainty. The spectrum of visual thinking varies among individuals, and it's important to be aware of different perspectives and preferences. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	25 Mar 2021	Craptastic to Fantastic	01:04:43
Today's episode is sponsored by Bonjoro — an amazing app that enables you to quickly send personalized welcome and thank you videos to your readers, clients, patrons, or backers. This week, Dave and Brad talk about how bad their early comics were. Plus — the comics your readers love best can sometimes be the ones you put the least work into. Questions asked and topics covered... Dave's childhood obsession with The Last Unicorn Brad celebrates 21 years in webcomics Craptastic to Fantastic — we were all terrible when we started Why do readers love your worst comics?? Have we discovered a fifth C for the Four Cs of Social Media? Achieving prose effects in comics Preparing your taxes 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	30 Mar 2023	Special guest Lar deSouza ("Least I Could Do" and "Looking for Group")	01:08:54
This week, we're talking comics with Special guest Lar deSouza, the artist of "Least I Could Do" and "Looking for Group". Also: is it time to hire a marketing manager for your social media accounts? ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Hiring a marketing manager for social media Lar deSouza ("Least I Could Do" and "Looking for Group") 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	28 Apr 2022	Balancing storytelling and personal taste	01:06:12
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett talk about how to balance good storytelling with your own personal taste. Questions asked and topics covered... Balancing storytelling and personal taste Line weight Top webcomic list sites Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	29 May 2025	How to improve SEO for webcomics	01:10:17
Now that comic creators are returning to websites, SEO (search engine optimization) is once again a hot topic. We'll talk about methods to help search engines index comics. Also, if Brad and Dave were to design a four-year degree for cartoonists, what classes would be on the curriculum? Today's show SEO for webcomics Should you use alt text on social media posts? Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmation UPDATE: Comiclab Live stage show at the NCS conference, Aug. 14-16 UPDATE: Apple loses its 30% cash grab UPDATE: Superfan Ray Michels does it again What would Dave and Brad's comics BFA degree include? Summary In this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of SEO for comic creators, particularly in 2025, highlighting best practices for optimizing webcomics. The episode concludes with practical tips for improving website performance and audience engagement through effective content strategies. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar promote their upcoming ComicLab LIVE stage show at the NCS convention in August, examine the implications of Apple's recent court loss, and thank superfan Ray Michaels for updating Dave Kellett's Wikipedia page. In the second half, they explore what an ideal art degree for cartoonists might look like, emphasizing the balance between craft and business education. They discuss the ideal curriculum for aspiring comic artists, focusing on creative writing, business skills, art techniques, and the importance of real-world experience. They explore various classes that would benefit students, including humor writing, long-form storytelling, digital tools, and color theory. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education that combines artistic skills with practical knowledge to prepare students for a successful career in comics. Takeaways SEO is crucial for comic creators to reach their audience. Transcripts can enhance SEO and accessibility for comics. Alt text is essential for improving search engine visibility. Optimizing image metadata can boost website performance. Creating a 'Start Here' page can guide new readers effectively. Regularly updating meta descriptions can improve SEO rankings. Engaging with your audience through alt text can enhance their experience. Content creation should be efficient and serve multiple purposes. SEO tactics can often be misleading and should be approached with caution. Linking to other webcomics can create a supportive community. Quality content is more important than SEO for attracting readers. Personal affirmations can provide motivation and encouragement. Events like the Reuben weekend are valuable for networking in the comic community. Recent legal victories can benefit creators financially on platforms like Patreon. Understanding analytics is crucial for independent artists. Business courses should be a core part of an art degree for cartoonists. Branding and legal knowledge are essential for success in the comic industry. Grant writing can be a valuable skill for artists seeking funding. A creative writing class specifically for comics is essential. Rhetoric and composition should be included in the curriculum. Understanding humor is crucial for all writers, not just humorists. Long-form storytelling should be taught with a focus on serialization. Art classes should cover visual storytelling and mark-making techniques. A history of mixed media communication is important for understanding comics. Digital tools and their applications should be part of the curriculum. Color theory and management are vital for storytelling in comics. Internships provide valuable real-world experience for students. A well-rounded curriculum should balance art, writing, and business skills. Brad's Comics BFA This is Brad Guigar's wishlist for a full 4-year BFA-style degree for comics creators, assuming a 120-credit hour program, broken down into approximately 40 classes (3 credits each). I’ve grouped them by category and semester. YEAR 1 – Foundation Fall Semester Intro to Visual Storytelling (Art) Creative Writing for Comics I (Writing) Foundations of Marketing (Business) Composition & Rhetoric (Gen Ed) Digital Tools for Creatives (Art/Tech) Spring Semester Drawing for Sequential Art (Art) Creative Writing for Comics II (Writing) Entrepreneurship 101 (Business) Intro to Media Studies (Gen Ed) Social Media Strategy (Business) YEAR 2 – Skill Building Fall Semester Narrative Structure & Pacing (Writing) Lettering & Typography (Art) Branding for Creators (Business) Art History for Comic Artists (Gen Ed/Art History) Accounting & Taxes for Freelancers (Business) Spring Semester Panel Layout & Visual Flow (Art) Character Development & Dialogue (Writing) Marketing Campaigns & Analytics (Business) Legal Issues in Creative Careers (Business) Psychology of Storytelling (Writing/Gen Ed) YEAR 3 – Integration & Professional Prep Fall Semester Writing humor (Writing) Coloring (Art) Crowdfunding & Direct Sales (Business) The Comic Industry: History & Trends (Gen Ed/Art History) Pitching & Proposal Writing (Business/Writing) Spring Semester Advanced Sequential Storytelling (Art) Long-Form Storytelling & Serialization (Writing) Client & Commission Work (Business) Internship or Industry Mentorship (Business) Elective: Animation, Game Art, or Podcasting YEAR 4 – Capstone & Launch Fall Semester Capstone Project Planning (Writing/Art) Publishing & Distribution Models (Business) Teaching & Workshops for Creators (Business) Grant Writing & Residencies (Business/Writing) Elective: Zines, Erotic Comics, or Experimental Forms Spring Semester Capstone Execution & Exhibition (Writing/Art) Webcomic Design & User Experience (Art/Tech) Pre-Press (Art/Tech) Collaborative Studio Project (All) Exit Interview & Career Planning (Business) 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	28 May 2020	Special Guest Cat Farris	01:18:13
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, Dave and Brad welcome the marvelous Cat Farris, illustrator of My Boyfriend is a Bear and the forthcoming Ghoul Next Door. Questions asked and topics covered... The Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Cartooning 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	28 Nov 2024	Nobody believes I'm a cartoonist	01:00:06
How do you explain to someone that you're a professional cartoonist? More importantly — should you even try?! Also, Dave and Brad share details about the software they use, and Brad extolls the virtues of a Patreon content exchange. On Today's Show... How do you explain to people that you're a professional cartoonist? What software is best for comics? Take a break this holiday Patreon content exchange Summary In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges of explaining their profession as cartoonists to others, as well as the misconceptions surrounding the field. Next, they explain the significance of using the right software for comic creation. They emphasize the need for cartoonists to be aware of the technical aspects of their work, particularly when it comes to color formats and printing. Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett emphasize the advantages of tools like Clip Studio Paint and Adobe products. They also highlight the significance of taking breaks during the holiday season to recharge creatively. The conversation shifts to strategies for Patreon content exchanges, where they share insights on effectively reaching out to other creators and the benefits of collaboration in building audiences. Takeaways Explaining the profession of cartooning can be challenging. Many people don't believe cartooning is a viable career. Using the right software is crucial for comic creation. Procreate has limitations for professional comic artists. CMYK vs. RGB is an essential distinction for printing. Cartoonists often face misconceptions about their work. The number of professional cartoonists is quite limited. It's essential to enjoy and embrace being a cartoonist. Robust software provides better control over comic creation. Clip Studio Paint excels in paneling and drawing processes. Adobe products are preferred for final layout and printing. Taking breaks during the holidays is essential for creativity. Patreon content exchanges can enhance audience engagement. Networking in real life can facilitate collaboration opportunities. Cross-promotion is a valuable strategy for creators. It's essential to under-promise and over-deliver to Patreon backers. Familiarity with tools leads to better results in comic creation. Long-term strategies yield better audience growth than short-term tactics. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Sep 2018	Why do we hate thought balloons?	01:19:51
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 time to re-think our animosity? BUT FIRST, Dave’s DriveKickstarter.com funded in ONE DAY! He talks about the strategies he used to pull that off. Show notes 00:00 — Kickstarter panic 01:45 — The strategy that lead to DriveKickstarter.com funding in ONE DAY 11:20 — Brad took a four-week vacation from his comic, and it was the best decision ever 21:47 — Viral content vs Good content… redux 32:40 — Bonjoro… we’ve been using it all summer. Is it working? 51:20 — Bonjoro pro tip… why we wave 58:08 — Why do we hate thought balloons? Should we re-think their usage? 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	20 Oct 2022	BeReal... will it change social media?	01:10:10
