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The life of a comic artist is often a solitary one. Brad and Dave discuss ways of maintaining social connections for mental health and creativity. Later, they discuss the dangers of setting an artificially low Kickstarter goal.

ON TODAY'S SHOW

• The lone life of a comic artist
• UPDATE: Susan MacTaggart's affirmations
• http://www.Dreamhost.com/comiclab for special offers on web hosting for listeners
• An artist is reminded of the importance of art
• Setting an artificially low Kickstarter goal

SUMMARY

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the themes of socialization and loneliness in the life of cartoonists. They share humorous anecdotes from a recent trip to San Diego Comic Con, discuss the challenges of working alone, and emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections for mental health and creativity. The conversation also touches on practical tips for finding community, engaging with other cartoonists, and the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone to meet new people. In this episode, the hosts explore the importance of socialization for cartoonists and the healing power of art. They discuss how creative spaces can foster social interaction and the necessity of getting out of the studio.

The conversation shifts to the emotional impact of art, particularly in times of personal grief, highlighting how art can provide escapism and comfort. The hosts reflect on their own experiences with art as a source of healing and the responsibility of artists to connect with their audience. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the significance of the arts in education and the joy of discovering new authors like John Scalzi.

The show ends with discussing practical strategies for running successful Kickstarter campaigns. They emphasize the importance of understanding costs, setting realistic goals, and the potential risks of lowering funding targets. The hosts also explore the concept of urgency in crowdfunding and how to engage backers effectively, including leveraging early releases and creating special offers for supporters.

TAKEAWAYS

• Cartoonists often face loneliness in their profession.
• Finding a balance between solitude and socialization is crucial.
• Social interactions can enhance creativity and humor.
• Engaging with other cartoonists can provide support and inspiration.
• Joining groups like the National Cartoonist Society can foster connections.
• Participating in local meetups can improve mental health.
• Volunteering can introduce you to diverse perspectives.
• Maintaining friendships is essential for personal growth.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to new opportunities. Cartoonists can benefit from socializing in creative spaces.
• Art serves as a vital escape during tough times.
• Engaging with the community can enhance creativity.
• Walking a dog can lead to unexpected social interactions.
• Art can be a source of emotional healing.
• Creativity can be a daily practice, like brewing coffee.
• Comics can have a profound impact on readers' lives.
• Doom scrolling can be countered with engaging literature.
• Art can help maintain mental health and balance.
• Every artist contributes to the larger narrative of humanity. The arts are often undervalued in education.
• Discovering new authors can enhance escapism.
• Kickstarter strategies can significantly impact success.
• Setting realistic funding goals is crucial.
• Understanding costs is essential for Kickstarter campaigns.
• Lowering goals can be risky and detrimental.
• Project We Love may not significantly boost funding.
• Engaging backers early can create a sense of urgency.
• Special offers can incentivize early support.
• Learning from failed campaigns is part of the process.

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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.