Comic Lab

Latest Episodes:

Special Guest Co-Host Scott Kurtz — How to make a graphic novel Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Show note: Unfortunately, we had some daunting technical difficulties during this recording session, so we had to switch to Zoom to record half of the show.

As Dave Kellett recovers from a successful San Diego Comic-Con, Scott Kurtz steps in to help Brad talk about making a graphic novel. In the second half, the two spill some tea over early webcomic history.

THIS WEEK

How to make a graphic novel
Webcomic history

"Table Titans Club" is available at Target stores nationwide, along with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore!

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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.

How to use a sketchbook Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTE: Brad's microphone had some technical difficulties this week. Please excuse the momentary dip in sound quality. This week, we're talking about the right way to use a sketchbook. Also, is it a good idea to abandon social media completely and replace it with blogging?

SUMMARY

The hosts discuss the different ways they use sketchbooks and emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to use them. They encourage listeners to use sketchbooks in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them. They also caution against comparing one's own sketchbook to the highlight reels of other artists on social media. The hosts share their personal experiences with sketchbooks and offer insights into their own creative processes. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the role of sketchbooks in their creative process and the challenges of single-panel comics. In this episode, they also explore the idea of using personal blogs as an alternative or supplement to social media. While they acknowledge the decline in social media's utility, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a presence on multiple platforms to reach both existing and potential readers. They suggest forming cross-promotional networks and support groups to supplement social media efforts. Overall, they recommend a balanced approach that includes blogging, social media, and other strategies to engage and grow an audience.

TAKEAWAYS

There is no right or wrong way to use a sketchbook; use it in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to you.
Don't compare your sketchbook to the highlight reels of other artists on social media; everyone's sketchbook is filled with mistakes and experiments.
Sketchbooks can be used for writing, doodling, experimenting with dialogue, and working out story beats.
The quality of the paper or the type of binding doesn't matter; what matters is how you use the sketchbook.
Don't be afraid to tear out or discard pages in your sketchbook if you're not happy with them.
Your sketchbook should reflect your unique creative process and experimentation. Sketchbooks are valuable tools for brainstorming and generating ideas, especially for single-panel comics.
While social media's utility has declined, it is still important to maintain a presence on multiple platforms to reach both existing and potential readers.
Blogging can be a useful supplement to social media, but it should not replace it entirely.
Consider forming cross-promotional networks and support groups to expand your reach and engage with new readers.

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!

How to get better faster and faster better Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Sometimes, it seems as if the more your skills improve, the longer it takes to get something done! Shouldn't it be the other way around?! Also... what's the most polite way to tell a comic-con shopper to just stop reading and BUY the danged comic?

ON TODAY'S SHOW

How to get better faster and faster better
Sites with links to webcomics
Stop reading and BUY it!

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Brad and Dave discuss speeding up the sketching phase in comics. They also talk about the availability of websites that collect links to independent webcomics, and they suggest creating a collective or list of similar comics to promote each other's work. They also caution against relying solely on top webcomic lists or joining Webtoons or Tapas. In the next part of the conversation, the hosts discuss strategies for dealing with people who read comics at conventions without buying them. They share their own approaches, including offering a free sketch, providing a map to the booth, and letting a crowd build. They emphasize the importance of allowing people to take their time to fall in love with the comic and not pressuring them into making a purchase. They also highlight the psychological effect of having a crowd at the booth, which can attract more people. The hosts conclude by reminding listeners to focus on creating a positive and comfortable experience for potential readers.

TAKEAWAYS

Improving sketching speed takes time and practice, and it's natural for it to slow down as you become more skilled and focused on quality.
Consider the value of spending extra time on the sketching phase to produce higher-quality artwork.
Webrings are a 20-year-old concept and not the same as what the listener is looking for.
Top webcomic lists and joining webtoons or tapas may not be the most effective ways to promote independent webcomics.
Consider creating your own collective or list of similar comics to promote each other's work.
Maintaining your own list or ring allows you to have more control and ownership over your promotion efforts. At conventions, people should be allowed to take their time reading comics without being pressured to make a purchase.
Offer incentives like free sketches or maps to the booth to encourage potential buyers.
Letting a crowd build at the booth can attract more people and create a positive psychological effect.
Focus on creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for potential readers.

