Comic Lab

As we begin a new year, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar make their predictions for 2025 and share their goals for the next twelve months.PredictionsDAVE: Business planning anxietyBRAD: Because of Dave’s prediction, the winners will be people who help address that anxiety. (That’s us!) Be the distraction/escape people need; they won’t forget you. DAVE: Bluesky at 50M by the end of the yearBRAD: Substack gains prominence — rises to Kickstarter/Patreon levelsDAVE: we’ll all be playing reactionary, whack-a-mole life choices for the first two years of the trump admin. Until the midterm elections, when it might calm slightly. BRAD: AI will go mainstream and start to gain acceptance among artists and writersDAVE: Kickstarter and Patreon continue to be market leaders. No change on the horizon for thatBRAD: Printing is on the decline under tariffs. And we might be working with small US printers to do smaller books.DAVE: in publishing, YA & kids will continue to dominate the career path of published cartoonists. BRAD: Non-social media options will grow, hopefully including RSSDAVE: Webtoons might begin to fall apart in the US market. Their Hollywood goals are not working, and they were playing the long game toward THAT in terms of accumulating debt DAVE: I will have to raise prices on all my books. Or cut features in my books. No more metallic foils, spot gloss, or bookmarks…you’re just getting a bare-bones book. GoalsBRAD: SurviveDAVE: SurviveBRAD: EiAD v3 or Webcomics HandbookDAVE: ANATOMY OF DOGS Kickstarter BRAD: Build Spice Rack Comics into an example of what you can do with the webring / collective concept. Suggest that this is the time to start building quasi-collectives.DAVE: Triple down on Bluesky in the 4-6 years before enshittification BRAD: Lean into KDP for After Dark booksDAVE: Triple down on BlueskyDAVE: Launch and start building THE WRONG WAY. I have been planning it for over a year. DAVE: Focus on one of the few things I can control: my family's happiness and health. Outlive the fuckers and try not to let them steal my joy. I find solace in friendships at Alaska Camp and SDCC. DAVE: if we can’t do books, do we do more smaller Quickstarter?DAVE: Is this the time to start on Substack?SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss a range of topics, including a personal quest for a long-lost book, Wimpy the Wellington, predictions for the comic industry in 2025, the anxiety surrounding business planning for cartoonists, and the evolving role of cartoonists in providing relief during turbulent times. They also explore the rise of new platforms like Blue Sky and Substack and the potential mainstream acceptance of AI in the creative fields. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and his co-host discuss the evolving role of AI in creative processes, emphasizing its potential as an assistant rather than a replacement for artists and writers.They make predictions for 2025, including the impact of tariffs on print publishing, the continued dominance of YA and kids' books, and the uncertain future of Webtoons in the U.S. market. The discussion also touches on the concept of 'shrinkflation' in publishing, where features may be reduced due to economic pressures.Ultimately, both hosts express a shared goal of survival in a changing industry landscape. In this episode, the hosts discuss their goals and predictions for 2025, focusing on the importance of social media platforms like Blue Sky, the launch of a new project called The Wrong Way, and the innovative approach of Spice Rack Comics. They also touch on adapting to market changes, personal goals, and the significance of community support in the creative industry.TakeawaysCartoonists have a significant impact on their audience's mental health.Business planning in the comic industry is becoming increasingly complex.The rise of platforms like Blue Sky may change social media dynamics.Substack is poised to become a major player in content monetization.Anxiety will be a common theme in the coming years for creators.AI's acceptance in the creative industry is on the horizon.The importance of community and support among creators is paramount.Predictions for the future can help guide current decisions.The role of humor and distraction in art is vital during tough times. AI will be used as a writing assistant, not a replacement.Ethically sourced AI can enhance creative processes.Print publishing is expected to contract significantly due to tariffs.YA and kids' books will continue to dominate the market.Webtoons may struggle in the U.S. market moving forward.Shrinkflation will affect the features of published books.Survival is the primary goal for creators in 2025.Economic changes will force a reevaluation of publishing strategies.The creative industry must adapt to new market dynamics.The future of comics relies on navigating these challenges. Tripling down on Blue Sky is a strategic move for growth.The Wrong Way project is set to launch in 2025.Spice Rack Comics aims to innovate web rings and promote collaboration.Adapting to market changes is crucial for sustainability.Personal goals should focus on what can be controlled.Community support is essential for success in creative fields.Digital income sources are becoming increasingly important.Maintaining joy and personal happiness is a priority.Nostalgia can be a refuge during uncertain times.Building a supportive network can enhance creative endeavors. 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.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

At the beginning of the year, Dave and Brad made a series of predictions and set some personal goals for the year. The year is over, and it's time to see how they fared.Predictions for 2024BRAD: Twitter will crash in 2023 2024DAVE: Social media will remain distributed over five or six platformsBRAD: Web users will begin to pivot away from social mediaDAVE: Patreon will move closer to an IPOBRAD: Kickstarter will remain #1 by continuing to avoid mentioning blockchainDAVE: SDCC will return to normal after an abnormal '23... and profits will plummet for creatorsThings we DIDN'T see coming!AI snuck up on us in 2024 — No one predicted that!Bluesky snuck up on us, too!Goals for 2024DAVE: Launch "Pickles" Kickstarter in Jan/Feb, launch "Drive 4" Kickstarter in summerBRAD: In Q1, Kickstart an Evil Inc book paired with an After Dark edition. Kickstart another book — Webcomics Handbook, Evil Inc After Dark or collection of single-panel comics — in Q2/Q3DAVE: Prepare for a 5-15% sales drop at Comic-Con InternationalBRAD: Personal appearances, including SDCC and NCSDAVE: ComicLab Across AmericaBRAD: Use NON-social-media alternatives to drive Patreon.DAVE: Revisit KIndle Direct PublishingBRAD: Start prepping website for a post-Patreon futureDAVE: Build the ComicLab Patreon to 500 members   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.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