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the new social-media app BeReal. Will it have any usefulness for cartoonists? ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... BeReal Spending less time on the art to increase posting rate How to indicate continuity in an anthology project How to add value to a giveaway Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	16 Jan 2020	Live by the platform, die by the platform	01:24:37
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 process, Brad shares a revelation. Then, Dave shares his social-media approach for Drive. And finally, a listener asks why Brad and Dave don't license their archives' print rights to foreign publishers. But first, Brad tells about the worst whiskey sour ever. Questions asked and topics covered... Dave's new book Live by the platform, die by the platform The day the T-shirt bots died* Cartooning is a career you can build safely When the writing is fun, but drawing is a chore Social media and longform comics Selling foreign rights to publishers Editor's note: I used the incorrect pronouns when discussing @nanadouken, whose correct pronouns are they/them. I regret the error, and apologize for my carelessness — Brad Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com! You get great rewards when you* support ComicLab on Patreon $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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	10 Feb 2022	Social Media is Making Me Crazy	01:14:21
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett talk about how social media can make you crazy. Today's show is brought to you by Wacom, the maker of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! Questions asked and topics covered... Social media is making me crazy! How do I get maximum impact on my first post? Wordless comics How to handle two protagonists Spreading yourself too thin Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 Oct 2019	New to ComicLab?	00:02:48
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 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	05 Nov 2020	Is it OK to use photo reference?	01:21:42
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, a ComicLab listener asks for the story behind Brad and Dave's friendship. Then the guys discuss whether it's OK to use photo reference. Questions asked and topics covered... What is the history of Brad and Dave's friendship? Is photo reference cheating? How do you manage multiple projects? How should you acknowledge a "big-name" follow on social media? 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	11 Jan 2024	Predictions and goals for 2024	01:15:41
Veteran cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar make some predictions and discuss their goals for the new year. 2024 Predictions BRAD: Twitter will crash in 2024 DAVE: Social media will remain distributed over five or six platforms BRAD: Web users will begin to pivot away from social media DAVE: Patreon will move closer to an IPO BRAD: Kickstarter will remain #1 by continuing to avoid mentioning blockchain DAVE: SDCC will return to normal after an abnormal '23... and profits will plummet for creators 2024 Goals DAVE: Launch "Pickles" Kickstarter in Jan/Feb, launch "Drive 4" Kickstarter in summer BRAD: In Q1, Kickstart an Evil Inc book paired with an After Dark edition. Kickstart another book — WebcomicsHandbook, Evil Inc After Dark or collection of single-panel comics — in Q2/Q3 DAVE: Prepare for a 5-15% sales drop at Comic-Con International BRAD: Personal appearances, including SDCC and NCS DAVE: ComicLab Across America BRAD: Use NON-social-media alternatives to drive Patreon. DAVE: Revisit KIndle Direct Publishing BRAD: Start prepping website for a post-Patreon future DAVE: Build the ComicLab Patreon to 500 members 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Feb 2025	"F*** me! That actually worked!"	01:06:03
This week's episode is sponsored by Hogan's Alley magazine! We'll discuss those moments in our careers when we said, "F* me! That actually worked!" Also, a listener writes in to say that they want to take our advice and make the jump to Bluesky, but it causes too much anxiety. Sponsor** Hogan's Alley magazine sponsors this week's episode! In the next issue, they'll cover the Tijuana Bibles and much more! Get your copy now! Today's Show Hogan's Alley magazine "F* me! That actually worked!" UPDATE: Diamond Comics Distributors UPDATE: The Wrong Way "Bluesky stresses me out!" Summary** In this episode, Dave and Brad are pleased to welcome the sponsorship of Hogan's Alley Magazine! The conversation starts with a discussion about unexpected successes in the comics industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on what works in webcomics and the importance of niche topics. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad discuss their evolving experiences with monetization in the comic industry, reflecting on their initial skepticism towards various platforms like T-shirts, advertising, and crowdfunding. They share personal anecdotes about their misjudgments regarding new technologies and trends, emphasizing the importance of humility and adaptability in their careers. Two mid-show updates touch on the recent bankruptcy of Diamond Comics Distributors and their new show, The Wrong Way. In this conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the challenges and anxieties surrounding social media for artists, particularly in building an online presence while focusing on their craft. They explore the importance of self-promotion, the consequences of delaying engagement with social media, and the potential of new platforms like Blue Sky. The discussion emphasizes the need for artists to balance their creative work with the realities of marketing and audience building while addressing the mental health aspects of sharing their work online. Takeaways Hogan's Alley Magazine is a significant resource for comic history. Niche topics in webcomics can lead to unexpected success. Webrings can significantly boost site traffic and engagement. Comics history is often overlooked but is vital for understanding the medium. The internet favors focused, passionate content over general interest. Understanding your audience is key to successful cartooning. Comics can be both serious and joyful, reflecting their cultural impact. T-shirts as a monetization strategy were initially surprising. Advertising proved to be a lucrative avenue for comics. Skepticism towards Kickstarter was common in its early days. Technological advancements can change the way comics are created and consumed. Vertical scrolling comics have become a preferred format for mobile readers. Humility is crucial in recognizing when to adapt to new trends. Keeping an eye on peers can lead to valuable learning opportunities. The bankruptcy of Diamond Comics marks a significant moment in the industry. Independent comics are evolving beyond traditional distribution methods. Embracing discomfort can lead to growth and new opportunities. Focus on improving your craft before engaging on social media. If social media causes anxiety, it's okay to wait. Blue Sky is currently a growing platform for audience building. Social media fatigue is a common issue for artists. Self-promotion is essential for making a living from art. Building an audience takes time and effort. Sharing your work gets easier with practice. Consider the consequences of delaying social media engagement. It's important to find a balance between art and marketing. Artists can impact the world even as a hobby. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	02 Feb 2018	Darkest Career Fears (feat. Jake parker)	01:08:35
ComicLab co-hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar welcome special guest Jake Parker — creator of Inktober and stand-out cartoonist/children's book illustrator — to talk shop. They discuss their deepest, darkest fears for their careers. And then they tackle how to recover from the completion of a monumental project. Jake shares his experiences from a recent Kickstarter, and they discuss the pros and cons of taking a creator-owned title to a publisher. But before any of that can happen, Jake has to explain what the heck a "Chicken Walker" is. If you guessed that it was related to a Skywalker, well... you're actually not far off! If you like ComicLab, consider becoming a Patreon backer, where you'll get member-exclusive Pro Tip episodes and more! 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	14 Oct 2021	How to find an audience for a longform comic	00:59:55
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! Creators of longform comics face unique challenges in building an audience on the Web. Or do they? Questions asked and topics covered... Long form comics "Substandard fan-created content" Kickstarter minus social media Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	11 Aug 2022	San Diego Comic Con review	01:23:00
Cartoonist Dave Kellett has returned from Comic-Con International in San Diego, and talks about his first convention since the pandemic began. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Dave Kellett reviews Comic-Con International in San Diego Live show at the Schulz Museum Nov. 12 Sacrificing aesthetics for time Re-thinking vertical scroll? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	01 Mar 2018	Rethinking longform comics	01:03:39
This week, as Dave Kellett preps for this weekend's Emerald City Comic Con, he asks co-host Brad Guigar if this should be the last time he exhibits at the show. Then, Dave and Brad discuss some new approaches to webcomic site design — particularly in regards to longform comics. BUT FIRST... What is "Drunk ComicLab" and how can you make it happen? If we get 100 ratings on iTunes, Dave and I will be cracking open bottles of Pino Noir and Laphroiag (respectively) and recording a special bonus show. 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 Sep 2022	Has Publishing Become Vanity Press?	01:08:02
A recent statistic about the print publishing industry have cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar thankful they self-publish. Also... the NFT comics company that reached out to Dave at San Diego Comic Con folded eight days later. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Publishing statistics report 90% of published books sell under 2,000 copies What are the disadvantages to self-publishing? UPDATE: NFT company dies in 10 days Audiobook versions of comics Creating videos of comics Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	16 Sep 2021	Kickstarter — What's working and what's not	01:07:03
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, we've devoted the entire show to Kickstarter — what's working, what's not, and how you can improve your campaign! Questions asked and topics covered... Kickstarter is the most tangible, real-world, evidence-based way to show how impossibly HARD it is to reach people, even with a focused message Kickstarter Self-loathing vs “people not hearing about it” Traceable Kickstarter links Managing Kickstarter money Kickstarter post-mortem Kicktraq is almost always hyper-optimistic... here's a better way to project earnings Instagram's is nearly useless Is TikTok going to be better? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 Feb 2024	Can you make a living in comics?	00:55:41