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!

How to get subscribers on Substack Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Dave and Brad share proven strategies for building your audience on Substack. Also: What are the best approaches for dummy lettering — lettering that's supposed to be unreadable?

TODAY'S SHOW

How to get new sign-ups on Substack
UPDATE: Get your exclusive ComicLab pin at Dave Kellett's booth (#1228) during Comic-Con International
UPDATE: The National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Awards will feature TWO live ComicLab shows
UPDATE: ComicLab's social-media videos
Dummy lettering

SUMMARY

The hosts discuss Substack and how to bring in new subscribers. They emphasize that the strategies for growth on Substack are similar to those used on other platforms, such as Mailchimp. They recommend using the embeddable sign-up widget and creating a compelling landing page with a "hero post." They also discuss the importance of pinning posts and keeping the sign-up form visible. Overall, they highlight the need for consistent sharing of high-quality work and engaging with the audience. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the use of pop-ups on websites and the importance of offering incentives to encourage sign-ups. They also emphasize the power of confidently promoting your work and using Substack Notes to engage with the community. Brad shares his strategies for maximizing content across different platforms and encourages planning and goal-setting. They also mention their upcoming appearances at San Diego Comic-Con and the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Awards Week. Finally, they explore the topic of creating unreadable but clear signs in comics and the use of fake alphabets. They provide tips on how to create believable alien or fantasy languages that reinforce the mood of the species or world.

TAKEAWAYS

Strategies for bringing in new subscribers on Substack are similar to those used on other platforms
Use the embeddable sign-up widget and create a compelling landing page with a hero post
Pin important posts on the landing page and keep the sign-up form visible
Consistently share high-quality work and engage with the audience. Consider the use of pop-ups on your website, but be mindful of the timing and presentation to avoid a bait-and-switch feeling.
Offer incentives, such as free e-comics, to encourage sign-ups and engage with your audience.
Confidently promote your work and communicate why it's good, using the language of Pride and Joy.
Utilize Substack Notes as a social media platform to share your posts and engage with the community.
Maximize your content by repurposing it across different platforms and embedding it in blogs or websites.
Plan and set goals for your content creation and promotion, and aim for consistency and efficiency.
Join industry events like San Diego Comic-Con and the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Awards Week to network and showcase your work.
Being able to laugh at oneself is important in podcasting and in life.
Creating unreadable but clear signs in comics can add an otherworldly element.
When creating fake alphabets, it's important to consider the mood and characteristics of the species or world.
Starting with basic shapes and visual systems can help in creating believable alien or fantasy languages.
Lettering can reinforce the mood and world of a comic.

QUOTE OF THE SHOW

"Nothing says delicious like lettuce that's been sitting next to a thousand-degree oven for hours on end and then brought to your door by a stoner." — Dave Kellett

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!

When to throw in the towel Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wanted to just quit? When all seems lost... when you're all out of hope... when you're about to give up, just remember... it can always get worse. Dave and Brad talk about surviving those dark nights of the soul and finding a little light.

ON TODAY'S SHOW

When to throw in the towel
UPDATE: Get your exclusive ComicLab pin at Comic-Con International, Booth #1228

SUMMARY

In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss moments in their careers when they felt frustrated and wanted to give up. They share their experiences of comparing themselves to other cartoonists and feeling jealous of their success. They also talk about the importance of defining success on their own terms and finding satisfaction in their own work. They highlight the value of perseverance and the ability to adapt and try new things when faced with challenges. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss their experiences of wanting to throw in the towel as cartoonists. They talk about their challenges with ad revenue and ad blockers, and the fear of failure and returning to a day job. They share how they found new paths and opportunities by writing books, teaching, and exploring different formats. They emphasize the importance of persistence and the willingness to consider new directions. They also discuss the need to redefine success and find fulfillment in the process of creating, rather than relying on external validation or awards.

