Comic Lab

When comic creators try to market their comics, they often confuse what their comic is about with who it's for. Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar offer some guidance on making compelling promotions that work. In the show's second half, the boys have a devil of a time talking about angel investing.

Summary

In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore how comic creators can broaden their audience beyond niche markets, emphasizing the significance of themes and relationships in storytelling. The conversation highlights the need for creators to identify their comic's appeal and engage with a broader audience.

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of angel investing, particularly in the context of cartoonists and creative industries. They discuss the nature of angel investing, the challenges cartoonists face in securing funding, and the potential roles that angel investors could play in their careers. The conversation also delves into alternative funding models like Kickstarter and Patreon and the importance of marketing versus production in growing a creative business. Ultimately, the hosts reflect on their experiences and the realities of managing growth in the comic industry. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of comic creation, discussing the balance between marketing and content production, the impact of hiring assistants, and the challenges of delegating creative tasks. They explore the dynamics of collaboration in writing and the potential growth opportunities for their podcast, ComicLab, while acknowledging the realities of success and the risks involved in expanding their creative endeavors.

Takeaways

• Community engagement is crucial for comic creators.
• Your comic's audience can extend beyond niche interests.
• Identifying themes in your work can broaden its appeal.
• Marketing should focus on storytelling rather than just genre.
• Romance writers effectively use tropes to engage readers.
• Understanding relationships in your comic can enhance its depth.
• Creators should not limit themselves to specific reader demographics.
• Exploring broader human experiences can attract diverse audiences.
• Angel investing is often misunderstood as purely altruistic.
• Investors expect a return on their investment, which can complicate creative endeavors.
• Cartoonists may not have apparent uses for large sums of angel investment.
• Kickstarter and Patreon serve as modern alternatives to traditional angel investing.
• Hiring an assistant or marketing professional could be beneficial for growth.
• Understanding the costs of production is crucial for cartoonists.
• Marketing is essential for expanding reach and attracting new readers.
• Creative professionals often feel limited by their audience size.
• The animation industry presents unique challenges for cartoonists.
• Growth strategies should be tailored to individual business models. Marketing and content creation are interdependent.
• Hiring an assistant can significantly enhance productivity.
• The host is often the bottleneck in creative processes.
• Delegating inking is challenging due to personal attachment.
• A writer's room could invigorate the creative process.
• Growth opportunities exist but come with risks.
• More resources can lead to more problems.
• Collaboration can lead to better creative outcomes.
• The podcast could evolve with additional funding.
• Realistic expectations are crucial for 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.

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

When a listener asks about Kickstarter strategy, the ComicLab guys are divided! Dave favors the traditional webcomics approach. Build your audience by posting the comic online, then monetize that engagement with a Kickstarter. Brad likes this, but he could also see using Kickstarter's strengths in Discovery to build the audience through a series of smaller campaigns that lead to a big one.

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various aspects of creating and promoting comics, including the importance of audience engagement, the role of webcomics, and practical strategies for using platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter. They discuss the significance of consistent content release versus binge releases, emphasizing the emotional connection built through regular engagement with readers. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and humorous references, making it both informative and entertaining for aspiring comic creators.

In the second half of the show, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss various topics related to comic creation, including the joys of attending the Alaska Comics Camp, the potential of drawing Q&A sessions for Patreon, the nuances of live streaming for community versus audience building, and strategies for overcoming comic paralysis. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, the legal considerations of using names in drawings, and the creative processes involved in writing and drawing comics.

Takeaways

• The concept of reality can sometimes feel simulated.
• Building an audience takes time and consistent effort.
• Sharing work for free can help monetize later through crowdfunding.
• Webcomics has a proven track record for audience engagement.
• Regular content release fosters deeper emotional connections with readers.
• Patreon should focus on ongoing support rather than one-time rewards.
• Binge reading can be appealing, but regular updates build stronger relationships.
• Marketing archived work is essential for ongoing engagement.
• Kickstarter can be used effectively for audience building.
• The emotional bond with readers is strengthened through consistent storytelling.
• Alaska Comics Camp is a unique experience for cartoonists.
• Drawing Q&As can enhance community engagement on Patreon.
• Avoid using patrons' names in drawings to prevent legal issues.
• Live streaming can serve both community and audience-building purposes.
• Comic paralysis may stem from a disconnect between writing and drawing.
• Consider introducing time between writing and drawing to refresh creativity.
• Not all drawn content is suitable for reuse in books.
• You might be a writer who illustrates rather than a cartoonist.
• Train your brain to associate writing with drawing to overcome paralysis.
• It's okay to explore other creative avenues if comics don't fit.

