After years of listening to Brad and Dave extoll the virtues of self-publishing, a ComicLab listener signed with a corporate publisher. Poor sales and paltry marketing left them dissatisfied, so of course, they wrote in with one burning question: Who should I sign with next? Also, should you ever explain a joke?

Topics

• The first publisher was a disappointment... and we want to try it again
• illustrated novels
• UPDATE: The USPTO has canceled Marvel and DC‘s trademark filing for superhero 
• Should you EXPLAIN A JOKE when someone says, “I don’t get it?"

Summary

In this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the intricacies of publishing comics, publishers' expectations, and the benefits of self-publishing. They delve into the importance of audience engagement, the challenges of explaining jokes, and the recent trademark changes in the comic industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for creators to focus on their craft and the passion behind their work rather than getting bogged down by negative feedback or industry norms.

Takeaways

• Publishers may not fulfill their promotional responsibilities.
• Self-publishing can be more beneficial than traditional publishing.
• Building a passionate audience is more important than sheer numbers.
• Explaining a joke often diminishes its impact.
• Every audience member has a different understanding of humor.
• The quality of your work is paramount to its success.
• Don't let negative feedback derail your confidence as a creator.
• Trademark laws can significantly impact the comic industry.
• Engagement with your audience is crucial for success.
• Creativity thrives when you focus on your passion.

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.

BlueSky is beginning to feel like Twitter did ten years ago! Engagement is up, conversations are happening, and follower counts are rising — with actual people! Is it too good to be true? Also, encouraging your readers to take a hand in writing your comic may be good community building... but is it good writing?

On today's show

• UPDATE: Is BlueSky IT?
•  Collaborative storytelling — letting your readers become writers
•  Is word-of-mouth better than social media?
• Patreon or Substack?
• Business advice

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the emerging social media platform Blue Sky, sharing their experiences and predictions about its potential growth. Next, they tackle the topic of reader input in storytelling, debating its merits and drawbacks in the creative process.

In the second half, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the effectiveness of social media versus personal outreach for comic creators, emphasizing the scalability of social media. They explore the historical context of the printing press as a metaphor for reaching larger audiences today through digital platforms. The conversation shifts to comparing Patreon and Substack for monetization, with a consensus that Patreon currently offers more reliable performance. Finally, they provide insights on starting a business as a comic creator, highlighting the importance of understanding legal structures and the practicality of beginning as a sole proprietor.

Takeaways

• Blue Sky is gaining traction as a new social media platform.
• Engagement metrics on Blue Sky are outperforming Twitter for some users.
• Reader input can enhance storytelling but may dilute the author's voice.
• Ownership of creative work is crucial for artists and writers.
• Too many opinions can lead to bland storytelling.
• Listening to the audience is essential, but the creator's vision should prevail.
• Social media should be used to foster genuine connections.
• Predictions about social media trends can be bold and insightful.
• Social media can reach a larger audience than personal outreach.
• Personal outreach has scalability limits that can hinder growth.
• The printing press analogy illustrates the importance of scalability in reaching audiences.
• Patreon is currently more effective for monetization than Substack.
• Substack has potential but lacks Patreon's established user base.
• Creating comics is the core of a creator's work, not just social media content.
• A business plan is only necessary if seeking a loan for a business.
• Starting as a sole proprietor is a practical approach for new creators.
• Legal structures can be complex; consult an accountant for advice.
• Don't overcomplicate your monetization strategy with too many platforms.

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.

Cartoonists Dave and Brad share some thoughts with a young humor writer trying to find their Funny. Also: Is BlueSky pulling ahead in the social-media race?

Today's show:

• Writing jokes faster
• UPDATE: Patreon opens recommendations for NSFW creators
• UPDATE: TikTok court case moves forward
• Putting social media into perspective
• Making drawing fun again

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the challenges of writing comedy and the importance of developing a personal editorial eye. They emphasize the need for creators to trust their instincts and navigate feedback from others while recognizing the natural evolution of creativity over time.

They share updates on Patreon and TikTok, the latter facing ongoing legal challenges.

