Brad and Dave discuss finding the right balance between visual and verbal. Dave asks if too much worldbuilding is an excuse to avoid actually writing the story. And a listener asks if it's a good idea to approach your Patreon as a customer-service job.

Today's show

• Verbal vs. Visual
• UPDATE: DogKickstarter.com
• UPDATE: The Wrong Way Show draws Shrek
• Worldbuilding vs. actual writing
• Is Patreon like a customer service job?

Summary

In this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into a discussion about the art of storytelling in comics, focusing on the balance between visual and verbal elements. The hosts explore how to effectively convey humor and plot points, emphasizing the importance of skill development in the medium of comics. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the intricacies of comic creation, emphasizing the importance of self-critique, the challenges of world-building versus storytelling, and the value of short stories in honing writing skills. They also discuss the excitement and strategies behind running a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting community engagement and personal anecdotes. In this conversation, Brad and Dave explore the intersection of customer service skills and creative work, particularly in the context of managing a Patreon. They discuss the importance of empathy, professionalism, and the balance between listening to customer feedback and maintaining creative integrity. Personal anecdotes from their early jobs provide insight into the skills that can be transferred to creative endeavors while emphasizing that the customer's perspective should not dictate creative decisions.

Takeaways

• Gardening can be a therapeutic hobby during tough times.
• Citrus grafting allows for the creation of unique fruit varieties.
• The balance between visual and verbal storytelling is crucial in comics.
• Some jokes are best conveyed visually, while others require words.
• Skill development is a continuous journey for comic creators.
• Reviewing past work helps identify growth and areas for improvement.
• Visual humor can create a more substantial impact than verbal humor in specific contexts.
• Understanding the audience's expectations is key to compelling storytelling.
• Experimentation is essential for growth in creative fields.
• Creating a compelling narrative often requires a mix of both visuals and text. Self-critique is essential for growth in comic creation.
• Bravery in execution can lead to improvement.
• World-building should not overshadow storytelling.
• Short stories are crucial for developing writing skills.
• Engaging with the community can enhance project visibility.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process in comics.
• Visual and verbal storytelling require different approaches.
• Kickstarter campaigns can be exhausting but rewarding.
• Feedback from peers is invaluable for improvement.
• The act of writing reveals the true nature of a story. Short stories allow for experimentation in world building.
• Customer service skills are valuable in managing Patreon campaigns.
• Empathy and professionalism are key in customer interactions.
• It's important to assume the best intentions from customers.
• Never listen to one reader; always consider the audience as a whole.
• The customer's always wrong when it comes to creative decisions.
• Feedback from patrons should inform, not dictate, creative choices.
• Maintaining creative integrity is essential for artists.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of customer service.
• Rhetoric plays a powerful role in communication and engagement.

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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.