Comic Lab

Making friends in the comics community can be... complicated. After all, we're kind of an introverted bunch. When it comes to social interaction, Brad and Dave have made all the mistakes, so you don't have to! They'll talk about trying too hard, encountering hostility, and trying to fit into a community that's just not right for you. Speaking of realizing a community isn't a good fit, Dave just found out he was kicked off Amazon. And that's perfectly OK with him.

Today's Show

UPDATE: Dave has been kicked off Amazon!

UPDATE: Our listeners recommend eBay for international shipping

Making friends with other cartoonists

What can a full-time self-published comic artist expect to earn?

Summary

In this engaging episode, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the complexities of social interactions within the creative community, the challenges of online publishing, and the evolving role of AI in content moderation. They share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on navigating friendships, social media, and the digital landscape as artists and creators. They share personal stories, industry insights, and humorous banter that will inspire and inform creators at all levels.

Key Topics

Social interactions among artists and creators

Challenges of online publishing and content moderation

Strategies for building and maintaining friendships in creative communities The financial realities of full-time cartooning

The importance of evolving creatively and professionally

Understanding the influence of zeitgeist on comic 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!
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.

What’s the difference between a concept and a conceit — and why does confusing the two quietly sabotage so many comics?

In this episode, Brad and Dave break down one of the most important (and misunderstood) distinctions in storytelling. A concept is the engine that drives your story forward. A conceit is a clever wrapper that might look great… but doesn’t go anywhere.

If you’ve ever launched a comic that felt strong at first but ran out of momentum, this conversation will hit home.

We talk about:

Why constraints actually fuel creativity

How to test whether your idea has real staying power

The danger of building a comic around a gimmick

And how to strengthen your story before you spend months drawing it

Today's show:

A comic without recurring characters

UPDATE: ComicLab accent challenge

UPDATE: Amazon Advantage

UPDATE: DoubleDogBook.com

How to do a sarcastic word balloon

Takeaways

Character design plays a crucial role in storytelling.

Comics can thrive without a central protagonist.

Idea-driven comics have historical precedence.

Naming a comic can be a challenging but essential task.

Feedback is vital in the creative process.

Constraints can enhance creativity and focus.

Monosyllabic titles are often more memorable.

A good title can significantly impact a comic's success.

The creative journey involves trial and error. Sharing ideas at smaller levels can reveal what resonates.

Avoiding sunk cost fallacy is crucial in decision-making.

Amazon Advantage can lead to unexpected losses.

Understanding the costs of shipping is essential for profitability.

Sarcasm in comics requires careful visual and textual cues.

Bold lettering can enhance the impact of sarcasm.

Walt Kelly's techniques in lettering were innovative but sometimes excessive.

Comic creators should consider the visual presentation of dialogue.

A well-crafted word balloon can convey emotion effectively.

The legacy of past cartoonists informs current practices.

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.

This week, we welcome the brilliant Dylan Meconis, creator of Queen of the Sea and Bite Me.

Here’s what we cover:

How most colorists actually break in (hint: it’s not by “murdering another colorist in single combat” — though that was discussed)

What “flatting” is — and why it’s often your first step into paid coloring work

Why networking is really just “being friends with cartoonists”

Portfolio strategy: Why saying “I do everything” is less effective than saying “I do this brilliantly”

Analog coloring techniques — watercolor paper, oil-based pencils, and why certain materials go extinct at the worst possible moment

The realities of scanning physical art (and why scanners are basically cameras on an arm)

How to handle black plates, rich black, and avoiding fuzzy type in print

If you’ve ever wondered whether coloring could be an income stream for you — or how to level up your current process — this episode is a masterclass.

Products and Programs mentioned on the show

Note: Some of the links are affiliate links

WildCraft Studio is in Portland, Oregon. 

PITT monochrome oil pencils by Faber-Castell

Watercolor paints, Daniel Smith brand

Watercolor paper (cold press) by Arches

White watercolor paper, Dick Blick house brand

Epson scanner, Perfection series

Epson scanner, Workforce series

Colored pencils, Caran d'Ache

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the hosts welcome cartoonist Dylan Meconis to explore various topics including coloring techniques, the integration of digital and traditional media, and the importance of choosing the right materials for comic creation. Dylan shares insights into her unique artistic process, the challenges of color printing, and the significance of lettering in comics. The discussion also highlights the value of collaboration and the joy of discovering new art supplies.

Takeaways

Dylan Meconis emphasizes the importance of using various mediums in art.

The process of creating 'Queen of the Sea' involved unique coloring techniques.

Dylan's artistic process includes both traditional and digital methods.

Choosing the right materials can significantly impact the final artwork.

Scanners play a crucial role in capturing traditional art for digital use.

Lettering is an essential aspect of comic creation that requires careful consideration.

Collaboration with other artists can enhance the creative process.

Experimenting with different art supplies can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Understanding color printing challenges is vital for comic artists.

Dylan's approach to art is influenced by her background and experiences.

 

 

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.

A listener writes in after a breakup, worried they’ve lost their creative spark for good. Brad and Dave unpack the emotional toll of heartbreak, why creative paralysis is normal, and how time, grief, and self-reflection can ultimately deepen your storytelling. Also: Dave is quitting Amazon Advantage, and he shares why he made that startling decision.
Today's Show
Comics Will Break Your Heart (and so will dating)
Dave Kellett's "Double Dog Dare" book
Amazon Advantage
Imposter Syndrome and mental health
Takeaways
It's normal to feel creatively blocked after a heartbreak.
Finding joy in solitude can help with creativity.
Time is essential for healing after a breakup.
Navigating international shipping can be complex and frustrating.
Mental health is crucial for creative individuals.
Imposter syndrome can hinder the creative process.
Seeking professional help is important for mental health issues.
Weather can significantly affect mood and creativity.
Sharing experiences can help others feel less alone.
Listener feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement.

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.

The Mel Brooks documentary, "The 99-Year-Old Man!" holds a lot of wisdom for cartoonists. Speaking of wisdom, it doesn't take much to avoid these common Kickstarter scams.
Today's Show
What can cartoonists learn from Mel Brooks?
Kickstarter
Summary
In this episode of ComicLab, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges and joys of creativity, drawing inspiration from Mel Brooks' documentary. They explore themes of fear, kindness, and the importance of perseverance in artistic careers. The conversation also touches on the realities of navigating Kickstarter campaigns, including the rise of scams targeting creators. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the power of laughter and the need for support in the creative community.
Takeaways
Fear is a recurring theme in creativity.
The fear of not trying is greater than the fear of failure.
Kindness can have a profound impact on artists.
Perseverance doesn't mean sticking to what's not working.
You can reinvent yourself as an artist at any stage.
Kickstarter scams are on the rise; be cautious.
Laughter is a powerful tool for change.
Support from friends is crucial in creative journeys.
It's important to recognize the struggles behind success.
Creativity often requires stepping out of comfort zones.
 
 

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.