A father is concerned that comics no longer reach kids, suggesting that video games are the better value measured by engagement time. What can we do to reverse this trend? On today's showHow can comics reach kids?UPDATE: Buffer (see addendum below)How can I avoid Trump's tariffs? (see other addendum below)AddendumOne day after we recorded the drop that explained that Buffer did not support video uploads, they made an announcement. You guessed it — they've added that functionality. They still do not support adding content moderation labels.Other addendumDuring the campaign, President Trump made tariffs a large part of his platform. He pitched a wide range of tariffs and scenarios. He suggested a tariff of between 60 and 100% on goods imported from China, a tariff on cars imported from Mexico that ranged from 100% to 200%, he threatened John Deere with a 200% tariff if they outsourced to Mexico. During our discussion, we took the worst-case scenario — 200%. On Nov. 26, Trump solidified his economic plans, promising executive orders on Day One that would levy a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada with an additional 10% tax on Chinese imports. The upshot of the conversation remains the same: These costs will be passed along to American consumers and businesspeople (like us), and you would be wise to build these additional expenditures into any Kickstarter campaigns you have planned for 2025.SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts explore how parents can encourage reading among kids, the value of libraries, and community initiatives to promote access to books. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the evolving landscape of social media, particularly focusing on the emerging platform Blue Sky. They share their experiences with various social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes and seizing opportunities for audience engagement. The discussion also touches on the potential of illustrated novels as an alternative storytelling medium, considering the labor-intensive nature of comics and the desire to share narratives more efficiently. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and ComicLab discuss the complexities of transitioning from comics to illustrated novels, emphasizing the importance of writing skills alongside illustration. They also delve into the potential impact of tariffs on printing costs, particularly for small publishers relying on overseas printing. The discussion highlights the challenges and realities of both creative and business aspects in the comic industry.TakeawaysComics and graphic novels aimed at kids are a thriving print publishing sector. Parents play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading in their children.Libraries are vital community resources that provide free access to books.Engagement with comics should not be measured solely by cost-effectiveness.Community initiatives like book exchanges can enhance access to literature.Encouraging kids to read requires active participation from parents.The comics industry is successfully reaching young audiences today.Creative solutions exist for parents to provide books without breaking the bank. Engagement on Blue Sky is currently very high.Deleting old social media accounts can be liberating.Scheduling posts is crucial for maximizing engagement.Blue Sky offers a unique opportunity for audience building.Social media fatigue is a common concern among creators.The landscape of social media is constantly changing.Illustrated novels could be a viable alternative to comics.It's important to adapt to new platforms quickly.Community moderation tools are essential for a healthy environment.Creators should always be on the lookout for new opportunities. You can be very successful in an illustrated novel situation.Writing is as complex as illustrating.Dunning-Kruger effect applies to perceptions of writing difficulty.Novelists can spend years honing their craft.Transitioning to a new art form requires significant time investment.Tariffs can drastically increase printing costs.Small publishers may struggle with rising costs due to tariffs.Navigating printing options requires careful consideration.Expect uncertainty regarding tariffs in the current political climate.Reshoring the printing industry is a complex challenge. 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.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

Writing humor takes a lot of time and patience. We'll discuss ways to persevere.SummaryIn this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett share insights on the creative process of writing humor, emphasizing that humor can be both an inherited trait and a learned skill. The conversation highlights the necessity of trial and error in developing a comedic voice and the various factors influencing one's ability to be funny. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the journey of mastering humor and comedy writing. They emphasize the importance of practice, analysis, and the willingness to learn from unfunny attempts. The hosts share practical tips for writing jokes, the significance of active watching in comedy, and the necessity of obsession with the craft. They also address the challenges some may face in writing humor and encourage aspiring comedians to find their unique path in the genre. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the emergence of Blue Sky as a promising social media platform, contrasting it with their experiences on Twitter and other platforms. They explore the emotional challenges of leaving behind established accounts, the importance of engagement, and the sunk cost fallacy that often prevents users from moving on. The discussion emphasizes the need to focus on platforms that bring joy and meaningful connections, ultimately advocating for a shift towards Blue Sky.TakeawaysWriting humor is a long-term process.Not everyone has an innate sense of humor.Trial and error is essential in humor writing.Humor can be developed through practice.A supportive environment fosters comedic skills.Personal experiences shape one's comedic voice.Learning from past failures is crucial.Engagement with the audience is key to success. Writing humor requires a long journey of trial and error.Analyzing unfunny work is crucial for improvement.Active watching of comedy can enhance joke-writing skills.Practice writing jokes daily to develop your craft.Improv classes can help students understand humor dynamics.Reading and analyzing successful comics can provide insights.Books on comedy writing can be helpful but may not suit everyone.Obsession with humor is essential for long-term success.You can't get worse at writing humor if you keep practicing.Finding joy in the process is critical to becoming a better comedian. Blue Sky is gaining traction as a new social media platform.Engagement on Blue Sky is significantly higher than on Twitter.The emotional weight of deleting social media accounts can be heavy.The sunk cost fallacy can prevent users from moving on from old platforms.It's essential to focus on platforms that bring joy and engagement.Many interesting creators are migrating to Blue Sky.The hosts emphasize the importance of audience engagement for success.Deleting old accounts can be a liberating decision.Social media should be a source of joy, not frustration.Building a community on new platforms is essential for growth.   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.Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.