Comic Lab

Latest Episodes:

Print on Demand... When There's No Demand Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the nuances of print-on-demand services. As Brad says, "It's a good place to start, but a bad place to stay." They delve into the importance of advanced planning for holiday sales. Finally, they share strategies for engaging audiences at comic conventions, covering pricing strategies and the psychology of sales, and emphasizing the importance of understanding costs and audience engagement.

Today's Show

Print on Demand
How to "Let Time Be Your Editor"
Convention Pricing

Huion

Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab

Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare.

Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability.

Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do.

Takeaways

Patience is key in daily struggles.
Print on demand can be a good starting point but not a long-term solution.
Planning for holiday sales should start well in advance.
Engaging with audiences at conventions is crucial for building a network.
Clear pricing and signage can significantly boost sales at conventions.
Using loss leaders can attract customers but should be carefully calculated.
Understanding your costs is essential for pricing strategies.
Round numbers simplify transactions and reduce friction in sales.
Time away from your work can provide valuable perspective for editing.
Building a strong online presence is important for comic creators.

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 Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott from "Baby Blues" Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Syndicated cartoonists Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman share their journey of collaboration that spans over 35 years, focusing on their iconic comic strip, "Baby Blues." They discuss their initial meeting, the challenges of working together, the creative process behind their gags, and the evolution of their work. The dialogue highlights the joys and conflicts of collaboration, the importance of humor in parenting, and the unique dynamics of their partnership. They discuss their early encounters with legendary cartoonists, the challenges and joys of taking over legacy strips, the impact of awards on their careers, and the importance of authenticity in parenting comics.

You can read "Baby Blues" at Gocomics.com/babyblues

Huion

Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab

Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare.

Takeaways

Jerry and Rick's collaboration spans over 35 years.
Their wives introduced them, both aspiring cartoonists.
They bonded over a shared love for comics and cartooning.
Baby Blues was inspired by their experiences as parents.
They learned the importance of hitting deadlines.
Collaboration requires open communication and compromise.
Writing gags often starts with the punchline first.
The creative process is a blend of writing and drawing.
Their friendship enhances their creative output. Meeting legendary cartoonists was a pivotal moment.
Legacy strips come with both pressure and opportunity.
Awards can create a sense of responsibility.
Parenting comics resonate deeply with readers.
Book titles can encapsulate the essence of the work.
Professional jealousy is detrimental in the creative field.
Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.
The weight of awards can be both a blessing and a burden.
Creating relatable content helps connect with audiences.
Collaboration and community are vital in the cartooning world.

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!

What's the Best Platform for Audience Building? Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Where should you post if you want to build an audience? Substack delivers unbeatable audience-building tools... but it has some drawbacks. Bluesky is active... but small. Webtoon is terrific... if you're doing the style and content that their users prefer. Patreon has recently added features to promote discoverability and reader-retention. And the legacy social-media platforms — Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook — have been failing creators for years now. Brad and Dave share actionable advice to help you navigate it all.

Today's Show

What's the best platform for audience building?
How to launch a comic in 2026
How important is "local"?

Huion

Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab

Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare.

Takeaways

Psychographics can create connections beyond demographics.
Comics can resonate with audiences from different backgrounds.
Humor-based storytelling appeals to a wide range of people.
Unexpected fan interactions can reveal common interests.
Shared love for specific genres can unite diverse individuals.
The beauty of human connection lies in shared experiences.
Comics can transcend geographical and demographic barriers.
Character-based narratives foster deeper audience engagement.
Understanding audience psychographics enhances storytelling.
Diversity in readership enriches the comic experience.

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!

Color Commentary — Can You Succeed with a Black-and-White Comic? Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Today's show is sponsored by Huion, makers of theKamvas 22 Plus! In today's show, Brad and Dave tackle an old question — does your comic HAVE to be in color? The answer is more nuanced than you might think! Also, the comics uncles will discuss the right ways — and the wrong way — to sign your books for fans.

Huion

Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab

Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare.
Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability.
Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do.

Today's Show:

Color or B&W?
Dave Kellett's "Drive" in color?
ComicLab Accent Challenge
How to sign a book
Use offer code 'COMICLAB' to get an extra discount on these Huion products — Kamvas 22 Plus , Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) , and the Huion Note. (Offer ends Jan. 4, 2026)

Summary

In this engaging conversation, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the debate between black and white versus color in comics, the dynamics of creative teams, and book-signing etiquette. The share personal anecdotes, insights on the creative process, and the importance of listening to audiences. The discussion also touches on the future of comic adaptations and the satisfaction of creating art for its own sake. The hosts delve into the intricacies of storytelling, discussing the journey of creating a narrative and the potential future projects that may arise from it. They share insights from their experiences at Comic Con, particularly focusing on book signing etiquette and best practices. Additionally, they touch on the importance of analytics in understanding audience engagement through platforms like Patreon.