Every once in a while, someone asks if it's possible actually to make a living in comics. It's a fair question, and it deserves an honest answer. SPONSORED BY... ComicLab is brought to you this week by the book "How Comics Were Made, a Visual History from the Drawing Board to the Printed Page." Comics historian and ComicLab fan Glenn Fleishman has spent years researching the history of newspaper comic strip production and reproduction and is bringing his expertise to this printed work full of comics from Yellow Kid through Krazy Kat, Doonesbury, Peanuts, and, yes, Dave's own Drive! It will feature never-before-seen original drawings and printing artifacts, such as "flongs," the hilarious old-fashioned name for printing molds. The book draws from museum collections like the Billy Ireland Library and the Charles M Schulz Library, generous access to artists' own archives, and Glenn's personal collection. Glenn's taking the book to crowdfunding in February, using lessons drawn from this very podcast! You can read more about the book or sign up to get an alert when the campaign launches by going to howcomicsweremade.ink. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Is it possible to make a living in comics? how to write a longform comic Size and DPI — preparing files for web and print 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Jul 2023	Using the Patreon plug-in on your website	00:55:09
Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost! If you want to own and control your own work, Dreamhost can help you get started. Patreon's WordPress plug-in enables you to host Patreon-exclusive content on your website. We'll talk about how you can use this to grow your membership. Also, we'll talk about #comicsbrokeme ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Different ways to use the Patreon API #comicsbrokeme "My art style is "diverging!" 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	14 Jan 2021	Slice of Life Comics	01:10:12
This week, Brad and Dave discuss "slice of life" comics — and why using that term might not be the best promotional strategy. Questions asked and topics covered... Slice of Life comics Creative page layout — and why to avoid it NSFW comics advice How to get into the mood for comics 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	17 Jun 2021	Impostor Syndrome	01:11:35
Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Starting in June, $10 Patreon backers will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — and an archive of previous livestreams! Impostor Syndrome — what is it, and how can we, as creative professionals, battle against it? In 2018, an art teacher wrote in to ask why it was that they could never seem to finish a comic. Brad's response was "Maybe you're not a cartoonist, and maybe that's OK." This week, the art teacher writes back with an update — and it's a doozy! Questions asked and topics covered... Impostor Syndrome "Maybe You're not a Cartoonist" Follow-up. What's the difference between an aesthetic and a lack of ability? No Pants Friday and performative charity Minimum requirements for social media 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions, plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	01 Aug 2019	Dave's Comic Con International recap	01:00:50
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 floor at San Diego, and returned a changed man Is Comic Con International... shrinking But first... a married couple approaches Dave's booth, and says, "ComicLab helped our marriage..." You get great rewards when [you support ComicLab](http://patreon.com/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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	11 Jul 2019	Special Guest Dylan Meconis	01:04:21
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 support ComicLab • $2 — support the show • $5 — submit a qu**estion for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast • $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast • $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive**.
	30 May 2024	Survivorship Bias	01:02:23
We've all heard successful creators complain that younger hopefuls "just don't want to do the hard work." They disregard the complicated nature of achieving their status and dismiss aspiring novices on the basis of one single factor. Survivorship bias is undoubtedly a result of flawed reasoning. ...But is it bad advice? Brad and Dave discuss survivorship bias in the creative community and its impact on success. They acknowledge that survivorship bias exists but argue that it is not the sole determinant of success. They emphasize the importance of hard work, honing skills, and making adjustments based on feedback. They also discuss external factors that can impact a creative career, such as personal circumstances and societal biases. The hosts share their own experiences and offer advice for aspiring creators. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of perseverance and being consistent in order to achieve success in comics. Also, they also address the question of working below one's artistic skill level and offer advice on finding a style that balances speed and quality. The hosts then share their thoughts on the transition from traditional to digital art, including the benefits and drawbacks of each. Finally, they discuss the value of selling original art and the potential challenges of leaving a legacy through physical artwork. ON TODAY'S SHOW Survival bias Working below your artistic skill level Leaving original art in favor of digital CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction: Dumpster Pools in Philadelphia 00:05:37 Chapter 1: Understanding Survivorship Bias 00:13:06 Chapter 2: The Importance of Hard Work and Skill Development 00:22:52 Chapter 4: Challenging Survivorship Bias and Acknowledging Others' Struggles 00:26:57 Chapter 5: Advice for Aspiring Creators: Listen, Learn, and Adapt 00:31:03 Perseverance and Consistency 00:34:31 Working Below Your Skill Level 00:46:24 Transition to Digital Art 00:48:08 Selling Original Art 00:56:29 Leaving a Legacy Through Artwork TAKEAWAYS Survivorship bias exists in the creative community, but it is not the only factor that determines success. Hard work, honing skills, and making adjustments based on feedback are crucial for success. External factors, such as personal circumstances and societal biases, can impact a creative career. It is important to be aware of survivorship bias and not dismiss the challenges faced by others. Listening to advice from experienced creators and being open to course corrections can increase the chances of success. Perseverance and consistency are key to achieving success in comics. Finding a balance between speed and quality is important when working below your artistic skill level. Transitioning from traditional to digital art offers benefits in terms of control and quality. Selling original art can be a way to generate income and share your work with others. Leaving a legacy through physical artwork may not always be practical or desired by loved ones. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 May 2021	Many Legs Under the Table	01:14:58
Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Starting in June, $10 Patreon backers will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — and an archive of previous livestreams! This week, Brad and Dave discuss building a comics business with multiple revenue streams. Questions asked and topics covered... Suriving a 30% revenue dip Many legs under the table Judging a new social-media platform Submitting comics to The New Yorker 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	14 Jul 2022	We need to talk about Webtoons	01:06:15
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar field a question from a listener who is worried that they'll lose readers as they improve their skills! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... We need to talk about Webtoons UPDATE: SDCC reached out saying I can't use the ™ "Comic-Con" on packaging UPDATE: Backerkit launches a crowdfunding platform How page design effects the layout of a book. Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	29 Jun 2023	"I have a website... now what do I DO with it??"	00:57:38
Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost! If you want to own and control your own work, Dreamhost can help you get started. We hear from a listener who took our advice and launched their own website. And now they have only one question: "What the heck am I supposed to DO with it??" ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Alaska Comics Camp I've got a website... now what do I DO with it?? Photoshop AI Using 3D backgrounds in CSP 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	18 May 2023	Publishing two versions of the same book?	01:16:17
A ComicLab listener asks for advice on publishing two versions of the same book — one rated PG-13, and another rated R. Sounds an awful lot like what Brad does. So why is he so against it?! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Two versions of the same book UPDATE: New York Times portfolio review UPDATE: Brad's birthday present How many hours spent drawing? Building narrative tension Hiring an assistant after an injury 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 May 2025	Who are you? What do you do? Why should I care?	01:04:04
Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is creating a website, and Brad and Dave have relied on Dreamhost for years. Check out Dreamhost.com/comiclab to find out how you can lock in a rate of $2.59/month for three years! Your social media profile needs to answer three questions clearly: Who are you? What do you do? And why should I care? If you're wasting time being cute, you're missing out of opportunities. Also, the NCS releases the nominees for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, and a person hired to illustrate a children's book faces a tough question from the writer: How do we sell this thing?? Today's Show Branding on your social media profile Susan MacTaggart Show sponsor: Dreamhost dreamhost.com/comiclab UPDATE: NCS Outstanding Cartoonist nominations We made the book... now what?" Have we ever considered not doing free content? Summary In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of branding for cartoonists on social media, emphasizing the need for clear communication in profiles. The conversation wraps up with insights on navigating new platforms like Bluesky and the importance of straightforward messaging in promoting one's work. They discuss the evolving nature of social media presence, and the value of reliable hosting services like DreamHost. They also engage in a light-hearted personal affirmation segment and provide updates from the National Cartoonist Society. The conversation culminates in practical advice for illustrators on how to sell their work, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role in the creative process. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of branding in book promotion, the exploration of new intellectual properties (IP) for original graphic novels, and the value of audience engagement and product testing in the creative process. They also touch on the resurgence of physical media in a digital age, emphasizing that quality content will always find an audience. Takeaways Branding is crucial for self-publishing cartoonists. Social media profiles should clearly state who you are. Consistency is more important than creativity on social media. Cartoonists often struggle with self-promotion due to imposter syndrome. Blue Sky may not have the same algorithmic restrictions as other platforms. Direct communication is key in branding and marketing. It's okay to promote your work without feeling like you're bragging. Put some of the creative thought into solving business problems. This change is 100% not permanent. You can change it tomorrow. We're big fans of DreamHost. This is the perfect opportunity for you. A 97-day money back guarantee. You are a limitless well of creativity. This is not your job, Jay. You should run as far away from him as you can. Your job is to use the book to promote Jay. Your job is to use the book to promote your next gig. Selling books, marketing books, promoting books, that's not Jay's brand. The responsibility of selling this book is not your job. This is a time management issue. You can use this to get to the next stage in your career. We have both done this with IP that the world has never seen. You'd better have previews and sample images that look incredible. People will absolutely buy that thing because they know it's good. People will buy your book. Absolutely. You can absolutely make that work. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 Mar 2018	Patreon rewards that work, writer's block and comics awards	00:59:16
