Where's the line between an autobiographical comic and a semi-autobiographical one — between "based upon" and "inspired by"? And when does the whole thing veer directly into fiction?? Plus... Dave Kellett shares real numbers from his recent Kickstarter, and we arrive at a jaw-dropping conclusion: Bluesky is it.

The Webcomics Handbook will publish a visual breakdown of Dave's analytics on April 14th.

Today's show

• Where to draw the line on an autobio comic
• Malignant Procrastination
• Susan MacTaggart's Personal Affirmation
• Dave shares actual numbers from his Kickstarter
• The Wrong Way Show: Toy Story's Woody

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share insights on navigating autobiocomics, exploring the balance between fiction and fact in storytelling. The conversation highlights the significance of making personal stories compelling and meaningful for audiences. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the intricacies of storytelling in comics, mainly focusing on autobiographical narratives. They discuss the importance of engaging and meaningful stories, emphasizing that readers seek entertainment and context in narratives. The duo also addresses the common issue of procrastination among creators, urging them to take action and start their projects, regardless of the fear of failure. They highlight that creativity thrives on making choices and moving forward rather than getting bogged down in details.

After Susan MacTaggart drops by to share a personal affirmation for one of ComicLab's $10 backers, Dave Kellett discusses the success of Kellett's recent Kickstarter campaign for his book 'Anatomy of Dogs'. He and Brad explore the sources of backers, the impact of social media platforms like Blue Sky, and the importance of converting followers into actual supporters. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of Kickstarter as a platform for creators and the changing landscape of social media engagement. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the intricacies of running a successful Kickstarter campaign, the impact of social media on funding, and the importance of maintaining quality in production. They share insights on financials, the long-term benefits of Kickstarter projects, and how to build a sustainable career as an independent cartoonist. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful planning and the value of mental health in the creative process.

Takeaways

• Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
• Every interaction with fans can create memorable moments.
• Autobiocomics need to be engaging, not just factual.
• Never let the truth hinder a good story.
• Context and meaning are crucial in storytelling.
• It's essential to make personal stories relatable.
• Readers care more about the story than the facts.
• Becoming a writer means crafting meaningful narratives. Give yourself the leeway to make your story interesting.
• Readers care about the entertainment value of a story.
• Autobiographical comics often lack excitement and meaning.
• Injecting fiction can enhance storytelling.
• Stories should have a purpose for the reader's life.
• Procrastination can hinder creative aspirations.
• Start with small segments of your story to gain momentum.
• Character designs will evolve; start drawing.
• Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from creating.
• Every choice made in storytelling contributes to the overall narrative.
• This was my most successful Sheldon Kickstarter ever.
• I did not use Twitter at all.
• Blue Sky works for reaching backers.
• The second source was my Patreon for Drive.
• You need to be able to convert those readers into backers.
• Those numbers are fake numbers on social media.
• Kickstarter is a must-use for cartoonists.
• The highest percentage of backers came from Kickstarter sources.
• I was afraid to leave Twitter and Instagram.
• The impact of social media on crowdfunding is significant. The utility of Kickstarter must remain intact for success.
• Social media platforms can significantly impact funding outcomes.
• Quality production is crucial for maintaining a good reputation.
• Kickstarter profits can be amortized over several years.
• Building a mailing list from backers is essential for future campaigns.
• Mental health can improve by choosing the right social media platforms.
• Planning ahead for stretch goals is vital to avoid pitfalls.
• Every Kickstarter project contributes to a larger career strategy.
• Quality materials enhance customer loyalty and future sales.
• Understanding financials helps in making informed decisions.

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