TAKEAWAYS

Comparing yourself to others can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. It's important to define success on your own terms and focus on your own growth and progress.
Perseverance is key in overcoming challenges and setbacks in your career. Keep working and improving, and success will come in its own time.
Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different creative avenues. Starting a new project or taking a different approach can reignite your passion and lead to new opportunities.
Find satisfaction in the process and the journey of being a cartoonist. Enjoy the work you create and the progress you make rather than solely focusing on external validation or recognition.
Remember that success looks different for everyone. Don't compare your journey to others, and celebrate your own achievements and milestones along the way. Facing challenges and wanting to quit is a common experience for cartoonists.
Ad revenue and ad blockers can significantly impact a cartoonist's income.
Fear of failure and the need to go back to a day job can be demoralizing.
Exploring new paths and opportunities can lead to unexpected success.
Persistence and a willingness to consider new directions are key to overcoming challenges.
Redefining success and finding fulfillment in the creative process is important.
External validation and awards are not the only measures of success.

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!

How to raise your rates on Patreon Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Dave and Brad each realize they must raise their rates on their individual Patreon campaigns. This results in a surprising bout of Impostor Syndrome for Brad that nearly immobilizes him — if not for a meaningful intervention from a trusted friend.

SHOW NOTES

Raising rates on Patreon
UPDATE: Get your exclusive ComicLab enamel pin at Comic-Con International at Booth #1228
UPDATE: ComicLab LIVE at NCS
When is it OK to use regional colloquialisms and idioms?

SUMMARY

Brad and Dave discuss Brad's decision to raise the rates on his Patreon and the Imposter Syndrome he experienced throughout the process. In this conversation, Dave and Brad discuss their experiences and anxieties around raising prices for their Patreon campaigns. They share their strategies for communicating the price increase to their backers and managing the potential backlash. They also discuss the importance of building a supportive community and focusing on the positive feedback rather than the negative. Despite their initial fears, both Dave and Brad found that the price increase had a positive impact on their income. They also highlight the need for clear communication with Patreon support and the potential issues with the platform's automatic emails.

In the second half of the show, Dave reminds listeners that they can get their exclusive ComicLab pins at his booth (#1228) at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month. Brad and Dave also announce their upcoming Comic Lab LIVE events at the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) weekend. They also address a question from a Patreon backer about using colloquialisms and idioms in a comic without alienating the audience. They suggest using contextual clues and handholding to introduce regionalisms and discuss the trade-off between writing for a specific audience and reaching a broader global audience. The conversation explores the consequences of artistic choices and the importance of understanding the audience. They discuss the potential strategies for reaching a niche Scottish audience or a broader global English-speaking audience. The idea of providing contextual clues and explanations within the comic is considered but ultimately dismissed. The hosts also engage in humorous banter about Wales.

TAKEAWAYS

Raising rates on Patreon can be a difficult decision, but it's important to consider the value you provide and the impact of inflation.
Imposter syndrome can arise when making changes or asking for more from your audience, but it's important to remember your worth and the value you bring.
Changing measurement systems, such as switching from the English system to the metric system, can be challenging but may offer benefits in terms of simplicity and consistency. Raising prices for a Patreon campaign can be anxiety-inducing, but it is important to communicate the reasons for the increase and the value backers receive.
Building a supportive community can help mitigate potential backlash and negative feedback.
Anxieties and imposter syndrome are common among artists, but it is important to recognize your worth and ask for what you deserve.
Clear communication with Patreon support is crucial, as there may be issues with automatic emails and rate locking for annual subscriptions.
Brad and Dave will be hosting two ComicLab LIVE events at the NCS weekend
When using colloquialisms and idioms, provide contextual clues and introduce them gradually to help the audience understand
Consider the trade-off between writing for a specific audience and reaching a broader global audience
Niche audiences can be valuable and can sustain a successful career
Choose your battles when it comes to using regionalisms and consider the potential limitations on audience growth Artistic choices have consequences, so it's important to be honest about the potential outcomes.
Understanding the audience and their cultural context is crucial for effective communication.
Leaning into Scottish culture and targeting a niche Scottish audience can be a valid strategy.
Providing contextual clues and explanations within a comic may work for long-form stories but not for short, punchline-driven humor comics.
Humorous banter and light-hearted moments can add entertainment value to a conversation.

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!