But first, Dave waxes poetic over the "Golden Girls" spin-off, "Golden Palace."

Takeaways

Breakups in creative teams can be heartbreaking, even when things are going well.
Color comics are generally preferred by audiences, but black and white can work too.
Mastering different aspects of cartooning is essential for success.
The chemistry of a team can change dramatically with one member missing.
It's important to listen to your audience, even when making positive changes.
Black and white comics can help artists focus on line work and composition.
The adaptation of comics into other media can be a complex process.
It's okay to be content with your work as a comic artist without seeking adaptation. The journey of storytelling is fulfilling and rewarding.
Future projects can stem from the success of previous works.
Evil Inc. has the potential for further evolution and expansion.
Comic Con experiences enhance the connection with fans.
Signing books is an art that requires etiquette and practice.
Analytics are crucial for understanding audience engagement.
Creating a sequel can be a natural progression for a successful story.
Engaging with fans at events can lead to lasting memories.
Patreon can provide valuable insights into audience demographics.
The importance of personalizing book inscriptions for fans.

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!

Love it... Hate it... Reddit Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Cartoonist Brad Guigar talks about his love/hate relationship with Reddit — and the publishing strategy that's currently delivering Patreon backers that has him loving it again.

Today's Show

Brad's Love/Hate Relationship with Reddit
The ComicLab Accent Challenge
Working on Comics at Work

NSFW comic artists on Reddit

Brad mentioned getting great advice from people doing NSFW comics on Reddit. Here are a few of them.

Takeaways

Boredom can spark creativity and lead to new ideas.
Writing on paper during downtime at work is a safe way to create.
Avoid using company resources for personal projects to protect your IP.
Engaging with readers on Reddit can lead to new opportunities.
Consistency in posting is key to building an audience.
NSFW content is becoming more accepted on platforms like Reddit.
Utilizing hyperlinks in posts can drive traffic to your work.
Creating a fourth panel as a stinger can enhance humor in comics.
Understanding your audience's feedback is crucial for growth.
Experimenting with different formats can lead to new creative avenues.

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges and strategies of comic creation, particularly focusing on the use of Reddit as a platform for engagement. They explore the ethics of working on personal projects during downtime at work, the acceptance of NSFW content, and the importance of consistency in posting. The episode also features listener interaction, discussing how accents can influence perceptions, and concludes with a challenge from the hosts.

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!

Wobbly Legs Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

We always advise having "many legs under your table." In other words, comic creators should have many sources of revenue. If one is threatened, the others can keep the business aloft. So it's important, from time to time, to check for wobbly legs! What are the sources of comics income that are currently vulnerable?

Today's Show

Vulnerable legs
Susan MacTaggart
Design vs Style

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore various themes related creativity and the business of comics. The conversation begins with the importance of diversifying income streams for artists. They also delve into concerns about merchandise shipping costs and the future of platforms like Patreon in the age of AI. Next, the hosts reflect on the relationship between style and design in art, and how generational changes will influence the integration of AI into creative fields. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and insights into the creative process.

Takeaways

Comic conventions can be a tricky business venture.
Diversifying income streams is crucial for artists.
Merchandise shipping costs are a growing concern.
The future of platforms like Patreon is uncertain with AI advancements.
Style and design are interconnected in art.
Generational shifts will influence how AI is integrated into creative fields.

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!

Kickstarter: What's Working and What's Not Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

This week, we're sharing the real numbers from Brad Guigar's recent Kickstarter. The show is brought to you by Hogan's Alley! Enter the code COMICLAB10 at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase from their store — the current issue, back issues, a subscription, digital editions, "The Complete Betty Brown" book collection, whatever you see there that catches your eye!

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss Brad's recent Kickstarter campaign, where he shares insights on his strategy, the challenges of international shipping, and the importance of referral tags and updates to backers. They also discuss the effectiveness of livestreaming the final hour of a campaign and the benefits of late pledges. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining communication with past backers and the value of having a strong online presence for creators.

Takeaways

International shipping challenges influenced Brad's Kickstarter strategy.
Referral tags in Kickstarter help track the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
Updates to previous backers can significantly boost Kickstarter pledges.
Live streaming the last hour of a Kickstarter campaign can engage backers.
Late pledges can add significant funds after a campaign ends.
Using a website effectively can drive traffic to Kickstarter campaigns.
Regular communication with past backers is crucial for future campaigns.

