In a recent interview for the National Cartoonists Society, Greg Evans (the creator of the newspaper comic strip "Luanne") spoke about painting a single wall in his studio red. Mel Lazarus, creator of the syndicated strips "Momma" and "Miss Peach," told him that the color red was proven to increase creative thoughts. This resulted in one burning question for the cartoonists assembled to watch the interview: "DID IT WORK!?"

Today's Show

• Creativity
• Susan MacTaggart's Personal Affirmation
• Using copyrighted music lyrics in a comic

Summary

In this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss various topics related to creativity, including the significance of the color red in creative spaces and personal superstitions that influence their creative processes. They explore the humorous aspects of creativity and the shared experiences of cartoonists while also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the comic strip 'Luanne'. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the complexities of creativity, discussing the psychological effects of color, the challenges of maintaining a consistent creative output, and various strategies to overcome creative blocks.

In the second half, after Susan MacTaggart drops by to share a personal affirmation for a lucky ComicLab backer, they also touch on the importance of legal considerations in creative projects, particularly when referencing existing works. The dialogue is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for artists and creators alike. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into the intricacies of copyright, fair use, and the ethical considerations surrounding using creative works. They discuss the historical context of copyright, the importance of seeking permission to use others' intellectual property, and the complexities of navigating licensing agreements. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to respect the rights of their peers while also understanding the legal landscape that governs creative works.

Takeaways

• The song 'Piña Colada' has bizarre lyrics that reflect on relationships.
• The color red is believed to boost creativity, as shared by cartoonist Greg Evans.
• Creativity is often difficult to pin down and can be influenced by environment.
• Many artists have personal rituals or superstitions that help trigger creativity.
• Getting bored can lead to creative breakthroughs, as distractions are removed.
• Having a specific workspace can enhance focus and creativity.
• The importance of context in understanding creativity is emphasized.
• Superstitions can be seen as strategies for fostering creativity.
• The discussion highlights the shared experiences of cartoonists in their creative journeys.
• The episode humorously addresses the absurdity of certain creative beliefs. Creativity can be influenced by environmental factors like color.
• Consistency in creativity is a challenge for many artists.
• Finding personal strategies for creativity is essential.
• Boredom can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.
• Starting the creative process is often the hardest part.
• Engaging with interesting people can spark new ideas.
• Reading old work can help reconnect with your creative voice.
• Deadlines can reduce fear and encourage action in creativity.
• Legal considerations are crucial when referencing other artists' work.
• Your art has intrinsic value, regardless of external validation. Copyright gives artists control over their work.
• Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material.
• Seeking permission is crucial when using others' work.
• Ethical considerations are as important as legal ones.
• The complexities of copyright can be daunting for creators.
• Documentaries often fall under fair use but still require permissions.
• Artists may feel protective over their creations.
• Licensing agreements can be complicated and vary widely.
• Understanding copyright is essential for all creators.
• Navigating permissions can be a lengthy process.

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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.