Special guest Asia Simone Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Marvel/Scholastic illustrator Asia Simone (Instagram, Twitter)shares her experience of illustrating a "Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur" book, navigating the world of YA graphic novel publishing, and... surviving Brad's studio! Next, a listener asks... "Should I jump to Cara?"

TODAY'S SHOW

Special guest Asia Simone
Should I jump to Cara?
San Diego Comic-Com 2024
Breaking the 4th Wall

EDITOR'S NOTE

During the show, Brad and Dave insisted that Jim Davis rarely breaks the Fourth Wall in "Garfield." They were demonstrably wrong.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett, and Asia Simone discuss various topics related to live streaming, collaboration, and Asia's career as an artist. They also touch on Asia's experience working on a Marvel Scholastic book. The conversation is filled with humorous moments and insights into the creative process. Asia Simone discusses her journey into the comic book industry, including how she got scouted for a job at Marvel and Scholastic. She emphasizes the importance of doing the work you want to do and constantly striving for improvement. Asia also talks about the challenges of meeting deadlines and the importance of craftsmanship. She shares her hopes and fears for the future, including the fear of losing momentum and the hope of networking and exploring new opportunities. Asia advises aspiring artists to start small and not put too much pressure on themselves to create big, epic projects.

Next, Dave and Brad express their frustration with Instagram and their skepticism about the long-term success of Cara. They also caution against jumping on every new platform. In an update, they emphasize the importance of considering the cost and profitability of exhibiting at Comic-Con. In this part of the conversation, Dave and Brad discuss the potential drop in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con and the impact it may have on their sales. They also address a question from a Patreon backer about breaking the fourth wall in comics. Dave shares his perspective on breaking the fourth wall, mentioning that he is more willing to do it in his comic strip Sheldon compared to his other comic, Drive. Brad talks about his experience with breaking the fourth wall in his previous comic, Greystone Inn, and why he chooses not to do it in his current comics. They discuss the balance and considerations of using meta humor in comics.

TAKEAWAYS

Ice cream trucks are a rare sight in Los Angeles, leading to envy from Dave towards Brad in Philadelphia.
Asia Simone's art style is modern, western, animation-inspired, and often incorporates wacky facial expressions and poses.
Asia Simone learned about paneling, bubbling, and story structure while interning with Brad Guigar.
When giving a price for artwork, if the client is enthusiastic and quickly accepts, it may be an indication that the price is too low.
Asia Simone landed a job with Marvel Scholastic through online postings and was given a test to illustrate a page from a Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur issue.
Working on a Marvel Scholastic book required Asia Simone to adhere to a specific style and be on model throughout the project. Do the work you want to do and constantly strive for improvement.
Meeting deadlines is important for building relationships in the industry.
Start small, and don't put too much pressure on yourself to create big, epic projects.
Collaboration and networking are key to success in the industry.
Don't settle for 'good enough' - aim for excellence in your work.
Stay motivated by constantly exploring new opportunities and projects.
Be open to working with others and be willing to learn from them.
Don't fear the future of the industry, but instead embrace the challenges and adapt to changes.
Maintaining momentum is crucial for continued success.
Focus on craftsmanship and delivering high-quality work.
Take advantage of social media to promote your work and connect with others in the industry.
The success of new social media platforms like Kara is uncertain, and it's important to consider the platform's longevity and reliability before investing time and effort into it.
Instagram's performance in terms of promoting Kickstarters and Patreon campaigns has been disappointing for Dave, leading him to delete his posts and consider leaving the platform.
Exhibiting at San Diego Comic-Con can be a costly investment, and it's important to have realistic expectations about profitability.
It's advisable to start with regional comic conventions before considering exhibiting at larger events like Comic-Con.
The absence of a Hollywood presence at Comic-Con in 2020 resulted in a more focused and profitable experience for Dave.
It's important to be cautious about the potential degradation of platforms as they grow and attract venture capital.
Consider the trade-offs between reliable platforms owned by large companies and newer platforms that may be more community-focused but less stable.
Protecting artwork from AI scraping on social media platforms like Kara can be time-consuming and may degrade the quality of the images. The potential drop in attendance at conventions like San Diego Comic-Con can impact sales for independent creators, and it's important to be prepared for the possibility of lower sales.
Breaking the fourth wall in comics can be a humorous technique, but it should be used sparingly and in a way that fits the tone and style of the comic.
The decision to break the fourth wall depends on the depth and realism of the characters and storylines in the comic. More iconic and simplistic comics may be more suitable for fourth wall breaks.
Breaking the fourth wall involves maintaining the suspension of disbelief, not relying on it as a crutch for punchlines, and preserving the integrity of the storytelling.
Comic strips, especially those with a joke-a-day format, may be more forgiving of fourth-wall breaks than comics with deeper storylines.