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 Cathy Guisewite Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Cathy Guisewite, the creator of the iconic syndicated comic strip 'Cathy', shares her journey through the world of cartooning, the challenges she faced as a female cartoonist, and the cultural impact of her work. From her early days of struggling with drawing to her experiences on The Tonight Show, Cathy reflects on her evolution as an artist and the significance of her comic strip in addressing women's issues. She discusses the release of her 50th Anniversary Collection and the bittersweet feelings surrounding the end of her long-running strip.

Cathy 50th Anniversary Collection

Takeaways

Cathy Guisewite's comic strip 'Cathy' ran for 34 years in over 1,400 newspapers.
She faced unique challenges as a female cartoonist in a male-dominated industry.
Cathy's work resonated with readers, providing humor and insight into women's lives.
The evolution of her character mirrored the changing landscape of feminism.
Cathy received heartfelt letters from readers that kept her motivated throughout her career.
Her experiences on The Tonight Show were both terrifying and rewarding.
Cathy's creative process involved rewriting and refining her strips up until the deadline.
The 50th Anniversary Collection serves as a scrapbook of her career and the cultural conversations it sparked.
Cathy's daughter helped digitize her work for the anniversary collection, leading to humorous reflections on past comics.
The end of 'Cathy' was not as planned as she would have liked, but it still resonated with 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!

Lost in Translation Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Brad thinks Kickstarter is the right place to go for a Brazilian cartoonist who wants to have his work re-published in English, but Dave thinks his co-host is Lost in Translation. Then, the dynamic duo gives some advice to a pro-am cartoonist who just lost their day job and is considering making the move to full-time cartooning. But first, Brad and Dave share some comic convention horror stories.

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the chaotic experiences of comic conventions, the challenges of translating comics for the English market, and the importance of building an audience. They also provide advice for cartoonists who have been laid off, emphasizing the need for financial stability. The conversation touches on the realities of comic publishing and the necessity of having an emergency fund when transitioning to full-time cartooning.

Takeaways

Comic conventions can be chaotic and noisy environments.
Translation of comics can be a significant time investment.
Building an audience is crucial before launching a comic.
Kickstarter can serve as a market research tool for comics.
Having an emergency fund is essential for transitioning to full-time cartooning.
The comic market in North America is larger than in Brazil.
It's important to consider the demand for your work before translating it.
Creating new work may be more beneficial than translating old work.
Networking and social media can help build an audience for new comics.
Financial stability is key when considering a career in comics.

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 Your Comic Started Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

While you're stuck trying to find the RIGHT way to start your comic, someone else is starting a comic THEIR way. That's because the only RIGHT way to start a comic is the WRONG way. Confused? We'll explain. Also—storytelling without conflict? Kishōtenketsu is a story structure that highlights contrast rather than conflict. But first, Dave's Los Angeles may have the most "perfect days" in the United States, but Brad argues that Philadelphians truly appreciate their sunny weather more when it occurs.

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the challenges of starting a comic, emphasizing that there is no right way to create comics and that experimentation is essential. The hosts provide practical advice on overcoming creative blocks, the importance of consistency in practice, and the necessity of starting, even if it means doing it imperfectly. In this episode, the hosts explore the creative process, discussing the fear of starting projects and the importance of embracing imperfection. They share insights from their recent social media challenge, reflecting on productivity and the benefits of reducing screen time. The conversation shifts to the discovery of non-conflict storytelling techniques, particularly the Japanese writing style Kishōtenketsu, which emphasizes character development over traditional conflict. Finally, they discuss updates to the Patreon app, highlighting user experiences and the implications of its new features.

Today's Show

How to get started
Kishōtenketsu / Yonkoma
Patreon Quips and the new app layout

Takeaways

The perfect weather map reveals surprising data about ideal climates.
Appreciation for perfect days can differ based on location.
Creativity often requires overcoming distractions in daily life.
Starting a creative project can be daunting but is essential.
There is no 'right' way to create comics; experimentation is key.
The importance of frequency in creative practice cannot be overstated.
Every artist has a unique process that evolves over time.
Mistakes and failures are part of the creative journey.
Setting small, achievable goals can lead to significant progress.
The fear of imperfection can hinder creativity, but starting is crucial. The fear of starting often holds creators back.
Embracing the wrong way is part of the creative process.
Social media challenges can lead to increased productivity.
Reading before bed can improve mental well-being.
Non-conflict storytelling can be just as impactful.
Kishōtenketsu offers a fresh perspective on storytelling.
Personal growth is a continuous journey, even in adulthood.
Patreon updates aim to enhance user experience and discoverability.
Understanding new app features is crucial for creators.
Community engagement on platforms like Patreon is vital.