Comic Lab

By Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett

The podcast about making comics — and making a living from comics! 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 cartooni... more

4.9

310310 ratings

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FAQs about Comic Lab:

How many episodes does Comic Lab have?

The podcast currently has 421 episodes available.

Comic Lab episodes:

August 02, 2018NSFW comics... any regrets?
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. 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.
...more
1h 9min
July 26, 2018How to negotiate a contract
Webcomics warriors Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talking about making comics. Several webcartoonists hosted on LINE Webtoons were nominated for ‘Ringo Awards. Is it the new hotbed of webcomics talent? THEN is there any value to being “syndicated” on GoComics? NEXT. what should you look for in a contract? And FINALLY, the guys talk about how to improve the writing of a journal/autobio comic.
BUT FIRST… Brad has been watching “House M.D.” and if that show can be “What if Sherlock Holmes was a doctor,” then he wants a new medical-mystery series — “Dr. Columbo.”
Show notes
00:00 — Brad’s idea for a new medical mystery drama — “Dr. Columbo”
06:22 — Sponsor: Skittercomic.com
09:07 — ‘Ringo Award nominees and LINE Webtoons
22:53 — Should you be “syndicated” on GoComics?
32:49 — How to negotiate a contract
51:37 — How to do a journal or autobiographical comic
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. 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.
...more
1h 17min
July 19, 2018Allowing your drawing style to mature
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. 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.
...more
1h 18min
July 12, 2018Comics lettering — The invisible art
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. 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.
...more
1h 8min
July 05, 2018Special guest Zach Weinersmith
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. 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.
...more
1h 10min
June 29, 2018How to get more Patreon pledges
Webcomic veterans Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar tackle another collection of questions about the care and feeding of cartoonists. FIRST, Danielle Corsetto's GWS collection leads to a discussion of "complete" collections and hardcover books in general. NEXT, Creation vs Learning — which is more important? THEN, it's the perennial question – How do I get more Patreon backers? FOURTH, should experienced webcartoonists be more open to offering critiques when asked? And FINALLY, Dave challenges Brad to write a 10-year plan!
BUT FIRST: Dave discusses a parent's cunnundrum — the perplexing economics of LEGOs!
Show notes
00:00 — The economics of LEGOs
06:25 — Brad is still dealing with phishing phallout
09:00 — Danielle Corsetto's GWS collection leads to a discussion of "complete" collections and hardcover books in general
15:26 — Creating vs Learning... which is more important?
24:27 — How to get more Patreon backers
37:33 — Should we offer critiques?
56:10 — Challenge: Create a 1-, 5- and/or 10-year plan
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. 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.
...more
1h 1min
June 21, 2018Unfulfilled goals (feat. Scott Kurtz)
Dave and Brad are thrilled to welcome our longtime friend and Webcomics Weekly co-host Scott Kurtz to the show. Ten years after collaborating on the How To Make Webcomics book (along with Kris Straub), we sit down and open up about the greatest goals we've yet to accomplish.
BUT FIRST... in true Webcomics Weekly fashion, we spend the first part of the show catching up for lost time.
Show notes
21:00 — Brad's unaccomplished goal
31:43 — Dave's unaccomplished goal
43:39 — Scott's unaccomplished goal
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. 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.
...more
53min
June 14, 2018Starting comics later in life
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. 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.
...more
1h 7min
June 07, 2018Special Guest Gloria Calderón Kellett on writing
This week on the show we're thrilled to welcome the creative powerhouse Gloria Calderón Kellett. Well-known for the critically acclaimed relaunch of "One Day At A Time," she is a show-runner, writer, actor and all-around force-to-be-reckoned-with. She talks with Dave and Brad about her writing process, finding new ideas, sitcom writing, writing as a collaboration, editing for humor, and much, much more. Gloria and Dave have been married for a number of years. (Which number is anybody's guess.) So this marks the first time that one of the ComicLab hosts exchanged smooches with one of the guests.
Sorry, Jake.
BUT FIRST... Speaking of humor writing, Brad's older son, Alex, has become fascinated with writing comedy. And that has resulting in a strange combination of pride and fear for dad.
Show notes
00:00 — Brad's son wants to be a writer
11:10 — Facing the blank page
16:46 — What's missing from webcomics? Craft services.
19:49 — Writing an episode for TV
21:19 — Accepting criticism
25:00 — Do Gloria and Dave ever collaborate on each other's projects?
27:27 — "Finding your muse" in an actor
34:24 — Writing as part of a team
44:20 — How to see a live taping of ODAT
45:23 — The sitcom writing format
55:55 — Editing for humor
01:02:09 — Writing in groups vs writing solitude
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. 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.
...more
1h 8min
May 30, 2018Cartooning advice for beginners, DRM-free PDF strategy, and storyline-driven comic strips
Great news! We have a DISCOUNT CODE for Bonjoro — exclusively for our $5+ Patreon backers! NEXT: Dave and Brad drill deep on the ubiquitous DRM-free PDF. We discuss what it is, why we use it, and how to best implement it. THEN: We grapple with one of the great mysteries of life — If we could time-travel back to talk to ourselves in our 20s, what advice would we give? FINALLY: If you're doing a comic strip that incorporates a storyline, you should be doing a longform comic instead.
BUT FIRST... As the rest of his family is waiting for him to come home to start a camping trip in the Poconos, Brad makes a mistake that has him sitting in his bank's branch office for several hours, sweating bullets.
Show notes
00:00 — Brad gets phished, but good.
19:05 — Bonjoro DISCOUNT CODE
23:40 — DRM-free PDFs
37:27 — What advice would you give to 20-year-old you?
50:55 — If you're doing a comic strip that incorporates a storyline, you should be doing a longform comic instead.
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. 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.
...more
1h 7min

FAQs about Comic Lab:

How many episodes does Comic Lab have?

The podcast currently has 421 episodes available.

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