ASIA SIMONE

Asia Simone can be found on Instagram, Twitter, and her website.

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!

How to build an audience on Substack Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

Substack is one of the few social-media newcomers that actually produces visible results. It delivers audience-building, reader retention, advanced messaging, intelligent analytics, savvy promotion, and discovery. Better yet, it has a user interface that's a joy to use. So why are so many cartoonists perplexed by it? Brad and Dave do a deep dive into this new platform and offer strategies for using it effectively.

ON TODAY'S SHOW

Substack user guide
How much worldbuilding should you do when you start?

SUMMARY

Dave and Brad enter into a discussion about Substack and audience building. Brad discusses his experience with Substack, the user interface, audience growth, and the potential for monetization. The conversation also covers the ethical considerations of moving email lists, the importance of owning the list, and the potential implications of platform control over content. Additionally, the discussion delves into the promotional aids and analytics provided by Substack, as well as the use of AI for transcription and promotional video creation. The conversation covers a detailed exploration of Substack and its features, including email network outreach, social media called Notes, restacking, and recommendations. The discussion also delves into the topic of monetization on Substack and its comparison to Patreon. The conversation provides valuable insights and considerations for creators looking to leverage Substack effectively.

In this episode, Brad and Dave also discuss the updates on their Patreon memberships and the concept of world-building in comics. They share their perspectives on the balance between world-building and storytelling and the importance of curiosity and reading in becoming better writers. The conversation also touches on the idea of 'anti-social media' and humorously explores the concept of an anti-social media platform.

TAKEAWAYS

Accidentally locking his wife in a hotel room in Ireland, Dave shares a humorous anecdote that sets the stage for a conversation about Substack and audience building.
Brad's experience with Substack highlights the user interface, audience growth, and the potential for monetization, providing valuable insights for creators.
The ethical considerations of moving email lists and the importance of owning the list are discussed, shedding light on the implications of platform control over content.
The promotional aids and analytics provided by Substack, as well as the use of AI for transcription and promotional video creation, offer valuable tools for creators to enhance their content and engagement. Substack offers two main features: email network outreach and social media called Notes, each serving different purposes for creators.
Restacking and recommendations on Substack are important for audience engagement and community building.
Monetization on Substack can be approached strategically, with considerations for the creator's primary platform and audience focus.
The conversation provides valuable insights and considerations for creators looking to leverage Substack effectively. Balancing world building and storytelling is essential for creating engaging and coherent comic narratives.
Curiosity and reading play a significant role in improving writing skills and understanding the nuances of storytelling.
The concept of 'anti-social media' can be a humorous and thought-provoking topic for creators and readers alike.

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!

Are dad jokes ~bad~ jokes? Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

A new father asks if his baby will change how he writes. "Hey, Comics Dads, I'm worried," he says. "Hey, Worried, we're Comics Dads," we reply. And then Dave invites Brad to pull his finger. After they discuss the effects of parenthood on creativity, a friendly zinester writes in to take Brad to task over his dismissal of zines as "nutty."

ON TODAY'S SHOW

How does fatherhood affect writing?
UPDATE: Google's AI meltdown
UPDATE: Zines are not "nutty"
UPDATE: Dave may have been wrong about Patreon's free membership tier
"Why is my audience so small?"

