Does an aspiring comics artist/writer need a college degree? And, if so, which degree is best? Next, a listener asks why Brad publishes his weekly comics page in half-page increments.

• What schools do we recommend ?
• Why does Brad publish twice a week?
• Substack and Bluesky

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the importance of higher education for aspiring cartoonists, debating the merits of specialized degrees versus a broader liberal arts education. They emphasize the significance of writing in comics, the value of community colleges, and the necessity for aspiring artists to actively create comics during their education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the optimal update frequency for comic creators, highlighting the balance between reader engagement and creative output. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and his co-host discuss the nuances of storytelling in comics, emphasizing the importance of finding a 'sweet spot' in panel structure and update frequency. They explore the challenges of conveying narratives in short formats, particularly in the context of webcomics, and the need to adapt to new platforms and formats for compelling storytelling. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of comic publishing, including the potential of platforms like Substack and Bluesky.

Takeaways

• Ramekins can elevate home dining experiences.
• Education is crucial for aspiring cartoonists.
• Writing is the backbone of successful comics.
• A liberal arts education provides a broad perspective.
• Community colleges offer valuable opportunities.
• Creating comics during college is essential.
• The frequency of updates can impact reader engagement.
• Specialized degrees may not be necessary for comic artists.
• Critical thinking skills are vital in education.
• Experience often outweighs degree prestige in job markets. Finding a sweet spot in storytelling is crucial.
• Panel structure significantly impacts narrative pacing.
• Short formats can hinder storytelling effectiveness.
• Adapting to new comic formats is essential for success.
• Webcomics require a different approach than traditional comics.
• Engaging the audience is key to retaining readers.
• Two updates a week can enhance audience interaction.
• Using social media effectively can boost comic visibility.
• Exploring new platforms can open up opportunities for creators.
• Understanding the limitations of formats helps in storytelling.

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.

How do you explain to someone that you're a professional cartoonist? More importantly — should you even try?! Also, Dave and Brad share details about the software they use, and Brad extolls the virtues of a Patreon content exchange.

On Today's Show...

• How do you explain to people that you're a professional cartoonist?
• What software is best for comics?
• Take a break this holiday
• Patreon content exchange

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges of explaining their profession as cartoonists to others, as well as the misconceptions surrounding the field. Next, they explain the significance of using the right software for comic creation. They emphasize the need for cartoonists to be aware of the technical aspects of their work, particularly when it comes to color formats and printing. Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett emphasize the advantages of tools like Clip Studio Paint and Adobe products. They also highlight the significance of taking breaks during the holiday season to recharge creatively. The conversation shifts to strategies for Patreon content exchanges, where they share insights on effectively reaching out to other creators and the benefits of collaboration in building audiences.

Takeaways

• Explaining the profession of cartooning can be challenging.
• Many people don't believe cartooning is a viable career.
• Using the right software is crucial for comic creation.
• Procreate has limitations for professional comic artists.
• CMYK vs. RGB is an essential distinction for printing.
• Cartoonists often face misconceptions about their work.
• The number of professional cartoonists is quite limited.
• It's essential to enjoy and embrace being a cartoonist. Robust software provides better control over comic creation.
• Clip Studio Paint excels in paneling and drawing processes.
• Adobe products are preferred for final layout and printing.
• Taking breaks during the holidays is essential for creativity.
• Patreon content exchanges can enhance audience engagement.
• Networking in real life can facilitate collaboration opportunities.
• Cross-promotion is a valuable strategy for creators.
• It's essential to under-promise and over-deliver to Patreon backers.
• Familiarity with tools leads to better results in comic creation.
• Long-term strategies yield better audience growth than short-term tactics.

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.

When comic creators try to market their comics, they often confuse what their comic is about with who it's for. Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar offer some guidance on making compelling promotions that work. In the show's second half, the boys have a devil of a time talking about angel investing.

Summary

In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore how comic creators can broaden their audience beyond niche markets, emphasizing the significance of themes and relationships in storytelling. The conversation highlights the need for creators to identify their comic's appeal and engage with a broader audience.

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of angel investing, particularly in the context of cartoonists and creative industries. They discuss the nature of angel investing, the challenges cartoonists face in securing funding, and the potential roles that angel investors could play in their careers. The conversation also delves into alternative funding models like Kickstarter and Patreon and the importance of marketing versus production in growing a creative business. Ultimately, the hosts reflect on their experiences and the realities of managing growth in the comic industry. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of comic creation, discussing the balance between marketing and content production, the impact of hiring assistants, and the challenges of delegating creative tasks. They explore the dynamics of collaboration in writing and the potential growth opportunities for their podcast, ComicLab, while acknowledging the realities of success and the risks involved in expanding their creative endeavors.

Takeaways

• Community engagement is crucial for comic creators.
• Your comic's audience can extend beyond niche interests.
• Identifying themes in your work can broaden its appeal.
• Marketing should focus on storytelling rather than just genre.
• Romance writers effectively use tropes to engage readers.
• Understanding relationships in your comic can enhance its depth.
• Creators should not limit themselves to specific reader demographics.
• Exploring broader human experiences can attract diverse audiences.
• Angel investing is often misunderstood as purely altruistic.
• Investors expect a return on their investment, which can complicate creative endeavors.
• Cartoonists may not have apparent uses for large sums of angel investment.
• Kickstarter and Patreon serve as modern alternatives to traditional angel investing.
• Hiring an assistant or marketing professional could be beneficial for growth.
• Understanding the costs of production is crucial for cartoonists.
• Marketing is essential for expanding reach and attracting new readers.
• Creative professionals often feel limited by their audience size.
• The animation industry presents unique challenges for cartoonists.
• Growth strategies should be tailored to individual business models. Marketing and content creation are interdependent.
• Hiring an assistant can significantly enhance productivity.
• The host is often the bottleneck in creative processes.
• Delegating inking is challenging due to personal attachment.
• A writer's room could invigorate the creative process.
• Growth opportunities exist but come with risks.
• More resources can lead to more problems.
• Collaboration can lead to better creative outcomes.
• The podcast could evolve with additional funding.
• Realistic expectations are crucial for 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.

Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.