In the show's second half, the hosts discuss the challenges of engaging with social media as a creative professional, emphasizing the emotional toll it can take. They share strategies for managing social media presence, including minimizing platforms and focusing on genuine interactions.

The conversation shifts to finding joy in the creative process, advocating for breaks to prevent burnout, and maintaining a passion for art.

Takeaways

• The interaction between humans and robots is becoming more complex.
• Creativity often slows down as one's skills improve.
• Feedback from friends and family can be both helpful and limiting.
• Developing a personal sense of humor is crucial for writers.
• The honeymoon phase of creativity eventually gives way to routine work.
• Trusting your editorial eye is essential for growth.
• External opinions can hinder creative expression.
• A good editor should help refine ideas, not just judge them.
• The future of social media is uncertain, especially for platforms like TikTok.
• Understanding the creative process is critical to long-term success.
• Social media can feel like a chore for many creators.
• It's essential to focus on platforms that work for you.
• Genuine interactions can be more impactful than crafted posts.
• Taking breaks can help rejuvenate creativity.
• The emotional load of social media can be heavy.
• Blue Sky is emerging as a favorable platform for engagement.
• Minimizing social media presence can reduce stress.
• Creativity should be fun, not just a job.
• Finding joy in art is essential for sustainability.
• Momentum in creative work can be rebuilt after a break.

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.

Having wrapped up his 16th Kickstarter, cartoonist Dave Kellett shares some insights about setting realistic expectations, avoiding paid advertising, and the death of social media. Also: recent innovations by both Kickstarter and Patreon show considerable promise for the crowdfunding platforms.

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the emotional rollercoaster of running a Kickstarter campaign, and the ineffectiveness of online advertising. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss their experiences with different social media platforms and the effectiveness of their efforts to promote their work. They emphasize the importance of building a community and engaging with fans rather than relying on paid advertising. They also share their insights on the performance of different platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Patreon, and how they have adjusted their marketing strategies accordingly. Additionally, they discuss the new features introduced by Patreon, including Autopilot, which allows creators to offer targeted discounts to free members to encourage them to upgrade to paid memberships. In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss new features and updates on Patreon, including moving free members to paid memberships, related posts, paid posts and collections, discounts on merchandise, and gift memberships. They also emphasize the importance of competition and innovation in the creator space.

 On today's show

• UPDATE: Although it was his 2nd highest out of 16, this recent Kickstarter had Dave facing unforeseen amounts of depression and stress due to his unrealistic expectations. of all time.
•  UPDATE: We've always said advertising is useless, and Dave proved it's (still) accurate
•  UPDATE: This recent Kickstarter showed Dave it’s time to get off Twitter and Threads.
• Kickstarter late pledges have finally been addressed with a new feature upgrade.
• New Patreon features show some much-needed innovation

Takeaways

• Managing expectations is essential when running a Kickstarter campaign to avoid unnecessary anxiety and disappointment.
• Comparing oneself to others can steal joy and lead to negative emotions.
• Online advertising may not always yield the desired results and can waste money. Building a community and engaging with fans is more effective than paid advertising on social media platforms.
• Different platforms have varying levels of effectiveness in promoting and monetizing creative work.
• Creators should focus on platforms that perform well for them and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.
• Patreon has introduced new features, such as Autopilot, which allows creators to offer targeted discounts to free members to encourage them to upgrade to paid memberships. Patreon now allows creators to move free members to paid memberships, increasing the potential for revenue growth.
• The new related posts feature on Patreon helps creators engage their audience and promote content from their archives.
• Paid posts and collections on Patreon allow creators to monetize their content and offer exclusive access to their audience.
• Patreon's discounts on merchandise and upcoming gift memberships further enhance the platform's offerings for creators and supporters.
• Competition in the creator space drives innovation and encourages platforms like Patreon to improve and introduce new features continuously.

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.

Attending this year's National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards has changed Dave's bucket list. He wants one of those danged trophies! (And so does Brad.) Also, after Dave looks at the analytics from his recent Kickstarter, he decides to leave Twitter and Instagram once and for all.