CHAPTERS

00:00 Parenthood and Writing: Impact and Misconceptions

20:24 Navigating Parenthood: Challenges and Joys

22:20 The Evolution of Humor: From Wit to Dad Jokes

25:00 The Importance of Socializing for Personal Growth

32:30 AI and Social Media: Implications for Users

38:13 Navigating Social Media Privacy and Bulk Deletion

40:27 The Impact of Government Action on Data Protection

42:05 Reconsidering Patreon's Free Membership Tier

52:22 The Value of Passionate Readership and Audience Growth

SUMMARY

The conversation covers the topic of parenthood and its impact on creativity and writing. It explores the fear of change in writing tone, the influence of life milestones on writing, and the misconceptions about parenthood. The discussion also delves into the broadening of horizons and empathy through parenthood, and the impact on character development in writing. The conversation covers various topics related to fatherhood, humor, and socialization

Then the hosts deliver an update on the impact of AI on social media. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on these subjects, providing valuable perspectives for listeners. The conversation covers topics related to social media privacy, Patreon's free membership tier, and the growth of an audience for comics. It delves into the challenges of bulk deleting content on Instagram, the impact of government action on data protection, and the reconsideration of Patreon's free tier. The hosts also discuss the significance of passionate readership and the gradual growth of an audience.

TAKEAWAYS

Parenthood can influence a writer's perspective and writing style, but it doesn't necessarily mean a shift to saccharine or toothless content.
Life milestones, such as parenthood, bring about changes in a writer's approach and perspective, leading to a broader and more empathetic understanding of characters and storytelling.
Misconceptions about parenthood, such as the fear of losing personal interests and creative pursuits, can be dispelled through a balanced approach to time management and a deeper appreciation for the human experience.
Parenthood broadens a writer's horizons and empathy, allowing for a deeper understanding of character viewpoints and moral codes, ultimately enhancing the quality of writing and storytelling. The initial months of parenthood may be challenging, but the long-term benefits are rewarding.
Humor evolves over time, and dad jokes are a natural expression of finding joy in everyday moments.
Socializing is essential for maintaining wit and humor, and it contributes to personal growth.
The impact of AI on social media platforms like Instagram raises concerns about privacy and user experience. Bulk deleting content on social media platforms can be challenging and time-consuming.
Government action is crucial for protecting user data from exploitation by large tech companies.
Reconsidering the value of Patreon's free membership tier can lead to a change in perspective and understanding of its potential benefits.
Passionate readership is more valuable than audience size, and it can contribute to the gradual growth of an audience for comics and other creative content.

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!

It's Friday — am I famous yet? Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

After six weeks of working on their comic, a listener asks how soon they can expect to make a living doing this — and gets an earful from Brad and Dave. Plus, Brad and Dave share more of their picks for Reuben Award nominees.

In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss the importance of having realistic expectations and enjoying the creative process when making comics. They share their own experiences of how long it took them to see financial success and build an audience. They caution against starting a Patreon too soon and making decisions based solely on trying to gain more backers. They emphasize the need to focus on the love of creating and the joy of storytelling rather than solely focusing on financial success. Overall, they encourage the listener to have patience and enjoy the journey of creating comics.

Also, Brad and Dave explore the potential impact of AI on search engine optimization and the web ecosystem. Next, they discuss the importance of giving artists creative freedom when commissioning art. The conversation touches on the challenges of communication between commissioners and artists, as well as the spectrum of visual thinking. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the need for clear communication and understanding between both parties involved in a commission.

ON TODAY'S SHOW

It's Friday; am I famous yet?
UPDATE: More Reuben picks
UPDATE: Google’s new AI search is gonna kill a lotta websites
Commissioning original art

TAKEAWAYS

Building an audience and achieving financial success in comics takes time, often several years.
Having realistic expectations and not solely focusing on financial goals is important.
Enjoying the creative process and the love of storytelling is crucial for long-term success.
Starting a Patreon too soon can lead to disappointment and creative compromises.
Focus on improving your craft and building a small, dedicated audience before seeking financial support.
Patience and perseverance are key in the journey of creating comics. When commissioning art, it's important to find a balance between providing enough detail and allowing the artist creative freedom.
Clear communication is key in ensuring that both the commissioner and the artist are on the same page.
Understanding the artist's style and approach is crucial when commissioning art.
The impact of AI on search engine optimization and the web ecosystem is a topic of concern and uncertainty.
The spectrum of visual thinking varies among individuals, and it's important to be aware of different perspectives and preferences.

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon