Comic Lab

• Narration or Dialogue?

  It's a jam-packed show this week! Brad and Dave argue over the better delivery for story exposition — dialogue or narration. Dave is discontinuing international shipping; Brad gets his Wikipedia updates; and the guys agree that Dee Fish does autobio comics right. Then Dave does another behind-the-scenes analysis of his recent Kickstarter, talking about his pricing strategy for stretch goals and how they processed hundreds of images for the campaign. Finally, with the SFWA opening their membership to comic creators, they discuss whether they should join.Today's showNarration or Dialogue?Susan McTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: international shippingUPDATE: Brad's Wikipedia pageUPDATE: Autobio comics done right: Finding DeeDave's Kickstarter Stretch GoalsDave's Kickstarter imagesSFWA membershipSummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar focus on the debate between using narration boxes versus dialogue. Brad Guigar emphasizes the importance of comfort in storytelling choices, while both hosts explore the emotional impact of narration and its evolution in comics. They encourage creators to follow their instincts and prioritize compelling storytelling. Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss various aspects of storytelling, community engagement through Patreon, the challenges of international shipping for comic creators, the significance of meaning in autobiocomics, and strategies for successful Kickstarter campaigns. They emphasize the importance of creative choices, the impact of community support, and the complexities of shipping logistics in the comic industry. Dave Kellett discusses the intricacies of managing Kickstarter campaigns, mainly focusing on stretch goals and the importance of planning. They emphasize the need for careful consideration when adding new items during a campaign and the potential complications that can arise. The discussion then shifts to preparing images for Kickstarter, highlighting the significant amount of work involved in creating marketing materials. Finally, they explore the relevance of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) to comic creators, sharing their thoughts on community and the changing landscape of the sci-fi genre.TakeawaysDave shares a humorous personal anecdote about food poisoning.Choosing between narration and dialogue is a key decision for comic creators.Comfort in storytelling choices is crucial for new writers.Narration can impact the emotional flavor of a story.There is no wrong choice in narrative style; follow your gut.The evolution of comic narration reflects changing storytelling trends.Narration boxes can add depth but may also create rigidity.The importance of pacing in storytelling is discussed.Creativity should guide the use of narration and dialogue. Creative choices in storytelling can enhance narrative depth.Engaging with the community through platforms like Patreon fosters support.International shipping poses significant challenges for comic creators.Autobiocomics should convey meaning beyond just events.Successful Kickstarter campaigns require strategic planning and stretch goals.Understanding shipping costs is crucial for international sales.Community feedback can improve personal branding and visibility.Autobiocomics can be done right by providing emotional context.Stretch goals should be carefully calculated to ensure profitability.Gamification of Kickstarter goals can drive excitement and engagement. Don't add stretch goals during an active Kickstarter campaign.Plan all stretch goals before launching the campaign.Physical items as stretch goals can complicate logistics.Create paper-based stretch goals to simplify fulfillment.Image preparation is crucial for a successful Kickstarter.Over 200 images may be needed for a Kickstarter campaign.Marketing images should be tailored for different platforms.SFWA's opening to comic creators is a positive change.Community support is vital for independent creators.Ownership of work is essential for creative freedom. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:10:29
• Paint the Wall Red: Conjuring Creativity

  In a recent interview for the National Cartoonists Society, Greg Evans (the creator of the newspaper comic strip "Luanne") spoke about painting a single wall in his studio red. Mel Lazarus, creator of the syndicated strips "Momma" and "Miss Peach," told him that the color red was proven to increase creative thoughts. This resulted in one burning question for the cartoonists assembled to watch the interview: "DID IT WORK!?"Today's ShowCreativitySusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationUsing copyrighted music lyrics in a comicSummaryIn this episode, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss various topics related to creativity, including the significance of the color red in creative spaces and personal superstitions that influence their creative processes. They explore the humorous aspects of creativity and the shared experiences of cartoonists while also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the comic strip 'Luanne'. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the complexities of creativity, discussing the psychological effects of color, the challenges of maintaining a consistent creative output, and various strategies to overcome creative blocks.In the second half, after Susan MacTaggart drops by to share a personal affirmation for a lucky ComicLab backer, they also touch on the importance of legal considerations in creative projects, particularly when referencing existing works. The dialogue is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for artists and creators alike. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into the intricacies of copyright, fair use, and the ethical considerations surrounding using creative works. They discuss the historical context of copyright, the importance of seeking permission to use others' intellectual property, and the complexities of navigating licensing agreements. The conversation emphasizes the need for artists to respect the rights of their peers while also understanding the legal landscape that governs creative works.TakeawaysThe song 'Piña Colada' has bizarre lyrics that reflect on relationships.The color red is believed to boost creativity, as shared by cartoonist Greg Evans.Creativity is often difficult to pin down and can be influenced by environment.Many artists have personal rituals or superstitions that help trigger creativity.Getting bored can lead to creative breakthroughs, as distractions are removed.Having a specific workspace can enhance focus and creativity.The importance of context in understanding creativity is emphasized.Superstitions can be seen as strategies for fostering creativity.The discussion highlights the shared experiences of cartoonists in their creative journeys.The episode humorously addresses the absurdity of certain creative beliefs. Creativity can be influenced by environmental factors like color.Consistency in creativity is a challenge for many artists.Finding personal strategies for creativity is essential.Boredom can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.Starting the creative process is often the hardest part.Engaging with interesting people can spark new ideas.Reading old work can help reconnect with your creative voice.Deadlines can reduce fear and encourage action in creativity.Legal considerations are crucial when referencing other artists' work.Your art has intrinsic value, regardless of external validation. Copyright gives artists control over their work.Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material.Seeking permission is crucial when using others' work.Ethical considerations are as important as legal ones.The complexities of copyright can be daunting for creators.Documentaries often fall under fair use but still require permissions.Artists may feel protective over their creations.Licensing agreements can be complicated and vary widely.Understanding copyright is essential for all creators.Navigating permissions can be a lengthy process. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  59:39
• Autobiohazard: Drawing the Line Between Fact and Fiction

