Comic Lab

Latest Episodes:

Special Guest Chuck Dillon Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Chuck Dillon joins us this week to talk about his work for Highlights magazine, designing the Costco Monopoly board, and his delightful children's books like The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Chuck Dillon, a talented cartoonist and illustrator, shares his journey from early inspirations to his successful career in children's book illustration. He discusses the challenges of client feedback, the importance of teaching in his artistic growth, and how boredom can spark creativity. Dillon also reflects on his notable projects, including the Costco Monopoly board and his children's books, The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of perspective in art and the joy of collaboration, culminating in a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recognition he has received from his peers.

Chuck Dillon

Takeaways

Chuck Dillon's early inspiration came from Peanuts characters.
His first comic strip was published at age 19.
Teaching at Hussian School of Art enriched his understanding of art.
Client feedback can be challenging but is part of the process.
The Costco Monopoly project took 14 months to complete.
Hidden pictures allow for creative freedom in children's books.
Boredom can spark creativity and innovation.
Teaching helps artists reevaluate their own processes.
Perspective in art is crucial for creating believable scenes.
Recognition from peers is a significant milestone for artists.

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.

Our List of "Must-Read" Comics Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

A listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. They sure do... and it's not what you'd expect!

Today's show

Romance novels
"Must-Read" Comics List

Summary

Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the value of romance novels in storytelling, contrasting their narrative preferences. Brad advocates for the insights gained from romance, while Dave expresses a preference for macro stories over micro narratives. Next, a listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator.

This conversation delves into the evolution of comic storytelling, exploring influential works and characters that have shaped the medium. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding tropes, the impact of classic comics, and the significance of personal taste in appreciating the art form. They also touch on modern webcomics and the challenges of concluding long-running series, highlighting the diverse narratives and styles that continue to emerge in the comic world.

Takeaways

Reading romance novels can enhance storytelling skills.
Different genres appeal to different narrative preferences.
Tropes in romance are often embraced by writers.
Macro stories focus on larger themes and movements.
Personal experiences shape one's reading preferences.
Humor and sentimentality play significant roles in storytelling.
Comics can be a valuable medium for exploring complex narratives.
Understanding comics can aid in effective communication.
Readers should seek joy in their literary choices.
Diverse genres offer unique insights into human experiences. Comic storytelling has evolved significantly over the years.
Understanding classic tropes can enhance appreciation of modern comics.
Influential collections like The Far Side and Bloom County shaped comic narratives.
Characters like Wonder Woman and the Addams Family set standards for uniqueness.
Empowered explores themes of self-confidence and societal expectations.
Watchmen revolutionized the anti-hero narrative in comics.
Garfield's early work showcased unique storytelling choices.
Creative freedom allows for diverse comic styles and narratives.
Personal taste plays a crucial role in comic appreciation.
Cultural context influences how comics are received and understood.

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!

Becoming a Comics Publisher Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

As he prepares to launch his new Kickstarter at newevilbook.com, Brad Guigar tells co-host Dave Kellett that he's decided to eliminate all international shipping except for Canada! Between VAT taxes, new regulations, tariffs, and other uncertainties, he's decided it's just too risky. But first, a listener wrestles with his new role as a comics publisher. Is he helping out some friends, or is he a greedy capitalist?

Today's show

Becoming a comics publisher
Is it important to have an art style?
Overseas shipping

Summary

In this episode, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the intricacies of comic publishing and the importance of ownership in the comic industry. They delve into the ethical considerations of being a publisher, the necessity of clear contracts, and the financial math behind comic sales. The conversation also touches on the significance of developing a personal art style. The comics uncles delve into the intricacies of drawing and artistic styles. To close out the show, the fellas talk about the challenges of international shipping for comic creators. They explore the evolution of personal style in art, the inevitability of developing a unique style, and the complexities of managing multiple styles. The conversation also addresses the current issues surrounding international shipping and tariffs, particularly for creators looking to launch Kickstarter campaigns. The hosts offer valuable insights and guidance for navigating these challenges while upholding artistic integrity and achieving profitability.

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!

