Comic Lab

Latest Episodes:

Comics lettering — The invisible art Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

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!"

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.

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!

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.

Special guest Zach Weinersmith Jul 05, 2018

Show notes

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 job and start cartooning full time?
50:00 — There's no shame in a day job
53:15 — Zach's creative process
01:00:00 — Zach's foray into political comics

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.

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 more Patreon pledges Jun 29, 2018

Show notes

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-year plan

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.

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!

Unfulfilled goals (feat. Scott Kurtz) Jun 21, 2018

Show notes

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.

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!

Starting comics later in life Jun 14, 2018

Show notes

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 give to someone starting cartooning later in life?
18:30 — What’s the best way to support a comic creator?
28:27 — Building community on a post-Web 2.0 environment
42:02 — Advice on staying focused within your chosen genre to satisfy Amazon’s algorithm.
54:03 — Are you undervaluing your Patreon pledge tiers?

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.

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 Gloria Calderón Kellett on writing Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

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 and Dave ever collaborate on each other's projects?
27:27 — "Finding your muse" in an actor
34:24 — Writing as part of a team
44:20 — How to see a live taping of ODAT
45:23 — The sitcom writing format
55:55 — Editing for humor
01:02:09 — Writing in groups vs writing solitude

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.

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!

Cartooning advice for beginners, DRM-free PDF strategy, and storyline-driven comic strips May 30, 2018

Show notes

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 — 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.

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!

Bonjoro, narrative clarity and the quest for an original idea May 24, 2018

Show notes

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 story being hard to follow? 01:01:16 — How much effort do you put into making sure your idea hasn't been done before?

Great rewards when you support ComicLab

$2 — Support the show and get early access to ComicLab

$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.

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 Erika Moen talks about photo reference, character design, diversity and inclusion May 17, 2018

Show notes

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 backers or it's a good way to send poorly lit videos of your not-ready-for-primetime mug to a recoiling patron. Or both. Is it a good choice if you have a face like Brad's? Is it an effective tool to build longterm patronage? Could it possibly be worth $25 a month?? Show notes

0:00 — Using Bonjoro to cultivate Patreon backers
11:55 — Erika has a decidedly different approach to a Kickstarter launch than the one promoted in an earlier ComicLab show
20:47 — Using photo reference wisely
32:01 — Working in a studio
43:16 — Savvy approaches to character design
54:19 — Diversity and inclusion. It's tricky, it's complicated, it can lead to misunderstandings... and it's really, really important.

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!

Motivation, underperforming Patreon tiers, and trying something new May 10, 2018

Show notes

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 access to ComicLab

$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.

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!

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