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.

After years of listening to Brad and Dave extoll the virtues of self-publishing, a ComicLab listener signed with a corporate publisher. Poor sales and paltry marketing left them dissatisfied, so of course, they wrote in with one burning question: Who should I sign with next? Also, should you ever explain a joke?

Topics

• The first publisher was a disappointment... and we want to try it again
• illustrated novels
• UPDATE: The USPTO has canceled Marvel and DC‘s trademark filing for superhero 
• Should you EXPLAIN A JOKE when someone says, “I don’t get it?"

Summary

In this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the intricacies of publishing comics, publishers' expectations, and the benefits of self-publishing. They delve into the importance of audience engagement, the challenges of explaining jokes, and the recent trademark changes in the comic industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for creators to focus on their craft and the passion behind their work rather than getting bogged down by negative feedback or industry norms.

Takeaways

• Publishers may not fulfill their promotional responsibilities.
• Self-publishing can be more beneficial than traditional publishing.
• Building a passionate audience is more important than sheer numbers.
• Explaining a joke often diminishes its impact.
• Every audience member has a different understanding of humor.
• The quality of your work is paramount to its success.
• Don't let negative feedback derail your confidence as a creator.
• Trademark laws can significantly impact the comic industry.
• Engagement with your audience is crucial for success.
• Creativity thrives when you focus on your passion.

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.

BlueSky is beginning to feel like Twitter did ten years ago! Engagement is up, conversations are happening, and follower counts are rising — with actual people! Is it too good to be true? Also, encouraging your readers to take a hand in writing your comic may be good community building... but is it good writing?

On today's show

• UPDATE: Is BlueSky IT?
•  Collaborative storytelling — letting your readers become writers
•  Is word-of-mouth better than social media?
• Patreon or Substack?
• Business advice

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the emerging social media platform Blue Sky, sharing their experiences and predictions about its potential growth. Next, they tackle the topic of reader input in storytelling, debating its merits and drawbacks in the creative process.

In the second half, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the effectiveness of social media versus personal outreach for comic creators, emphasizing the scalability of social media. They explore the historical context of the printing press as a metaphor for reaching larger audiences today through digital platforms. The conversation shifts to comparing Patreon and Substack for monetization, with a consensus that Patreon currently offers more reliable performance. Finally, they provide insights on starting a business as a comic creator, highlighting the importance of understanding legal structures and the practicality of beginning as a sole proprietor.

Takeaways

• Blue Sky is gaining traction as a new social media platform.
• Engagement metrics on Blue Sky are outperforming Twitter for some users.
• Reader input can enhance storytelling but may dilute the author's voice.
• Ownership of creative work is crucial for artists and writers.
• Too many opinions can lead to bland storytelling.
• Listening to the audience is essential, but the creator's vision should prevail.
• Social media should be used to foster genuine connections.
• Predictions about social media trends can be bold and insightful.
• Social media can reach a larger audience than personal outreach.
• Personal outreach has scalability limits that can hinder growth.
• The printing press analogy illustrates the importance of scalability in reaching audiences.
• Patreon is currently more effective for monetization than Substack.
• Substack has potential but lacks Patreon's established user base.
• Creating comics is the core of a creator's work, not just social media content.
• A business plan is only necessary if seeking a loan for a business.
• Starting as a sole proprietor is a practical approach for new creators.
• Legal structures can be complex; consult an accountant for advice.
• Don't overcomplicate your monetization strategy with too many platforms.

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.

Cartoonists Dave and Brad share some thoughts with a young humor writer trying to find their Funny. Also: Is BlueSky pulling ahead in the social-media race?

Today's show:

• Writing jokes faster
• UPDATE: Patreon opens recommendations for NSFW creators
• UPDATE: TikTok court case moves forward
• Putting social media into perspective
• Making drawing fun again

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the challenges of writing comedy and the importance of developing a personal editorial eye. They emphasize the need for creators to trust their instincts and navigate feedback from others while recognizing the natural evolution of creativity over time.

They share updates on Patreon and TikTok, the latter facing ongoing legal challenges.

In the show's second half, the hosts discuss the challenges of engaging with social media as a creative professional, emphasizing the emotional toll it can take. They share strategies for managing social media presence, including minimizing platforms and focusing on genuine interactions.

The conversation shifts to finding joy in the creative process, advocating for breaks to prevent burnout, and maintaining a passion for art.

Takeaways

• The interaction between humans and robots is becoming more complex.
• Creativity often slows down as one's skills improve.
• Feedback from friends and family can be both helpful and limiting.
• Developing a personal sense of humor is crucial for writers.
• The honeymoon phase of creativity eventually gives way to routine work.
• Trusting your editorial eye is essential for growth.
• External opinions can hinder creative expression.
• A good editor should help refine ideas, not just judge them.
• The future of social media is uncertain, especially for platforms like TikTok.
• Understanding the creative process is critical to long-term success.
• Social media can feel like a chore for many creators.
• It's essential to focus on platforms that work for you.
• Genuine interactions can be more impactful than crafted posts.
• Taking breaks can help rejuvenate creativity.
• The emotional load of social media can be heavy.
• Blue Sky is emerging as a favorable platform for engagement.
• Minimizing social media presence can reduce stress.
• Creativity should be fun, not just a job.
• Finding joy in art is essential for sustainability.
• Momentum in creative work can be rebuilt after a break.

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.

Having wrapped up his 16th Kickstarter, cartoonist Dave Kellett shares some insights about setting realistic expectations, avoiding paid advertising, and the death of social media. Also: recent innovations by both Kickstarter and Patreon show considerable promise for the crowdfunding platforms.

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the emotional rollercoaster of running a Kickstarter campaign, and the ineffectiveness of online advertising. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss their experiences with different social media platforms and the effectiveness of their efforts to promote their work. They emphasize the importance of building a community and engaging with fans rather than relying on paid advertising. They also share their insights on the performance of different platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Patreon, and how they have adjusted their marketing strategies accordingly. Additionally, they discuss the new features introduced by Patreon, including Autopilot, which allows creators to offer targeted discounts to free members to encourage them to upgrade to paid memberships. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss new features and updates on Patreon, including moving free members to paid memberships, related posts, paid posts and collections, discounts on merchandise, and gift memberships. They also emphasize the importance of competition and innovation in the creator space.

 On today's show

• UPDATE: Although it was his 2nd highest out of 16, this recent Kickstarter had Dave facing unforeseen amounts of depression and stress due to his unrealistic expectations. of all time.
•  UPDATE: We've always said advertising is useless, and Dave proved it's (still) accurate
•  UPDATE: This recent Kickstarter showed Dave it’s time to get off Twitter and Threads.
• Kickstarter late pledges have finally been addressed with a new feature upgrade.
• New Patreon features show some much-needed innovation

Takeaways

• Managing expectations is essential when running a Kickstarter campaign to avoid unnecessary anxiety and disappointment.
• Comparing oneself to others can steal joy and lead to negative emotions.
• Online advertising may not always yield the desired results and can waste money. Building a community and engaging with fans is more effective than paid advertising on social media platforms.
• Different platforms have varying levels of effectiveness in promoting and monetizing creative work.
• Creators should focus on platforms that perform well for them and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.
• Patreon has introduced new features, such as Autopilot, which allows creators to offer targeted discounts to free members to encourage them to upgrade to paid memberships. Patreon now allows creators to move free members to paid memberships, increasing the potential for revenue growth.
• The new related posts feature on Patreon helps creators engage their audience and promote content from their archives.
• Paid posts and collections on Patreon allow creators to monetize their content and offer exclusive access to their audience.
• Patreon's discounts on merchandise and upcoming gift memberships further enhance the platform's offerings for creators and supporters.
• Competition in the creator space drives innovation and encourages platforms like Patreon to improve and introduce new features continuously.

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.

Attending this year's National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards has changed Dave's bucket list. He wants one of those danged trophies! (And so does Brad.) Also, after Dave looks at the analytics from his recent Kickstarter, he decides to leave Twitter and Instagram once and for all.

On Today's Show

• UPDATE: ComicLab stingers
• Dave's new Bucket List
• UPDATE: Dave's Kickstarter convinces him to leave both Twitter and Instagram
• UPDATE: Patreon's Autopilot
• Too many different comics?
• Pen name for a teacher?
•  Taking a break to build up your buffer
• Made with Human Intelligence icons
• Artificial Intelligence

Summary

In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss their bucket list goals for their comics careers and the importance of leaving a legacy. Dave reveals his desire to win the Reuben Award and an Eisner, sell a book with high sales, and be invited to Angoulême or Japan as a guest. They also discuss the effectiveness of social media platforms for promoting their work. In the next half hour of the conversation, the hosts discuss Patreon's new Autopilot feature, which sends discounts to selected free members who seem likely to upgrade. They also talk about the importance of picking a lane and building a brand as a cartoonist and the benefits of using a pen name when transitioning to a new career. The hosts advise against switching between different comic genres and styles, as it can make it challenging to build an audience. They also recommend removing old comics that didn't gain traction and focusing on creating high-quality, well-branded work. The conversation explores using AI in creative work and the implications of labeling work as 'not made with AI.' The hosts discuss using pen names and the creative freedom it allows. They also touch on the challenges of typography on curved surfaces and the potential hypocrisy of artists when it comes to AI. They discuss AI's short-term and long-term impact on the creative industry.

Takeaways

• Technical difficulties can be frustrating, but finding solutions and recording is essential.
• Having goals and aspirations in your comics career, such as winning awards or achieving high book sales, can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
• Creators often desire to leave a legacy, which can be achieved through awards, book sales, and recognition from peers.
• Different social media platforms have varying levels of effectiveness for promoting comics, and it's crucial to find the ones that work best for you.
• Sharing your goals and aspirations with others can help hold you accountable and provide support and encouragement.
• Patreon's Autopilot feature sends discounts to free members who are likely to upgrade, improving the free-to-paid membership upgrade rate.
• Picking a lane and building a brand is vital for cartoonists to attract and retain an audience.
• Using a pen name can be beneficial when transitioning to a new career, such as becoming a public school teacher.
• Switching between different comic genres and styles can make it challenging to build an audience.
• Taking down old comics that didn't gain traction and focusing on creating high-quality, well-branded work can help build momentum and attract readers. Using a pen name can provide creative freedom and allow exploring different themes and styles.
• Typography on curved surfaces can be challenging and requires advanced skills.
• Artists may have hypocritical views on AI, being against its use in certain areas but accepting it in others.
• The short-term impact of AI in the creative industry may involve a crash-and-burn scenario due to wasted VC money, but in the long term, AI is here to stay.
• The ethical sourcing of AI is an essential consideration for its acceptance in creative 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.

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

In the final installment of a three-part series on the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards celebration, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar sit down over a couple of tasty adult beverages and share stories and reflections on this year's event.

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.

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 Danesh Mohiuddin, Hilary B. Price, and Tauhid Bondia 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?

Danesh Mohiuddin

Danesh Mohiuddin is a Canadian Cartoonist from India. He grew up in Dubai on a regular dose of MAD Magazine and European comics. He now lives in Toronto and illustrates and writes children’s books and graphic novels. His latest is Princess Pru and the Ogre and the Hill. Clients include Scholastic, Oxford University Press, Owl Kids, and Kids Can Press. He’s also a history buff and loves traveling.

Hilary B. Price

Hilary Price is a cartoonist, storyteller, and speaker. Her comic strip Rhymes with Orange appears in newspapers internationally. The National Cartoonists Society has awarded her the Best Newspaper Panel Cartoon award four times, and she was just named Cartoonist of the Year in August 2024.

Hilary graduated from Stanford University and, at the age of 25, became the youngest-ever female syndicated newspaper cartoonist. Aside from this year's Reuben Award, other shiny trophies include an Inkpot Award for Career Achievement from the San Diego Comic-Con International and the Elzie Segar Award from the National Cartoonists Society for making a unique and outstanding contribution to the profession of cartooning. Hilary teaches at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont and shares stories on NPR's The Moth.

Tauhid Bondia

Tauhid Bondia is a cartoonist and illustrator from Kentucky. He has been creating comics online for 15 years, and loves drawing and telling stories as much as ever. Tauhid is the creator of the syndicated comic strip Crabgrass, which appears in about 800 newspapers across the US and Canada, as well as two books. The comic features themes of friendship and taps into a sense of childhood nostalgia that people of all ages seem to respond to. Tauhid's goal is to draw the strip for as long as he is physically able to, or as long as it continues to make people smile. Whichever comes first. He previously wrote and illustrated A Problem Like Jamal, a comic about a young brother named Jamal Marcus trying to navigate life and middle school in a modern era.

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.

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.

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