Dave and Brad review the NCS Conference and Reuben Awards in Boston Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Many singers do a key change in the middle of a song to indicate drama. Dave Kellett is so good, he does it right in the middle of a word! Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett learn too much about each other while sharing a hotel room with his friend at the National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Dave and Brad return from Boston brimming with stories from a week of cartooning camaraderie and community.

Here's how to join the NCS. If you're under the age of 27, your membership is only $27!

Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett reflect on their experiences at the NCS Conference and Reuben Awards sharing insights on the importance of community, networking, and the evolving landscape of cartooning. They discuss the joy of meeting fellow cartoonists, the impact of online creators, and the significance of new voices in the industry. The conversation also touches on travel tales, humorous anecdotes, and the camaraderie that defines the cartooning community.

Takeaways

The NCS Conference and Reuben Awards is a vital event for networking.
Community and camaraderie are essential in the cartooning world.
New voices in cartooning are crucial for the industry's evolution.
Online cartoonists face unique challenges and opportunities.
Travel experiences can lead to unexpected adventures.
Meeting fellow cartoonists fosters a sense of belonging.
The importance of supporting new members in the NCS.
Humor and storytelling are key elements of the Comic Lab podcast.
The future of cartooning is bright with diverse voices.
Networking at events can lead to valuable connections.

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!

ComicLab LIVE at the National Cartoonists Society Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar hosted a live performance of ComicLab at the 79th annual National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Joining them onstage to talk about the business of comics were three marvelous cartoonists:

Jason Chatfield, a remarkably talented cartoonist who is as comfortable doing stand-up comedy as he is sitting down to create cartoons for The New Yorker. His new book, “You’re Not a Real Dog Owner Until…”, is a danged delight, and belongs on your shelf.

Sean Wang, the creator of Runners, a wonderful sci-fi comedy about alien smugglers. Its most recent Kickstarter launched a couple days before the recording of the show, and was funded shortly thereafter — which is 100% a coincidence, but we’ll be claiming credit nonetheless.

Cassidy Wasserman, whose debut graphic novel, On Guard, was published by Random House earlier this year to rave reviews. She has also illustrated no fewer than three delightful children’s books.

On the show...

What's working — and what's not working — in your comics business?
What should you do when subscriptions stagnate?
What's the best way to use Patreon without burning out on complex rewards?
What is the best use of Print On Demand?
How can I use Substack to publish/monetize my comic?
Is social media declining? — And if so, how are you compensating?

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!

Shouts and whispers Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

After discussing the best lettering techniques for shouts and whispers, Brad and Dave talk about plateaus. Is it possible to plateau for too long? Can they actually be beneficial? PLUS... Dave shares his experience after the first week of taking the ComicLab Social Media Challenge. This may be the best time-management tool yet!

Today's Show

The best lettering techniques for shouts and whispers
Susan MacTaggart's Personal Affirmation
Are plateaus... good?
Is it possible to plateau for too long?
The ComicLab Social Media Challenge ... is it your time management solution?

Summary

In this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various themes related to creativity, comic artistry, and the challenges artists face. They discuss the importance of improv in everyday situations, the nuances of comic lettering, and the significance of legibility in comics. The conversation also explores the role of boredom as a catalyst for creativity, the inevitability of plateaus in artistic development, and the necessity of challenging oneself to avoid burnout. Additionally, they touch on the impact of social media on productivity and the importance of effective time management for artists.

Takeaways

Improv can enhance experiences like open houses.
Comic lettering styles can convey a range of emotions.
Legibility is crucial in comic art.
Visual metaphors help communicate emotions in comics.
Boredom can spark creativity and new ideas.
Plateaus in artistic growth are common and can lead to breakthroughs.
Challenging oneself can reignite creativity.
Social media can distract from productivity.
Time management is essential for artists.
Burnout can be mitigated by seeking new challenges.

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!

Dave Kellett's Comic-Con Report Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Today's show is brought to you by Dreamhost! It's the first step in owning and controlling your own work. Check out the special offers at dreamhost.com/comiclab . Once again, Dave Kellett returns from Comic-Con International with a full report featuring actual numbers from his time spent exhibiting at his booth. He'll share what worked, what didn't, and what he has planned for next year. Next, it's the COMICLAB SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE! After Brad challenges Dave to remove the social-media apps from his phone and charge the phone on the other side of the room at bedtime, the guys decide to make this a group experiment. Do YOU accept the challenge?