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? BUT FIRST — Brad's wife wants him to lose weight, and the reason why has Dave in a full-on blush. 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	08 Feb 2024	Fifty is nifty	01:02:40
BE ADVISED: We'll be discussing issues like death and dying in this episode. Dave turns fifty years old, and it has us talking about cartooning in the second half of one's life. And we're not the only ones asking existential questions. Our first question asker is worried that they're not going to have time to work on all of their ideas in one lifetime! Finally, we break down Wacom's troubling use of AI art in a promotional image! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Dave turns 50 years old Too many ideas for one lifetime ComicLab 500 UPDATE: Wacom uses AI art in a promo 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	09 Apr 2020	Special Guest Karl Kerschl	01:10:45
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, the ComicLab guys talk shop with Karl Kerschl of The Abominable Charles Christopher and Isola. Questions asked and topics covered... Unpredictible schedules How to sell original art Is it better to master one thing or be very good at several things? Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com! You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon $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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	19 Jul 2018	Allowing your drawing style to mature	01:17:42
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 concerned that comics are being replaced by memes. And FINALLY, a cartoonist is worried about allowing their drawing style to mature. Will they lose readers? And how DO you pronounce “mature” anyway?! Show notes 00:00 — Don’t ask Brad to ‘Like’ your Facebook Page 05:19 — Shaving naked, a gentleman’s guide 09:05 — Reworking old comics 18:00 — Ending each page/update own a story beat 36:02 — Patreon’s paywall encourages close-knit communities — what happens if it goes away? 55:00 — Are comics being replaced by memes? 01:01:25 — If I change my drawing style, will I lose my readers? 01:04:00 — How do you pronounce “mature”? 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	04 Nov 2021	Rekindling an old flame	01:07:30
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, a cartoonist asks about going back to a project they abandoned. Dave shares some strong advice. Brad sings his. Questions asked and topics covered... Going back to an old project Monster Mash Connecting with other creators at a con Buying ads on Facebook and Instragram Kickstarter tiers with the same price point Building an audience Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 Aug 2020	Is a black-and-white comic still viable?	01:09:12
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! Brad and Dave talk about black-and-white comics — are they still viable in today's publishing landscape? Questions asked and topics covered... You are exactly where you need to be for the next step Do the recent AT&T layoffs indicate the end of DC Comics? Using the Sunday strip format to tell a short story Doing a Writers' Room... but for non-humor comics Choosing a color palette 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 Aug 2024	Special Guest Co-Host Kevin McShane	01:03:09
As Brad Guigar travels to Bad Axe, Michigan, to spend a fun-filled week with his family, Kevin McShane steps in to talk comics with Dave Kellett. In this conversation, David and Kevin discuss various topics related to comics, including their experiences with "Love Is" comics at their weddings, the potential future advancements in comic-making technology, and different marketing strategies for sharing comics. They explore the idea of using VR technology to create a more immersive drawing experience, the enduring appeal of 2D comics, and the importance of building an audience through platforms like mailing lists and social media. Kevin discusses the various social media platforms he uses to share his comics, including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Mastodon, Twitter, and Imgur. He explains that Imgur is like a nicer version of Reddit and that he uses it to drive traffic to his website. David is intrigued by Imgur and asks Kevin for a pitch on why he should be posting there. Kevin explains that Imgur started as an image hosting service for Reddit and has a social media aspect to it. They also discuss their motivations for posting on social media and the validation they seek from likes and engagement. They explore the idea of creating books and the number of comics needed for a book. They also discuss the possibility of changing their approach to comics if compensation wasn't a factor. They end the conversation by addressing a question from a listener who creates gardening advice cartoons and wonders if she should reduce the number of panels to cater to social media attention spans. In this final part of the conversation, David and Kevin discuss the different types of content that perform well on social media, including informative, emotional, and aspirational content. They also provide advice on interviewing other creators, emphasizing the importance of research and making the interviewee feel comfortable. The hosts share funny anecdotes about their experiences with interviews and express their pride in not discussing AI in the conversation. THIS WEEK "Love Is" comics at Weddings The Future of Comic-Making Technology: VR and AI The Enduring Appeal of 2D Comics Building an Audience: Mailing Lists and Social Media Navigating Social Media Platforms Balancing Panel Count for Social Media The Power of Different Content Types Interviewing Other Creators Avoiding AI in Comics Technology Discussions Funny Anecdotes from Interview Experiences TAKEAWAYS Love Is comics can add a unique and nostalgic touch to weddings and other events. The future of comic-making technology may involve advancements in VR and AI. 2D comics have a timeless appeal and can survive alongside other forms of media. Building an audience through platforms like mailing lists and social media is crucial for sharing and promoting comics. Kevin uses various social media platforms to share his comics and drive traffic to his website. Kevin recommends Imgur for sharing comics. It allows linking and has a nicer community than Reddit. Both Kevin and David seek validation through likes and engagement on social media. The number of comics needed for a book can vary, but it's important to have a substantial amount of quality content. If compensation wasn't a factor, Kevin would quit his day job to dedicate more time to creating comics. Reducing the number of panels in a comic may compromise the usefulness of the content, so it's important to find a balance that works for the creator's goals and the audience's attention spans. Different types of content perform well on social media, including informative, emotional, and aspirational content. When interviewing other creators, it's important to do thorough research and ask unique and engaging questions. Making interviewees feel comfortable and creating a safe space for them to share is crucial for a successful interview. Avoiding discussions about AI in the context of comics technology can be refreshing and indicative of the current fatigue with AI. The hosts share funny anecdotes about their experiences with interviews, highlighting the importance of building rapport and creating a relaxed atmosphere. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 May 2019	Would you still do a comic — even if nobody ever read it?	01:03:47
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 — 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 Apr 2023	Losing confidence ... and leveling up	01:04:22
Writer's Block often boils down to a crisis of confidence. How do you conquer that? Also, a listener asks for advice on a hybrid comic — half sequential art and half prose. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Writer's Block UPDATE: Joy-con mapping for your digital tablet Hybrid comics 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	19 Sep 2024	ComicLab LIVE at the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards, Part One	01:03:05
Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take their podcast on the road, recording this episode live at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego as part of the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards celebration! They were joined on stage by Maria Scrivan, Hector Cantu, and Dana Simpson to discuss the pressing issues facing cartoonists in the years to come. On today's show: How are you addressing artificial intelligence? What's working on social media? What are your plans for the next five years? What does retirement look like? Maria Scrivan Maria Scrivan is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning syndicated cartoonist. The first book in her graphic novel series, Nat Enough (Scholastic/Graphix), launched on April 7th, 2020, became an instant New York Times bestseller. It was followed by Forget Me Nat, Absolutely Nat, Definitely Nat, Nat for Nothing, and All is Nat Lost. Nat a Chance will be available in Spring 2025. She is also a contributor to Marvel’s Super Stories, which was released in October 2023. Her books have been translated into Italian, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Turkish, and Greek. Maria's comic, Half Full, is syndicated by Andrews McMeel and available on GoComics.com/half-full. For the past ten years, it has appeared daily in newspapers nationwide, including the LA Times. Hector Cantu Hector had numerous submissions to Mad magazine successfully rejected before the age of 12. In 2000, he launched “Baldo” with Carlos Castellanos. The strip appears in more than 200 newspapers through Andrews McMeel Syndication. Hector currently lives with his wife in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and is founder of Texas Cartoonists, the Texas Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society. Dana Simpson Dana Claire Simpson, a native of Gig Harbor, Washington, first caught the eyes of devoted comics readers with the internet strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the 2009 Comic Strip Superstar contest, she developed the strip Phoebe and Her Unicorn (originally known as Heavenly Nostrils), now syndicated in newspapers worldwide. There are nineteen Phoebe and Her Unicorn books, including the newest, Unicorn Crush. Ozy and Millie have two books also. All told, Simpson has sold over four million books. Her books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and won the Washington State Book Award and the Pacific Northwest Book Award. She lives with her spouse and her cat in Santa Barbara, California. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 May 2021	Seeing your comics in other media	01:06:09
Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Starting in June, $10 Patreon backers will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — and an archive of previous livestreams! This week, Brad and Dave discuss writing your comics with other media in mind. Also: Artfol... is it the next big social media for artists? Questions asked and topics covered... Seeing your comics in other media Artfol Private hosting Composition Getting business ideas from other industries 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions, plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	12 Dec 2024	In over my head	01:05:15
What happens when your story gets too big for you to handle? Are you the right person for the job? (And if not you, then who??) On Today's Show: In over your head UPDATE: It was FCS all along Crossbar i technicality Advice to your older self Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges creators face, particularly when tackling complex themes such as systemic injustice in long-term comic projects. The hosts emphasize the importance of pushing through creative doubts and the value of learning from mistakes in the writing process. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of creativity, mainly focusing on the challenges creators face after a hiatus. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection, the role of confidence in storytelling, and the value of completing projects. The dialogue emphasizes that it's normal to feel doubt and that taking breaks can be beneficial. Ultimately, they encourage creators to follow their instincts and permit themselves to explore new directions in their work. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett revisit a previous discussion about the frequency of comic updates, introducing the concept of FCS (Frequent, Consistent, Significant) as a guiding principle for creators. They delve into the nuances of typography in comics, particularly the use of the crossbar I, and emphasize the importance of clarity in communication. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they explore what advice they would give to their future selves, reflecting on the nature of change and the importance of embracing it as artists. In this episode, the hosts explore the themes of establishment in the cartooning world, the importance of embracing change, and the value of taking risks. They reflect on the advice they would give to their younger selves, emphasizing the need to cultivate joy and not let life's challenges steal it away. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of life experiences and the lessons learned from past regrets. Takeaways Steven Seagal movies can provide unexpected comfort during tough times. The absurdity of Seagal's later films highlights a decline in quality. Long-term projects can lead to self-doubt about creative abilities. It's important to seek permission from oneself to pivot in creative projects. Tackling heavy themes in comics requires courage and skill development. Backing away from challenges may hinder growth as a writer. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of the writing process. The hosts encourage embracing creative challenges despite fears. Systemic injustice is a complex theme that requires careful handling. Humor can be found in the most unexpected places, even in bad movies. You can't expect purity from yourself. Mistakes help you become a better writer. Consider the reasons behind your creative hiatus. Social change comes from many small actions. Confidence can wane, and that's okay. Finishing a project has intrinsic value. Taking breaks can help clarify your creative direction. Art is never truly finished until the artist says so. It's normal to feel doubt about your work. Follow your heart and pursue what excites you. FCS stands for Frequent, Consistent, Significant updates. Two updates a week can enhance audience engagement. The crossbar I rule aids in clarity of communication. Typography choices impact the readability of comics. Clarity of communication should guide lettering choices. Change is a constant in an artist's journey. Embrace the evolution of your artistic style. Reflecting on past decisions can inspire future creativity. Maintaining a connection with your audience is crucial. Enjoy the present and acknowledge your achievements. We often feel like we're still figuring things out, regardless of our experience. Establishment is a perception; we must keep building our audience. Change is necessary for growth, even if it's uncomfortable. Advice to younger selves often revolves around reassurance and encouragement. Taking risks is crucial; regrets often stem from missed opportunities. Improv offers immediate feedback that cartooning lacks. Life experiences tend to repeat themselves in different forms. Cultivating joy is essential, especially during tough times. The wisdom of older selves often reflects universal truths. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 Nov 2018	Are you a webcomics hustler?	01:17:57
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking shop! When a Patreon backer asks for tips on hustling and networking, Brad gets uncomfortable. Then, the guys struggle to make sense of demographic data. And finally, they help a fellow cartoonist navigate book distribution. BUT FIRST, Dave asks... if you could see one statistic floating over people's heads, what would it be? Show notes 13:17 — Game show themes for fun and profit 15:27 — Brad thought Graham Chapman did the Monty Python animations — not Terry Gilliam. He is a dunce. 17:12 — Tips on hustling and networking 34:37 — Understanding demographic information 52:34 — Navigating book distribution 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	24 Apr 2019	Designing an effective cover	00:59:46
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 cover design 41:42 — Stretch Break! 42:33 — Buying ads or no? 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	23 Jan 2019	Guigar's Law of merchandise	01:09:53
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 to say "I'd buy that" is the first person to disappear when you offer the merch. 17:48 — Is it important to have a consistent theme to your comics? 25:54 — Comics anthologies 37:04 — Stretch Break! 37:53 — What should YOU be planning for 2019? 49:27 — Dave doesn't buy as many comics as he used to. Should that be worrisome? 56:29 — Dave and Brad were both Little League umpires... with very different styles, and Brad shares his utter failure as a baseball player 01:03:36 — Advice for launching your first Patreon Launching your Patreon Here's a helpful guide to all of the ComicLab episodes with advice on launching your Patreon. See the Show Notes for each episode to see where we start talking about the topic you're looking for. Remember, of course, the Golden Rule of Crowdfunding from last week's Lightning Round: Build an audience first. It's right there in the word — you have to have a crowd before you can have funding. Episode 50 ProTips #47 Episode #47 ProTips #46 ProTips #42 Episode 38 Pro Tips #32 Pro Tips #27 Pro Tips #26 Episode 26 Episode 25 Episode 15 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	12 Mar 2020	Coronavirus, conventions and cartoonists in crisis	00:58:13
Show note: After we recorded this show, Emerald City Comicon announced they are cancelling the show originally scheduled to run March 12-15, 2020. Scroll down for more information. Todays show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the versatile Wacom One! With fears of a coronavirus outbreak in Seattle causing scores of cancellations at this week's Emerald City Comicon, Dave Kellett reaches for his master's thesis on cartooning during WWII to discuss the role of comics in times of crisis. Questions asked and topics covered... What role do cartoonists play in times of crisis? Dave Kellett explains his decision to cancel his appearance at ECCC "Sunk cost" bias How important is a short story, if all you wanna do is write long? Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com! You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon $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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. Emerald City Comicon ECCC has announced it's cancelling their show and rescheduling it for the summer. From their press release: We're writing today with some updated information on Emerald City Comic Con. After additional internal and external consultation, and based on recommendations from local public health officials, we have made the difficult decision to postpone next week's event. We recognize that this has been a frustrating and difficult time for all of our customers, but we feel that it is necessary to move the event. The situation is moving quickly and we are working with our partners to find solutions to logistical and operational issues that will arise. We are here to help but ask for your patience as we try to take care of all of you. With that in mind, please make sure to cancel hotels, flights and any other arrangements. All amounts paid for exhibit space or media to date for next week's ECCC will be credited and can be used as follows: Towards participation in ECCC 2020 this Summer; Towards participation in ECCC 2021 (March 4 - 7, 2021) Towards participation in any other Reedpop event on or before April 1, 2021, subject to availability and acceptance of your application, 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	26 Mar 2020	Managing a long-distance collaboration	00:57:24
Todays show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! Collaborations are a great way to make comics. But what if your parter is in another time zone — or another country? How can you sync your work? Also go-to panel compositions and tools for tracking script-writing. Questions asked and topics covered... Brad dreams about dating Rue McClanahan Dave and Brad are both headed for Alaska Robotics' Comics Camp in April Long-distance partnerships Go-to panel compositions Wacom One Tools for tracking script-writing Improving script-writing Shouldn't all content go on Patreon? Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com! You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon $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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	01 Sep 2022	Have we become the people we fought?	01:10:30