On Today's Show

• UPDATE: ComicLab stingers
• Dave's new Bucket List
• UPDATE: Dave's Kickstarter convinces him to leave both Twitter and Instagram
• UPDATE: Patreon's Autopilot
• Too many different comics?
• Pen name for a teacher?
•  Taking a break to build up your buffer
• Made with Human Intelligence icons
• Artificial Intelligence

Summary

In this episode, Brad and Dave discuss their bucket list goals for their comics careers and the importance of leaving a legacy. Dave reveals his desire to win the Reuben Award and an Eisner, sell a book with high sales, and be invited to Angoulême or Japan as a guest. They also discuss the effectiveness of social media platforms for promoting their work. In the next half hour of the conversation, the hosts discuss Patreon's new Autopilot feature, which sends discounts to selected free members who seem likely to upgrade. They also talk about the importance of picking a lane and building a brand as a cartoonist and the benefits of using a pen name when transitioning to a new career. The hosts advise against switching between different comic genres and styles, as it can make it challenging to build an audience. They also recommend removing old comics that didn't gain traction and focusing on creating high-quality, well-branded work. The conversation explores using AI in creative work and the implications of labeling work as 'not made with AI.' The hosts discuss using pen names and the creative freedom it allows. They also touch on the challenges of typography on curved surfaces and the potential hypocrisy of artists when it comes to AI. They discuss AI's short-term and long-term impact on the creative industry.

Takeaways

• Technical difficulties can be frustrating, but finding solutions and recording is essential.
• Having goals and aspirations in your comics career, such as winning awards or achieving high book sales, can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
• Creators often desire to leave a legacy, which can be achieved through awards, book sales, and recognition from peers.
• Different social media platforms have varying levels of effectiveness for promoting comics, and it's crucial to find the ones that work best for you.
• Sharing your goals and aspirations with others can help hold you accountable and provide support and encouragement.
• Patreon's Autopilot feature sends discounts to free members who are likely to upgrade, improving the free-to-paid membership upgrade rate.
• Picking a lane and building a brand is vital for cartoonists to attract and retain an audience.
• Using a pen name can be beneficial when transitioning to a new career, such as becoming a public school teacher.
• Switching between different comic genres and styles can make it challenging to build an audience.
• Taking down old comics that didn't gain traction and focusing on creating high-quality, well-branded work can help build momentum and attract readers. Using a pen name can provide creative freedom and allow exploring different themes and styles.
• Typography on curved surfaces can be challenging and requires advanced skills.
• Artists may have hypocritical views on AI, being against its use in certain areas but accepting it in others.
• The short-term impact of AI in the creative industry may involve a crash-and-burn scenario due to wasted VC money, but in the long term, AI is here to stay.
• The ethical sourcing of AI is an essential consideration for its acceptance in creative work.

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.

In the final installment of a three-part series on the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards celebration, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar sit down over a couple of tasty adult beverages and share stories and reflections on this year's event.

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.

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take their podcast on the road, recording this episode live at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego as part of the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards celebration! They were joined on stage by Danesh Mohiuddin, Hilary B. Price, and Tauhid Bondia to discuss the pressing issues facing cartoonists in the years to come. 

On today's show:

• How are you addressing artificial intelligence?
• What's working on social media?
• What are your plans for the next five years?
• What does retirement look like?

Danesh Mohiuddin

Danesh Mohiuddin is a Canadian Cartoonist from India. He grew up in Dubai on a regular dose of MAD Magazine and European comics. He now lives in Toronto and illustrates and writes children’s books and graphic novels. His latest is Princess Pru and the Ogre and the Hill. Clients include Scholastic, Oxford University Press, Owl Kids, and Kids Can Press. He’s also a history buff and loves traveling.

Hilary B. Price

Hilary Price is a cartoonist, storyteller, and speaker. Her comic strip Rhymes with Orange appears in newspapers internationally. The National Cartoonists Society has awarded her the Best Newspaper Panel Cartoon award four times, and she was just named Cartoonist of the Year in August 2024.

Hilary graduated from Stanford University and, at the age of 25, became the youngest-ever female syndicated newspaper cartoonist. Aside from this year's Reuben Award, other shiny trophies include an Inkpot Award for Career Achievement from the San Diego Comic-Con International and the Elzie Segar Award from the National Cartoonists Society for making a unique and outstanding contribution to the profession of cartooning. Hilary teaches at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont and shares stories on NPR's The Moth.

Tauhid Bondia

Tauhid Bondia is a cartoonist and illustrator from Kentucky. He has been creating comics online for 15 years, and loves drawing and telling stories as much as ever. Tauhid is the creator of the syndicated comic strip Crabgrass, which appears in about 800 newspapers across the US and Canada, as well as two books. The comic features themes of friendship and taps into a sense of childhood nostalgia that people of all ages seem to respond to. Tauhid's goal is to draw the strip for as long as he is physically able to, or as long as it continues to make people smile. Whichever comes first. He previously wrote and illustrated A Problem Like Jamal, a comic about a young brother named Jamal Marcus trying to navigate life and middle school in a modern era.

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.

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar take their podcast on the road, recording this episode live at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego as part of the National Cartoonists Society conference and Reuben Awards celebration! They were joined on stage by Maria Scrivan, Hector Cantu, and Dana Simpson to discuss the pressing issues facing cartoonists in the years to come. 

On today's show:

• How are you addressing artificial intelligence?
• What's working on social media?
• What are your plans for the next five years?
• What does retirement look like?

Maria Scrivan

Maria Scrivan is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning syndicated cartoonist.

The first book in her graphic novel series, Nat Enough (Scholastic/Graphix), launched on April 7th, 2020, became an instant New York Times bestseller. It was followed by Forget Me Nat, Absolutely Nat, Definitely Nat, Nat for Nothing, and All is Nat Lost. Nat a Chance will be available in Spring 2025. She is also a contributor to Marvel’s Super Stories, which was released in October 2023. Her books have been translated into Italian, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Turkish, and Greek. 

Maria's comic, Half Full, is syndicated by Andrews McMeel and available on GoComics.com/half-full. For the past ten years, it has appeared daily in newspapers nationwide, including the LA Times.

Hector Cantu

Hector had numerous submissions to Mad magazine successfully rejected before the age of 12. In 2000, he launched “Baldo” with Carlos Castellanos. The strip appears in more than 200 newspapers through Andrews McMeel Syndication. Hector currently lives with his wife in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and is founder of Texas Cartoonists, the Texas Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society.

Dana Simpson

Dana Claire Simpson, a native of Gig Harbor, Washington, first caught the eyes of devoted comics readers with the internet strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the 2009 Comic Strip Superstar contest, she developed the strip Phoebe and Her Unicorn (originally known as Heavenly Nostrils), now syndicated in newspapers worldwide.

There are nineteen Phoebe and Her Unicorn books, including the newest, Unicorn Crush. Ozy and Millie have two books also. All told, Simpson has sold over four million books.

Her books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and won the Washington State Book Award and the Pacific Northwest Book Award. She lives with her spouse and her cat in Santa Barbara, California.

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.

Dave Kellett discusses the three phases of art. First, you're just trying to make it work. Then, you try to make it right. And after you've mastered those, you can begin to make it fast.

On today's show:

• Make it work, make it right, make it fast
• UPDATE: Danielle Corsetto's lettering tips
• UPDATE: Substack Notes advice
• UPDATE: KDP and Global Comix

Summary

The hosts discuss the stages of artistic development in comics, starting with making it work, then making it right, and finally making it fast. They compare this progression to the process of building a shelf, where you start by making it functional and then refine it over time. They estimate that it takes about 3-5 years to make it work, 10-15 years to make it right, and even longer to make it fast. They emphasize the importance of putting in the time and effort to reach each stage of development. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the different stages of their careers in comics and how they have evolved over time. They talk about the importance of making it right before making it fast and how their skills and speed have improved over the years. They also discuss the idea of never being as good as their heroes but striving to be the best version of themselves.

Additionally, they share a lettering tip from Danielle Corsetto and discuss the potential of Substack. Brad and Dave discuss their experiences with Substack and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) in this conversation. Brad shares his positive experience with Substack, highlighting its features and the potential for audience growth. They also discuss the drawbacks of KDP, including discoverability issues and the difficulty of dealing with Amazon. Brad recommends Global Comix as an alternative platform for building an audience. The conversation concludes with a discussion of upcoming projects and the excitement for the future.