Summary

Dave reflects on the success of his booths, strategies for engaging with fans, and the importance of presentation. The conversation shifts to a new social media challenge, where they explore the impact of social media on productivity and creativity. They encourage listeners to join them in reducing social media usage and share their experiences. The episode concludes with a focus on future plans and the importance of community engagement.

Takeaways

Comic-Con was a success for both hosts, with increased sales and engagement.

Preparation and presentation are key to a successful Comic-Con booth.

The hosts discuss the importance of original art and its display.

Social media can be a significant time sink, impacting productivity.

The hosts challenge each other to reduce social media usage for a week.

Engaging with the Comic Lab community is important for accountability.

The hosts reflect on their experiences and lessons learned from Comic-Con.

They emphasize the importance of personal connections at conventions.

The episode encourages listeners to take control of their social media habits.

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 Guests Greg and Karen Evans Celebrate 40 Years of Luann Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Dreamhost — your first step in owning and controlling your own work! Visit them at https://www.dreamhost.com/comiclab . This week, Brad and Dave are joined by Greg and Karen Evans, who are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their syndicated comic strip, Luann. Karen — then, a toddler — was the inspiration for the strip when Greg launched it in 1985. Twenty-seven years later, Karen joined her father to co-write the comic. They'll discuss that journey, their collaborative process, the significance of reader interaction, and more.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Greg and Karen Evans reflect on their 40-year journey with the comic strip Luann. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the submission process, the evolution of their characters, and the importance of collaboration in their creative process. The conversation also touches on their experiences at Comic-Con, the significance of reader interaction, and the unique challenges of adapting 2D characters into 3D models. Throughout, they emphasize the joy of storytelling and the impact of their work on fans and the cartooning community.

Takeaways

40 years of Luann is a tremendous achievement.
The early submission process was filled with frustration.
Character development is crucial in storytelling.
Collaboration has enhanced the creative process.
Reader interaction has shaped the strip's evolution.
Comic-Con provides a unique opportunity for connection.
3D modeling presents new challenges for cartoonists.
Aging characters allows for deeper storytelling.
The importance of humor in everyday life.
The joy of creating and sharing stories with 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!

ComicLab Celebrates 400 Episodes Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Today, YOU are the star of the show. We asked ComicLab listeners to help us celebrate our 400th episode by calling in with favorite memories from our seven years of podcasting. And — WOW! — did you ever deliver! Today's show will put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.

ComicLab has been cranking out episodes about making comics — and making a living from comics — every week since January 2018. (Twice a week, if you count the Patreon-exclusive Pro Tips episodes!) A show that set out to share shop talk, advice, and friendship has become a weekly favorite of cartoonists, comic creators, and people who simply enjoy hearing people share their passion for 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!

What if You Won the Lottery? Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

This week's show is brought to you by Dreamhost — your first step in owning and controlling your own work. This week, the fellas wonder what it would be like to win the lottery. Then, Brad shares stories from the American Library Association conference in Philadelphia. Finally, Brad and Dave explain why placing white text on a black background can cause eye fatigue.

Today's Show

What if we won the lottery?
No more Susan MacTaggart
Dreamhost.com/ComicLab
UPDATE: The American Library Association conference in Philadelphia
White type on a black background

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the joys and challenges of cartooning, the impact of wealth on creativity, and the importance of connecting with one's audience. They explore what they would do if they won the Powerball, emphasizing the value of investing in others and creating opportunities for future cartoonists. The conversation also explores the balance between art and commerce, the role of stress in creativity, and the importance of community support in the comic industry.

Takeaways

The dream of a flexible schedule is a common aspiration for cartoonists.
Winning the Powerball would not change the core of who they are as creators.
Investing in others can create significant opportunities for struggling artists.
A billion dollars can be used to create programs for future cartoonists.
Wealth can impact creativity, but it can also lead to a loss of touch with humanity.
Maintaining a connection with the audience is crucial for creators.
Stress can sharpen creativity and drive success in the comic industry.
The use of text in comics should be carefully considered for readability.
Community support is invaluable for cartoonists and creators.
Ownership of one's work is essential in the comic industry.

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