Comic Lab

Webcomics wizards Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are talkin’ shop! Some fan mail revives the topic of the “punch word” in writing humor. THEN, Brad has some bad news for you. You’re not talented. And, actually, that’s good news. NEXT, a listener asks what we listen to while we work. AND FINALLY, Dave and Brad talk about the people who most inspire their work today (as opposed to childhood heroes). BUT FIRST… Dave gets called for jury duty on the same week as Comic Con International, and he had to scramble to get out of it. Show notes 00:00 — Jury duty during Comic Con 03:30 — The SyFy cafe — Imagine Greater 07:26 — Fan mail! 08:14 — Collaboration follow-up — “Working with an editor improved my humor writing” 11:47 — The concept of the “punch word” 13:43 — Savannah College of Art and Design 16:31 — We want to be invited to a Tokyo comic con 22:06 — Video ComicLab — let’s make it happen 22:57 — You’re not talented… and that’s good news 32:53 — What do you listen to while you’re drawing? 41:36 — Five-Year-Plan Ch

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 ke

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

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:

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!

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

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-

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.

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

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

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 — sup

  Today on ComicLab, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take a full one-eighty on Bonjoro. After trashing it last episode, they're ready to sing its praises as a game-changer in crowdfunding and web publishing. Find out what caused this massive reconsideration. THEN the guys take an audio question from a Patreon backer who wants to know how to address concerns from readers who find a story hard to follow. And FINALLY, another backer asks how much effort should be put into making sure your idea hasn't been done before. BUT FIRST... Whether it's Flash vs Reverse Flash or Green Lantern vs Sinestro, why do supervillains always have to be the exact opposite of their corresponding superheroes? Is it hack writing or is there something deeper going on? Show Notes 00:00 — Perfectly matched hero/villain pairs — hack writing or philosophical poetry? 08:36 — Backerkit 16:37 — Bonjoro — a game-changers for your crowdfunding and web publishing strategy 42:11 — Audio Question: How do you address concerns from a reader about your

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar are thrilled to welcome Erika Moen, creator of OhJoySexToy. They talk about her currently running Kickstarter to launch a collection of sex-education cartoons. She has a decidedly different approach to the "soft launch" for Patreon backers discussed on an earlier ComicLab podcast — and her strategy is worth strong consideration.   Then, the gang tackles some great topics like the uncomfortable relationship we artists have with photo reference. Why is there a stigma around using it? And what's the best way to use it? Then Brad and Dave marvel over Erika's participation in Helioscope studios. She assures the two crusty hermits that working in an office full of other cartoonists can actually be a positive experience.   Finally, they grapple with the complexities of character design, and discuss the importance of diversity and inclusiveness in building a comic.   BUT FIRST... Dave and Brad catch the Bonjoro bug. It's either an incredibly powerful tool for cultivating Patreon

We recorded Drunk ComicLab Saturday, and boy are our livers tired. Brad and Dave talk about the fun they had recording this upcoming Patreon-exclusive show — and the horrors they faced the morning after.Then a listener asks: "How to you stay motivated to comics year after year?" The guys go on to discuss the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (May 12-13), handling an underperforming Patreon tier, working on a new comic at the same time you're working on an existing one, and the mixed blessing that a cartoonist's flexible schedule can sometimes be. Show Notes: 00:10 — Drunk ComicLab: Look Back in Horror 10:29 — How to you stay motivated to do comics? 19:47 — The Toronto Comics Arts Festival ‚ is it a good show? 24:02 — What to do with an underperforming Patreon tier 33:52 — How to explore an idea for a new comic while maintaining your current comic 49:49 — A cartoonist's schedule is flexible — and that can be a mixed blessing. Great rewards when you support ComicLab $2 — Support the show and get early acc

The Eisner Award nominations were announced, and there's a lot to talk about! Then it's on to questions from our Patreon backers. In a social-media landscape that favors branding the creators themselves over their creations, it it OK to have a pen name? And what's the best approach to warm-up sketches? BUT FIRST... Brad hit a monster pothole on a winding Philadelphia thoroughfare, rupturing the tire, forcing him to pull over on a road with no shoulder and wait for AAA Roadside Assistance for over an hour as cars swerved around the curve, narrowly missing collision after collision. And it was his in-laws' car. Show notes 0:00 — Brad hits a pothole in his in-laws' car 10:56 — There are now 5½ hours of ProTips! 13:02 — Dave's recording in his closet. And getting no respect. 13:51 — mini-review — the Orbi mesh wifi system  15:13 — Drunk ComicLab is coming! 17:35 — Brad does a podcast and gets interrupted repeatedly. 18:47 — Eisner Award nominations 33:33 — The Hugo Awards 35:41 — Warm-up sketches 38:00 — Doing p

Dave and Brad field some tough questions about the best ways to handle negative comments and clingy fans. They also discuss using Instagram stories for comics promotion and strategies for writing longform comics But first, following up on last week's fascination with the "B.C." comic strip, Brad tells Dave about how the Flintstones used to do in-show smoking commercials. Show notes 3:24 — "The Flintstones" did smoking commercials 6:19 — Brad gets a bicycle, and that touches off some memories 13:39 — Audio Question: What about Instagram Stories for promoting comics? 22:15 — Building a webcomics career is a little like building "drip sandcastles." 26:47 — Handling negative comments 41:37 — Strategies for writing longform comics 45:42— Writing yourself into a corner. On purpose. 56:47 — How to deal with clingy fans 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

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar answer a wide variety of questions submitted by Patreon backers, such as: Are gag comics sustainable on the Web? We'll ask Dave, who has been doing a gag comic for 20 years. Also... How can I use hashtags more effectively? How many updates do I need to build a readership? How can I keep up my energy at conventions? And... Doctor, does this Winkerbean look Funky to you? But first, Dave has moved into his new house, and his high-speed internet connection... isn't. Show notes 8:00 — Are gag comics sustainable on the Web? 26:11 — Using hashtags more effectively 39:14 — What is the minimum update schedule required to build an audience 52:05 —Keeping up your energy at comic conventions 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 y

Brad and Dave tackle listener questions! First, a high-school art teacher asks why they can't seem to finish a project once it's started. And then, the guys list some Dos and Don'ts for people who are planning to launch their first Patreon campaign.  BUT FIRST... When Brad makes a post on Facebook, and the responses drive him up the wall, Dave realizes that he's dealing with a split personality.   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.  

Dave and Brad welcome Ryan North, two-time Eisner Award winner, creator of Dinosaur Comics and writer for Marvel Comics' Squirrel Girl. We discuss his upcoming book, How to Invent Everything and his successful Shakespearean choose-your-own-adventure To Be or Not To Be. Along the way, we go deep on several topics involving writing — getting ideas, subconscious plagiarism, self-plagiarism, rejecting unoriginal ideas, creativity as a compulsion, juggling multiple projects, exorcising ideas, and much much more.   BUT FIRST — Brad explains how zinc is more precious than gold for your good health.   Show notes 9:13 — How did Ryan first get into writing for comics? 12:37 — Rejecting an idea if it's not completely original 16:30 — Creativity as a compulsion 18:08 — Getting the idea for "To Be or Not To Be" 19:10— Capturing ideas 24:14 — Writing Squirrel Girl fro Marvel Comics 30:06 — The "minced oath" 31:51 — Avoiding subconscious plagiarism 38:34 — Juggling multiple projects and how to decide wh

We're joined by webcomics OG Danielle Corsetto. She shares her unique perspective on Patreon, and she has some advice for last week's question about choosing the best comic convention — TCAF! Her strategy to implement Kickstarter in the process is one you'll want to hear. Plus, Dave Kellett asks if he should delete his Facebook account. And, finally both Danielle and Brad Guigar discuss ending a long-running webcomic. BUT FIRST... Dave and his wife book a hotel room for an anniversary celebration, and when the front desk sends up complimentary wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries, it gives him an idea — one that involves his ComicLab co-host! 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