We're heading into a year promising significant upheaval — in business, social media, publishing, and more. But, after twenty-five years of self-publishing, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar have learned an important lesson: Discomfort is crucial in growing as an artist — and as a businessperson.

Today's show

• Embrace discomfort
• Listifications on Bluesky —  https://bsky.app/profile/listifications.app

Summary

In this conversation, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the importance of discomfort in personal and artistic growth, emphasizing that taking risks is essential for creativity. The duo reflects on their experiences in the comic industry, discussing the challenges of adapting to change and the innovator's dilemma faced by established artists. They conclude with insights on the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving landscape. In this conversation, Dave and Brad discuss the challenges and opportunities of innovation in creative careers, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort and taking risks. They explore various strategies for creative growth, including collaboration and mentorship, and share insights on navigating social media dynamics, particularly with new platforms like Blue Sky. The discussion highlights the significance of being proactive in one's career and the emotional complexities of online interactions.

Takeaways

• Discomfort is essential for growth as artists and individuals.
• Creativity thrives in uncomfortable situations.
• It's important to embrace change and adapt in the comic industry.
• The innovator's dilemma can hinder progress in established fields.
• Continuous learning is crucial for long-term success.
• Taking risks can lead to new opportunities and growth.
• Complacency can be detrimental to artistic development.
• Understanding the market is key to adapting one's work.
• Creativity is a superpower that can be harnessed through discomfort. Innovation can be hindered by comfort in established success.
• Bill Holbrook exemplified foresight in adapting to new media.
• Taking risks in creative projects can lead to personal fulfillment.
• Exploring new art methods can rejuvenate creativity.
• Collaboration can enhance productivity and creativity.
• Embracing discomfort is essential for growth in any career.
• Social media dynamics require careful navigation to maintain presence.
• Understanding audience reactions on social media is crucial.
• Mentorship can provide fresh perspectives and energy.
• Planning for future projects can prevent stagnation in creativity.

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Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.