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett start a discussion about trying to avoid becoming the people they used to fight, only to slowly realize... it had already happened. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Don't become your heroes What is the dominant publishing format? How much life experience goes into writing? How do you keep the sex fresh in NSFW comics? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	03 Apr 2025	"I have a useless degree... and I love it!"	01:13:08
As they attempt to save the marriage of one of their listeners, Brad and Dave consider the best path for a cartoonist who wishes to pursue a master's degree. Would a Master's in Fine Arts be the right choice, or would a Master's in Business Administration be the better option? Considering the expense, perhaps the best choice is to avoid both! After grappling with that dilemma, Susan MacTaggart stops by to share a personal affirmation with a member of the ComicLab community. Today's Show Is a Master's Degree in comics worthwhile? Susan MacTaggart's Affirmation UPDATE: Brad and Dave's Wikipedia pages Mixing word-balloon styles Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of education for cartoonists, debating the merits of pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts (MFA) versus a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). The discussion highlights the value of writing skills in comics and the necessity of understanding business principles in today's publishing climate. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intersection of art and marketing, discussing the value of formal education, such as an MFA, in developing a creative career. They explore the importance of self-teaching versus structured learning, emphasizing personal growth and the impact of higher education on career paths. The conversation also touches on community engagement through personal affirmations and mid-show updates, culminating in discussing word balloon techniques in comics. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett delve into the intricacies of comic storytelling, focusing on the use of word balloons and their aesthetic implications. They discuss the evolution of comic communication, the philosophy behind how comics convey messages, and the unique structure of two-panel comics. The conversation highlights the balance between visual elements and text, exploring how these components enhance storytelling in comics. Takeaways Education in the arts should focus on writing, not just drawing. An MFA may not provide the specific skills needed for comics compared to an MBA. Understanding business and marketing is crucial for independent cartoonists today. Higher education can provide a shortcut to knowledge that would take years to learn otherwise. Not all education needs to have a direct financial return on investment. The subjective nature of art can complicate grading in MFA programs. Scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. Choosing between an MFA and an MBA depends on personal career goals and interests. The art itself is not enough; marketing plays a crucial role. An MFA can provide valuable insights into salesmanship and marketing. The experience gained from an MFA depends on the student's openness to feedback. Many successful cartoonists do not have an MFA, indicating it's not essential for success. Self-teaching can be as effective as formal education, depending on the individual's learning style. Personal growth and happiness can come from pursuing higher education, even if it doesn't directly impact career success. Community engagement is vital for creators, as seen in the personal affirmations segment. Word balloon techniques vary based on the comic's style and background complexity. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about their Wikipedia pages, highlighting the challenges of self-presentation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques to fit the evolving art style. Word balloons can affect the aesthetics of a comic. Using a floater can conserve space in a panel. Breaking up dialogue into multiple balloons improves readability. Floaters can convey whispers or asides effectively. Aesthetics sometimes dictate the choice between word balloons and floaters. The history of word balloons reflects the evolution of comic art. Comics often rely on a visual punchline that follows a setup. Two-panel comics can exist in greeting cards and other formats. The construction of comics can influence how they are perceived. The philosophy of comic communication is complex and evolving. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	02 Mar 2023	Special Guest Scott Kurtz ("PvP")	00:59:29
Our special guest Scott Kurtz (PvP, Table Titans, Mort) joins us to answer questions from the ComicLab community! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Studio layout How to create different personalities for characters What to do if your art doesn't match your writing 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	19 Dec 2024	Maybe You're Not Funny	00:56:47
Writing humor takes a lot of time and patience. We'll discuss ways to persevere. Summary In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett share insights on the creative process of writing humor, emphasizing that humor can be both an inherited trait and a learned skill. The conversation highlights the necessity of trial and error in developing a comedic voice and the various factors influencing one's ability to be funny. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the journey of mastering humor and comedy writing. They emphasize the importance of practice, analysis, and the willingness to learn from unfunny attempts. The hosts share practical tips for writing jokes, the significance of active watching in comedy, and the necessity of obsession with the craft. They also address the challenges some may face in writing humor and encourage aspiring comedians to find their unique path in the genre. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the emergence of Blue Sky as a promising social media platform, contrasting it with their experiences on Twitter and other platforms. They explore the emotional challenges of leaving behind established accounts, the importance of engagement, and the sunk cost fallacy that often prevents users from moving on. The discussion emphasizes the need to focus on platforms that bring joy and meaningful connections, ultimately advocating for a shift towards Blue Sky. Takeaways Writing humor is a long-term process. Not everyone has an innate sense of humor. Trial and error is essential in humor writing. Humor can be developed through practice. A supportive environment fosters comedic skills. Personal experiences shape one's comedic voice. Learning from past failures is crucial. Engagement with the audience is key to success. Writing humor requires a long journey of trial and error. Analyzing unfunny work is crucial for improvement. Active watching of comedy can enhance joke-writing skills. Practice writing jokes daily to develop your craft. Improv classes can help students understand humor dynamics. Reading and analyzing successful comics can provide insights. Books on comedy writing can be helpful but may not suit everyone. Obsession with humor is essential for long-term success. You can't get worse at writing humor if you keep practicing. Finding joy in the process is critical to becoming a better comedian. Blue Sky is gaining traction as a new social media platform. Engagement on Blue Sky is significantly higher than on Twitter. The emotional weight of deleting social media accounts can be heavy. The sunk cost fallacy can prevent users from moving on from old platforms. It's essential to focus on platforms that bring joy and engagement. Many interesting creators are migrating to Blue Sky. The hosts emphasize the importance of audience engagement for success. Deleting old accounts can be a liberating decision. Social media should be a source of joy, not frustration. Building a community on new platforms is essential for growth. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	22 Jun 2023	When readers attack... each other!	01:10:28
Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost! If you want to own and control your own work, Dreamhost can help you get started. It's bad enough if a reader makes an unkind comment toward you, but what do you do when readers attack each other? When it results in some of those readers leaving your community, it's a problem that demands attention! Also: Patreon is offering a new feature: Free Trials! And Brad and Dave disagree on whether you should implement it! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... When readers attack — each other What comes first — lettering or drawings? Patreon Free Trials Naming files for eComics 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	02 Aug 2018	NSFW comics... any regrets?	01:08:36
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 would have done differently? AND Dave mentions the sweet perfection of the title of Danielle Corsetto’s new comic — “BOO! It’s Sex!” FINALLY, what size should your original art be — and why? BUT FIRST… When doctors say, “STAT!” on medical dramas, what does that mean? And why isn’t it just was cool for copy editors to yell “STET!” Show notes 00:00 — When doctors say, “stat,” what does it mean? 04:52 — How do you recover after a failed con? 17:45 — Susanne MacTaggart, inspirational speaker 17:55 — If “Good Work” is the key — what should I be focused on learning/doing? 36:26 — Looking back on his decision to do NSFW comics, is there anything Brad would have done differently? 54:57 — Danielle Corsetto’s new comic, “Boo! It’s Sex!” 56:45 — At what size should you create original art? 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	12 Jul 2018	Comics lettering — The invisible art	01:07:22
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 desk at a garage sale, Dave find himself obsessed with finding one of his own. Show notes 00:00 — Dave's white whale — a Disney animation-desk garage-sale find! 05:35 — What is Video ComicLab, and how can you help make it happen? 07:49 — Using exclamation points in sound effects leads to a deep discussion on the psychology of comics lettering 30:38 — We need to encourage more collaboration in comics 50:36 — A writer's nightmare: "I know the overall story, but I'm stuck at getting from one plot point to the next!" 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	08 Jun 2023	How to Build an Audience	01:02:12
Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost! If you want to own and control your own work, Dreamhost can help you get started. We often get asked by our listeners, "How can I increase my audience?" Well, in this episode, we've got you covered! We'll give you some great tips on how to grow your readership. Plus, we'll be discussing some fundamental rules of typography. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... How to build an audience UPDATE: IDW layoffs UPDATE: Incorporating Patreon into a website Living in a PROTOPIAN world Typography rules of thumb 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	17 Apr 2025	Paint the Wall Red: Conjuring Creativity	00:59:39
