Comic Lab

• Special Guest Scott C

  Cartoonist Scott C joins us to discuss his artistic journey. He discusses his beginnings, including art directing Psychonauts and Brutal Legend for Double Fine Productions, as well as his first webcomic, Double Fine Action Comics. He shares valuable insights on working with watercolors and creating graphic novels for younger readers. His paintings are currently on display at Spoke Art in New York.Scott CWebsitePreorder Scott's new book, Cabin Head and Tree Head!Great ShowdownsDouble Fine Action ComicsSpoke ArtYouTubeTwitchInstagramSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar interview Scott Campbell, a renowned artist and illustrator, exploring his journey from childhood art aspirations to his significant role in game development. The discussion covers Scott's early influences, his transition into the gaming industry, and the challenges of art direction, particularly in collaborative environments. Scott shares insights on navigating feedback and the creative process, emphasizing the importance of communication and trust in artistic collaborations. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of feedback in creative work, the joy of artistic expression, and the unique challenges of working with watercolor. They explore the importance of maintaining a childlike joy in art, the fluidity and spontaneity of watercolor painting, and the intricacies of editing in this medium. Additionally, they discuss the gallery experience, sharing insights on how to navigate art shows and the excitement of showcasing work internationally. In this engaging conversation, they discuss various aspects of the art world, including the joy of community engagement through art shows, the unique experiences at Comic-Con, and the delightful nature of librarians at ALA. They delve into Scott's artistic style, exploring how it has evolved over the years and the balance between simplicity and capturing likeness in art. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the magic of artistic interpretation and the feelings conveyed through art.TakeawaysScott C's artwork was first discovered by Dave at Neil Patrick Harris's house.Scott was encouraged by his creative mother from a young age.He aspired to draw comics, particularly X-Men, during his teenage years.Neil Adams provided Scott with a pivotal moment of encouragement at a convention.Scott transitioned from art directing games to pursuing his own artistic projects.He found his first job at Lucas Learning, working on Star Wars games.Art directing Psychonauts was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Scott.Feedback in creative processes is essential for growth and improvement.Scott enjoys the editing process and values constructive criticism.Collaboration in art requires clear communication and understanding. Feedback in creative work can be challenging and frustrating.Finding joy in the artistic process is essential for fulfillment.Watercolor allows for a fluid and spontaneous approach to art.Editing in watercolor requires a different mindset than other mediums.Art shows provide a unique opportunity to connect with fans and fellow artists.Creating art should be a joyful experience, reminiscent of childhood.The gallery experience can be both exhausting and rewarding.Networking within the art community can lead to exciting opportunities.Art can serve as a means of escape and joy for both the creator and the audience.A retrospective show can encapsulate years of artistic growth and exploration. Art shows foster community engagement and joy.Comic-Con is a cherished experience for artists.Librarians at ALA are incredibly supportive and enthusiastic.Artistic style evolves with age and experience.Simplicity in art can enhance the viewer's connection.Confidence in one's artistic abilities grows over time.The process of creating art often involves trial and error.Artistic interpretation can capture feelings beyond physical likeness.The balance of detail and simplicity is crucial in art.Art is a game of capturing essence rather than perfection. 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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  59:40
• Pixels aren't permanent

  Is it OK to change your comic after you've already sent it to your audience? The guys also tackle tariffs, ISBNs, bar codes, and offering comics to charity organizations.Today's showMaking a change to a comic after it's "out there"Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: Tariffs on books??ISBNs and bar codes for self-published booksComics for CharitySummaryIn this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of humor writing, the importance of building an audience on new platforms, and the challenges of editing long-form comics. They discuss the creative process, social-media presence's significance, and tariffs' implications on publishing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility in creative work and the importance of adapting to changes in the industry. In the mid-show update, they discuss the complexities of navigating tariffs and customs in the publishing industry, particularly for self-publishers. They emphasize the importance of planning for potential costs, such as tariffs, when launching Kickstarter campaigns. The conversation then shifts to the necessity of ISBNs and barcodes for self-published works, highlighting their role in making books trackable and sellable. Finally, they explore how cartoonists can contribute to charitable causes through their work, encouraging creators to produce comics that align with their values and to share them independently without burdening charities.TakeawaysYou never know if your humor resonates until years later.Building an audience on new platforms is crucial.Reflecting on past work can reveal unexpected humor.Editing is a natural part of the creative process.Mistakes can be corrected easily before print.Social media can serve as a distributed editing tool.It's important to be happy with your work in the long run.Tariffs can impact the publishing industry significantly.Trust in the system can be a challenge for creators.Engaging with attentive fans can create strong connections.Assume the worst when planning for tariffs in publishing.Include potential tariffs in your Kickstarter budget.ISBNs and barcodes are essential for self-published books.ISBNs help track books in the international registry.Barcodes are necessary for selling through retailers.Charities may not need unsolicited comics due to their workload.Creators can impact causes without direct charity involvement.Comics can be a powerful tool for social change.Plan independently to avoid complications with charities.Charities are skilled at asking for the resources they need. 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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  1:01:17
• 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

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