  Where's the line between an autobiographical comic and a semi-autobiographical one — between "based upon" and "inspired by"? And when does the whole thing veer directly into fiction?? Plus... Dave Kellett shares real numbers from his recent Kickstarter, and we arrive at a jaw-dropping conclusion: Bluesky is it.The Webcomics Handbook will publish a visual breakdown of Dave's analytics on April 14th.Today's showWhere to draw the line on an autobio comicMalignant ProcrastinationSusan MacTaggart's Personal AffirmationDave shares actual numbers from his KickstarterThe Wrong Way Show: Toy Story's WoodySummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share insights on navigating autobiocomics, exploring the balance between fiction and fact in storytelling. The conversation highlights the significance of making personal stories compelling and meaningful for audiences. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the intricacies of storytelling in comics, mainly focusing on autobiographical narratives. They discuss the importance of engaging and meaningful stories, emphasizing that readers seek entertainment and context in narratives. The duo also addresses the common issue of procrastination among creators, urging them to take action and start their projects, regardless of the fear of failure. They highlight that creativity thrives on making choices and moving forward rather than getting bogged down in details.After Susan MacTaggart drops by to share a personal affirmation for one of ComicLab's $10 backers, Dave Kellett discusses the success of Kellett's recent Kickstarter campaign for his book 'Anatomy of Dogs'. He and Brad explore the sources of backers, the impact of social media platforms like Blue Sky, and the importance of converting followers into actual supporters. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of Kickstarter as a platform for creators and the changing landscape of social media engagement. In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the intricacies of running a successful Kickstarter campaign, the impact of social media on funding, and the importance of maintaining quality in production. They share insights on financials, the long-term benefits of Kickstarter projects, and how to build a sustainable career as an independent cartoonist. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful planning and the value of mental health in the creative process.TakeawaysSmall acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.Every interaction with fans can create memorable moments.Autobiocomics need to be engaging, not just factual.Never let the truth hinder a good story.Context and meaning are crucial in storytelling.It's essential to make personal stories relatable.Readers care more about the story than the facts.Becoming a writer means crafting meaningful narratives. Give yourself the leeway to make your story interesting.Readers care about the entertainment value of a story.Autobiographical comics often lack excitement and meaning.Injecting fiction can enhance storytelling.Stories should have a purpose for the reader's life.Procrastination can hinder creative aspirations.Start with small segments of your story to gain momentum.Character designs will evolve; start drawing.Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from creating.Every choice made in storytelling contributes to the overall narrative.This was my most successful Sheldon Kickstarter ever.I did not use Twitter at all.Blue Sky works for reaching backers.The second source was my Patreon for Drive.You need to be able to convert those readers into backers.Those numbers are fake numbers on social media.Kickstarter is a must-use for cartoonists.The highest percentage of backers came from Kickstarter sources.I was afraid to leave Twitter and Instagram.The impact of social media on crowdfunding is significant. The utility of Kickstarter must remain intact for success.Social media platforms can significantly impact funding outcomes.Quality production is crucial for maintaining a good reputation.Kickstarter profits can be amortized over several years.Building a mailing list from backers is essential for future campaigns.Mental health can improve by choosing the right social media platforms.Planning ahead for stretch goals is vital to avoid pitfalls.Every Kickstarter project contributes to a larger career strategy.Quality materials enhance customer loyalty and future sales.Understanding financials helps in making informed decisions. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:14:38
• "I have a useless degree... and I love it!"