In a recent interview for the National Cartoonists Society, Greg Evans (the creator of the newspaper comic strip "Luanne") spoke about painting a single wall in his studio red. Mel Lazarus, creator of the syndicated strips "Momma" and "Miss Peach," told him that the color red was proven to increase creative thoughts. This resulted in one burning question for the cartoonists assembled to watch the interview: "DID IT WORK!?" Today's Show Creativity Susan MacTaggart's Personal Affirmation Using copyrighted music lyrics in a comic Summary In this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss various topics related to creativity, including the significance of the color red in creative spaces and personal superstitions that influence their creative processes. They explore the humorous aspects of creativity and the shared experiences of cartoonists while also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the comic strip 'Luanne'. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the complexities of creativity, discussing the psychological effects of color, the challenges of maintaining a consistent creative output, and various strategies to overcome creative blocks. In the second half, after Susan MacTaggart drops by to share a personal affirmation for a lucky ComicLab backer, they also touch on the importance of legal considerations in creative projects, particularly when referencing existing works. The dialogue is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for artists and creators alike. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into the intricacies of copyright, fair use, and the ethical considerations surrounding using creative works. They discuss the historical context of copyright, the importance of seeking permission to use others' intellectual property, and the complexities of navigating licensing agreements. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to respect the rights of their peers while also understanding the legal landscape that governs creative works. Takeaways The song 'Piña Colada' has bizarre lyrics that reflect on relationships. The color red is believed to boost creativity, as shared by cartoonist Greg Evans. Creativity is often difficult to pin down and can be influenced by environment. Many artists have personal rituals or superstitions that help trigger creativity. Getting bored can lead to creative breakthroughs, as distractions are removed. Having a specific workspace can enhance focus and creativity. The importance of context in understanding creativity is emphasized. Superstitions can be seen as strategies for fostering creativity. The discussion highlights the shared experiences of cartoonists in their creative journeys. The episode humorously addresses the absurdity of certain creative beliefs. Creativity can be influenced by environmental factors like color. Consistency in creativity is a challenge for many artists. Finding personal strategies for creativity is essential. Boredom can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. Starting the creative process is often the hardest part. Engaging with interesting people can spark new ideas. Reading old work can help reconnect with your creative voice. Deadlines can reduce fear and encourage action in creativity. Legal considerations are crucial when referencing other artists' work. Your art has intrinsic value, regardless of external validation. Copyright gives artists control over their work. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material. Seeking permission is crucial when using others' work. Ethical considerations are as important as legal ones. The complexities of copyright can be daunting for creators. Documentaries often fall under fair use but still require permissions. Artists may feel protective over their creations. Licensing agreements can be complicated and vary widely. Understanding copyright is essential for all creators. Navigating permissions can be a lengthy process. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Jun 2019	LIVE! from NCSFest	01:08:56
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 vapors 36:30 — Dave loves to draw backgrounds (Brad doesn't) 41:00 — When you forget how to draw 44:40 — Question from the audience: Do we consider our non-cartoonist listeners? 49:11 — Working in Dave's studio 54:19 — Question from the audience: Do we plan for continuing education to expand our knowledge? 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	09 Jan 2020	Buying advertising	01:15:55
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 spend on advertising, where would you spend that money? I'm on my third draft, and I'm having trouble with getting to a finished draft. How can I rework my writing better? What do comics do better than any other medium? Limited-edition ComicLab enamel pins are now available at newevilbook.com and sheldonstore.com! You get great rewards when you support ComicLab on Patreon $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 possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	17 Jan 2018	Why Transparency Matters (feat. Lucy Bellwood)	01:03:30
This week, Brad and Dave welcome professional adventure cartoonist Lucy Bellwood. Lucy delivered a jaw-droppingly honest look at the life of a professional freelancer at the XOXO Festival last year, and it seemed only natural to discuss the importance of transparency in a profession so driven by social media. But first, Brad asks if they've ever performed a snow-day ritual. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 Jun 2019	The menace of Arrival Fallacy	01:15:34
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 "You can't choose what you're good at" vs "No such thing as talent" Arrival Fallacy Public displays of affection Shonen Jump 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	09 Jan 2019	Planning Out 2019	01:17:58
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 all-pop-culture Sheldon collection and a children's book! 40:44 — The NCS's Steve McGarry joins us to talk about NCSFest 54:00 — Brad's plan for 2019: Publishing the second collection of Evil Inc After Dark and the second edition of The Webcomics Handbook. 01:07:17 — Dave's shoot-the-moon plans for 2019: A comics-related TV show, a podcast book club, and a ComicLab Quickstarter. 01:09:25 — Revisiting our three-year plan and five-year plan project from 2018. 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	21 Dec 2023	Where do you get ideas? Recorded live at the NCS Rueben Weekend	00:43:15
While we were at the National Cartoonists Society Rueben Awards Weekend, we stopped cartoonists and asked them one question: When you need to spark creativity — and nothing is happening — how do you find ideas? Today's show is a compilation of those responses. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 Dec 2022	Webcomics nostalgia	01:01:11
Today's show is being brought to you by Comicraft. Mark your calendars — their New Year's Day Sale is right around the corner. Each font will be priced to ring in the new year — $20.23! Is this the perfect time for nostalgia over old-school webcomics? Also... when Dave attends a sci-fi convention, and kind lady walks up to his booth with some helpful advice. AND THEN SHE APPEARS IN BRAD'S STUDIO TO SING ABOUT IT! (For those of you who are new to the show, allow us to whisk you back to 2019 when a kind lady walked up to Dave Kellett during San Diego Comic Con and offered him some helpful advice.) ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Nostalgia usually hits after 20 years... so is this the moment for webcomics nostalgia? UPDATE: Dave attends a sci-fi convention UPDATE: Dave will attend San Diego Comic Con Which is more important ... Talent or Stamina? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	02 May 2024	Building traffic vs building audience	01:12:16
Is it possible to build traffic for your comic without building an audience? Also, an anonymous post on Reddit accuses Webtoons of using a predatory contract. ON TODAY'S SHOW Building traffic vs. building an audience UPDATE: SDCC Panels UPDATE: Dave's 500 for 50 Is the Webtoons contract "predatory?" 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	03 Apr 2019	Special Guest Tony Cliff	00:56:35
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 his wife! • 00:00 — Dave Kellett: the Master of making the first move • 05:09 — The most formal intro ever • 06:48 — Interview with Tony Cliff • 31:21 — Cartoonist or creator • 41:36 — Deadline crunch time • 54:03 — The most formal outro ever 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	25 Apr 2024	Special guest Dave Blazek	01:14:09
This week, we're talking to Dave Blazek, creator of "Loose Parts," a single-panel comic syndicated to more than 120 newspapers worldwide. Blazek is a three-time NCS Silver Reuben award winner and a danged delight. We'll discuss how he became an "accidental cartoonist" and his unique approach to writing humor. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	31 Dec 2020	Making 2021 a Success	01:20:56
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! This week, Brad and Dave have some thoughts about finding success in the new year. Questions asked and topics covered... How to be successful in 2021 Making conscious improvements on art How soon is too soon for print? Posting on the weekend? 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	05 May 2022	Our Biggest Mistakes	01:04:16
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar devote the entire show to discuss the biggest mistakes they made in their career. Also: Brad is launching a six-week session for creators of NSFW comics. Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 Sep 2018	Generating Buzz on Twitter	01:06:07
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 should outsource. And FINALLY, a patron asks why there has been so little innovation in webcomics. BUT FIRST, Dave Kellett was his high school’s prom king, and Brad wants every last detail. Show notes 00:00 — Dave Kellett: Prom King 05:58 — Roll the timpani for the DriveKickstarter.com update! 10:36 — Brad Guigar: Prom Loser 13:36 — Following a Kickstarter campaign 20:30 — How can you support the web cartoonist in your life? 28:22 — Best strategies for building buzz on Twitter 35:55 — How do you guys make the decision on what to ‘contract out’? 50:00 — Why has there been so little innovation in webcomics? More on Twitter buzz Since recording this episode, Brad has had some additional thoughts on generating buzz on Twitter. We plan to circle around to this topic again on the show, but in the meantime, those of you who subscribe to Webcomics.com can read about it right now. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Aug 2020	Running a Virtual Comic Convention	01:11:00
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! Brad and Dave talk about their experience running their first virtual comic convention! PLUS — Dave talks about his third Eisner Award nomination and his second self-administered haircut... both of which ended up in disappointment. Questions asked and topics covered... Dave's third Eisner Award nomination Studio Con recap — how did the virtual convention go? Ellipses — what's the right way to use those three little dots? 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	27 Jan 2022	Predictions for 2022	01:05:16
Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share their predictions for the new year! How will Kickstarter, Patreon, Cryptocurrency, NFTs and Substack fare in 2022? Today's show is brought to you by Wacom! Wacom is the maker of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! Questions asked and topics covered... Prediction: Kickstarter Prediction: Patreon will launch a Kickstarter competitor Prediction: Cryptocurrency and NFTs will recede... for different reasons! Prediction: Substack creators who took the signing deal in 2021 will grapple with their "Day 366" Prediction: Comic conventions will attempt a comeback... and have disappointing results Prediction: Paper shortages and shipping delays will continue to vex creators' ability to create physical goods Prediction: Because of the preceding prediction, Patreon's base of creators will take another big jump In a couple years, "Sheldon" will turn 25 — does Dave Kellett have any special plans? What would your character actually do? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	28 Sep 2023	Are you too old to start in comics?	01:00:19
Is comics a young person's game? Pull up a (rocking) chair, and let's talk about it! ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Are you too old to start in comics? Battling procrastination One-and-done publishing strategy? The TinyView app Eye problems due to comics 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	13 Mar 2019	Crowdfunding - Diversifying vs Duplicating	01:26:28
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 04:15 — Instagram tagging 08:18 — Crowdfunding - Diversifying vs Duplicating 18:31 — Waiting for success 29:25 — Managing multiple projects 45:56 — Copyrighting digital rewards 1:00:36 — Interview with Rob Salkowitz on the changing comics industry 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast * $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	26 May 2022	Haunted by Impostor Syndrome	00:59:01
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett talk about what to do when you just can't avoid Impostor Syndrome. ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Impostor Syndrome Support-based Patreon vs Exclusive-reward Patreon UPDATE: Brandon Sanderson's $41m Kickstarter Where to get feedback on your comics Zoop Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	03 Jan 2018	Resolutions for 2018	00:57:44
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._ To start the year off right, episode one focuses on Cartooning Resolutions for 2018! 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! And if you like what you hear, kick in a dollar to help make more 'n better shows! https://www.patreon.com/comiclab 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	28 Mar 2024	How to find the perfect pen name	01:06:05
It's our most useful, actionable, practical show yet! Stufffed with handy tips and constructive advice for cartoonists and comic creators! ON TODAY'S SHOW Pen names UPDATE: Dave's Kickstarter at picklesbook.com UPDATE: Patreon Welcome surveys Honorifics, acronyms, and abbreviations in word balloons. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	03 Aug 2023	Pulling at Threads	01:06:18
Today's show is sponsored by DriveThruComics.com! It's the first download comic shop — and we think it's the best! Social media giant Meta launched Threads and acquired over 40,000 users within the first 24 hours. Will this be the death knell for Twitter? And if it is, will that be good news for comic creators? ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW... Threads Free Trials on Patreon TweetDeck is going to become subscription-only ComicLab LIVE at NCS Reuben Awards Weekend: Sept. 8, 11 a.m. Special guest Sarah Andersen (Sarah's Scribbles) DriveThruComics Check out the redesigned DriveThruComics here! Their team is looking for feedback as they work on the new layout and features, so pass along your thoughts using this Google Form. If you're interested in setting up a publisher account, here's some helpful information. They also have guides for creating and publishing digital and print-on-demand books! 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. Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	30 Jan 2025	How to start a webcomic in 2025	01:16:12
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. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive**.
	20 Aug 2020	Finding other cartoonists in your region	01:09:25
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the incredible Wacom One! Brad and Dave talk about ways to find other cartoonists and comics creators in your local area. Questions asked and topics covered... Internal narration 'Return to Oz' cartoonists Finding one's local community What is the Message you're sending to your readers through your comic? Side stories make good Patreon exclusives deliberate practice blue mechanical pencil leads 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 $10 — Record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	15 Aug 2019	A typical day in the studio	01:05:13
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 strip is comparatively easy, but how does one promote a continuous-narrative comic? BUT FIRST — When Dave pitches an idea to Brad, he can immediately tell Brad hates it. Show Notes Constantly improving your drawing style Dave and Brad recall why they moved to a Wacom tablet What does a typical day at the studio look like? How do you deconstruct a comic to learn from it? Do you ever wish you could go back in time and fix certain things about your comic? What's the best way to promote a continuous, narrative comic like Dave Kellett's Drive? 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 $10 — record an audio question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast $50 — Sponsor the show! We’ll read a brief promo for your comic/product and read it twice during the show AND you get the exclusive ProTips podcast Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	21 Apr 2022	Livestreaming	01:01:43
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the pros and cons of livestreaming your comics-creating process. Questions asked and topics covered... Livestreaming Giving advice to someone doing negative social media Should you use your own personal email address on newsletters? Visual humor / non sequiturs vs punchlines Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	18 Jul 2024	When to throw in the towel	00:59:43
Have you ever wanted to just quit? When all seems lost... when you're all out of hope... when you're about to give up, just remember... it can always get worse. Dave and Brad talk about surviving those dark nights of the soul and finding a little light. ON TODAY'S SHOW When to throw in the towel UPDATE: Get your exclusive ComicLab pin at Comic-Con International, Booth #1228 SUMMARY In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss moments in their careers when they felt frustrated and wanted to give up. They share their experiences of comparing themselves to other cartoonists and feeling jealous of their success. They also talk about the importance of defining success on their own terms and finding satisfaction in their own work. They highlight the value of perseverance and the ability to adapt and try new things when faced with challenges. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss their experiences of wanting to throw in the towel as cartoonists. They talk about their challenges with ad revenue and ad blockers, and the fear of failure and returning to a day job. They share how they found new paths and opportunities by writing books, teaching, and exploring different formats. They emphasize the importance of persistence and the willingness to consider new directions. They also discuss the need to redefine success and find fulfillment in the process of creating, rather than relying on external validation or awards. TAKEAWAYS Comparing yourself to others can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. It's important to define success on your own terms and focus on your own growth and progress. Perseverance is key in overcoming challenges and setbacks in your career. Keep working and improving, and success will come in its own time. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different creative avenues. Starting a new project or taking a different approach can reignite your passion and lead to new opportunities. Find satisfaction in the process and the journey of being a cartoonist. Enjoy the work you create and the progress you make rather than solely focusing on external validation or recognition. Remember that success looks different for everyone. Don't compare your journey to others, and celebrate your own achievements and milestones along the way. Facing challenges and wanting to quit is a common experience for cartoonists. Ad revenue and ad blockers can significantly impact a cartoonist's income. Fear of failure and the need to go back to a day job can be demoralizing. Exploring new paths and opportunities can lead to unexpected success. Persistence and a willingness to consider new directions are key to overcoming challenges. Redefining success and finding fulfillment in the creative process is important. External validation and awards are not the only measures of success. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	12 Aug 2021	Exhibiting at your first comic con	01:29:34
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, we're devoting a special hour-and-a-half episode to advice for exhibiting at comic conventions! Questions asked and topics covered... Exhibiting at your first comic con Hidden costs you need to be aware of Why Dave does comic conventions What Dave won't do at shows Hot Nerd Summer — how to safely do comic cons Four strategies if you're going to exhibit Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	18 Nov 2021	Writing Character Motivations: Wants vs Needs	00:59:20
Editor’s Note: The documentary “15 Minutes of Shame” is found on HBOMax — not Netflix. Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, we discuss writing character motivations. What's the difference between Want and Need? Questions asked and topics covered... Writing: Want vs Need Dealing with a Guilt-Tripper Netflix documentary, "15 Minutes of Shame" At what point can you enjoy completing a project?! What would you study? Who is Ken Muse? Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.
	11 Nov 2021	Is Netflix the goal?	01:09:24
Today's show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the powerful, professional, portable Wacom One! This week, we wonder whether getting an animated series on a streaming service is the new brass ring for cartoonists. Questions asked and topics covered... Is Netflix the goal? USPS... it's getting worse Facebook and Instagram Schulz Museum is NOV 2022, not this Nov 22nd Finding a romantic parter non-comics stuff that drives your passion For more information about preparing your comic for an animated pitch, listen to ComicLab #132 Today is a great time to bump up your ComicLab membership to the $10 tier! Patreon backers at that level will get exclusive access to livestream recording sessions — as well as an archive of previous livestreams! 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. $10 — Gain access to the ComicLab livestreamed recording sessions (including an archive of past livestreams), plus $5-tier rewards Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. Listen to ComicLab on... Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Pandora Stitcher ComicLab is hosted on Simplecast, helping podcasters since 2013. with industry-leading publishing, distribution, and sharing tools. 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 creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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