  As they attempt to save the marriage of one of their listeners, Brad and Dave consider the best path for a cartoonist who wishes to pursue a master's degree. Would a Master's in Fine Arts be the right choice, or would a Master's in Business Administration be the better option? Considering the expense, perhaps the best choice is to avoid both! After grappling with that dilemma, Susan MacTaggart stops by to share a personal affirmation with a member of the ComicLab community.Today's ShowIs a Master's Degree in comics worthwhile?Susan MacTaggart's AffirmationUPDATE: Brad and Dave's Wikipedia pagesMixing word-balloon stylesSummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of education for cartoonists, debating the merits of pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts (MFA) versus a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). The discussion highlights the value of writing skills in comics and the necessity of understanding business principles in today's publishing climate. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intersection of art and marketing, discussing the value of formal education, such as an MFA, in developing a creative career. They explore the importance of self-teaching versus structured learning, emphasizing personal growth and the impact of higher education on career paths. The conversation also touches on community engagement through personal affirmations and mid-show updates, culminating in discussing word balloon techniques in comics. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett delve into the intricacies of comic storytelling, focusing on the use of word balloons and their aesthetic implications. They discuss the evolution of comic communication, the philosophy behind how comics convey messages, and the unique structure of two-panel comics. The conversation highlights the balance between visual elements and text, exploring how these components enhance storytelling in comics.TakeawaysEducation in the arts should focus on writing, not just drawing.An MFA may not provide the specific skills needed for comics compared to an MBA.Understanding business and marketing is crucial for independent cartoonists today.Higher education can provide a shortcut to knowledge that would take years to learn otherwise.Not all education needs to have a direct financial return on investment.The subjective nature of art can complicate grading in MFA programs.Scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education.Choosing between an MFA and an MBA depends on personal career goals and interests. The art itself is not enough; marketing plays a crucial role.An MFA can provide valuable insights into salesmanship and marketing.The experience gained from an MFA depends on the student's openness to feedback.Many successful cartoonists do not have an MFA, indicating it's not essential for success.Self-teaching can be as effective as formal education, depending on the individual's learning style.Personal growth and happiness can come from pursuing higher education, even if it doesn't directly impact career success.Community engagement is vital for creators, as seen in the personal affirmations segment.Word balloon techniques vary based on the comic's style and background complexity.The hosts share humorous anecdotes about their Wikipedia pages, highlighting the challenges of self-presentation.The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques to fit the evolving art style. Word balloons can affect the aesthetics of a comic.Using a floater can conserve space in a panel.Breaking up dialogue into multiple balloons improves readability.Floaters can convey whispers or asides effectively.Aesthetics sometimes dictate the choice between word balloons and floaters.The history of word balloons reflects the evolution of comic art.Comics often rely on a visual punchline that follows a setup.Two-panel comics can exist in greeting cards and other formats.The construction of comics can influence how they are perceived.The philosophy of comic communication is complex and evolving. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:13:08
• Running gag ... or running out of steam?

  When does a running gag stop being funny — and where does it start, for that matter? Cartoonists Brad and Dave must first agree on what a running gag is! Next, they'll talk about aesthetics — in other words, how does one develop their editorial eye? Finally, Dave reviews his accounting from last year's San Diego Comic-Con and discusses how it influences his decisions for this year's show.Today's ShowWhen does a running gag go too far?Developing an editorial eyeUPDATE: San Diego Comic-Con numbersSummaryIn this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of humor in comics, focusing on the use of running gags and tropes. They discuss the importance of timing, audience familiarity, and the subjective nature of humor. The conversation also delves into the challenges of building an audience in webcomics and the significance of developing an editorial eye for creators. Through various examples, they highlight how running gags can engage audiences while cautioning against overuse. In the next topic, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of critical reading and learning from excellent and poor comic industry works. They emphasize the need for creators to develop an editorial eye by consuming a wide range of content, understanding audience expectations, and being open to honest feedback. The episode finally touches on the economic realities of attending comic conventions, particularly San Diego Comic-Con, and how creators can navigate the changing landscape of the comic industry.TakeawaysRunning gags can enhance humor but must be used wisely.Timing and audience familiarity are crucial in comedy.The rule of threes is a guideline for running gags.Developing an editorial eye takes time and practice.Reading a variety of comics helps improve your craft.Surprise is a key element in effective humor.Character-driven comedy can create memorable running gags.Webcomics require a different approach to running gags than print comics.Familiarity can trigger emotional responses beyond humor.The balance of surprise and familiarity is essential in comedy. Reading with a critical eye is necessary for creators.Learning from both great and poor works is valuable.Understanding why certain choices are made in storytelling is crucial.Diverse reading helps inform your creative process.Feedback is vital, but discernment is necessary to know what to take.Comic conventions can be economically challenging for creators.The landscape of comic creation has changed significantly over the years.Creators must adapt to modern audience expectations.Honest feedback can be hard to accept but is necessary for growth.Networking at conventions should be weighed against potential losses. 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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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  1:00:49

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