Takeaways

• The process of artistic development in comics involves three stages: making it work, making it right, and making it fast.
• Making it work is about creating a functional comic while making it right involves refining the details and improving the quality.
• Progressing through each stage takes time and effort, with estimates of 3-5 years to make it work, 10-15 years to make it right, and even longer to make it fast.
• Putting in the work and consistently creating comics is essential for growth and improvement as an artist. It is important to focus on making it right before trying to make it fast.
• Skills and speed improve over time with practice and experience.
• Strive to be the best version of yourself rather than trying to be as good as your heroes.
• Consider flipping and printing the artwork on the back to create perfect hand-lettered original art.
• Substack has the potential to be a valuable platform for comic creators. Substack offers a great platform for artists to share their work and build an audience.
• KDP may not be the best option for indie creators due to discoverability issues
• Global Comix is a promising alternative platform for building an audience
• It's important to focus on creating joyful and engaging content on social media platforms

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.

Apple has initiated a plan to take 30% of all transactions made through the Patreon iOS app. That has caused creators to panic, spreading misinformation and making poorly thought-out claims. Many people trying to explain the situation to their backers got their facts wrong, hurting their own revenue. Dave and Brad sit down and sort out the facts from the friction.

On today's show:

• Dave's Comic-Con report: 5% drop in sales after a 38% rise in the previous year
• Patreon and the iOS app
• UPDATE: Kangaroo wieners
• Hand lettering tips

Summary

In this episode, Dave and Brad discuss their recent experiences at Comic-Con and other conventions. They talk about the success of their booths, the impact of new products, and the excitement of meeting fans. They also touch on the importance of maximizing booth space and creating a visually appealing display. The conversation segues into a discussion about the National Cartoonist Society and the potential for future convention appearances. Overall, the episode highlights the joy and satisfaction of participating in conventions as creators.

In the next part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss Patreon's payment system for iOS users and share tips on traditional lettering. Brad recalls using an Ames lettering guide, while Dave explains his process of using a digital font that resembles his handwriting. They emphasize the importance of clarity and readability in lettering and suggest techniques such as flipping the artwork to identify and fix issues.

Takeaways

• Conventions like Comic-Con allow creators to connect with fans and sell their merchandise.
• Maximizing booth space and creating an appealing display can enhance the overall experience for attendees.
• New products and exclusives can generate excitement and boost sales at conventions.
• The National Cartoonist Society offers opportunities for members to showcase their work at conventions.
• Meeting fans and receiving positive feedback can be a rewarding experience for creators. San Diego Comic-Con is a fun event, but exhibiting there can be expensive and may not be recommended for everyone.
• Patreon has announced changes to its payment system for iOS users. New memberships purchased through the iOS app will now be subject to Apple's 30% fee.
• Creators have the option to eat the cost of the fee or encourage new subscribers to join through the desktop version of the Patreon website.
• The conversation takes a humorous turn as Brad and Dave discuss kangaroos with multiple vaginas, highlighting the fascinating and sometimes bizarre aspects of biology. Confusion over a scene in a movie can lead to humorous conversations.
• Traditional lettering techniques include using an Ames lettering guide or a reference font.
• Clarity and readability are key in hand lettering
• Developing a personal style in lettering takes time
• Supporting Comic Lab on Patreon helps sustain the show

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.

Brad and Dave discuss using rewards and add-ons in a Kickstarter campaign. Then, they tackle the problem of whether your dialogue should feature proper English or your character's "natural" speech.

Today's show

• Kickstarter mistake — confusing rewards with add-ons
• Check out Dave's Kickstarter at Newdrivebook.com
• Should you write in proper English?
• UPDATE: Reuben Awards — two live ComicLab shows on Thursday, Aug. 22
• How to start at the very beginning

Summary

In this conversation, Brad and Dave discuss their experiences with building Lego sets and building a gaming PC. They also talk about the importance of structuring Kickstarter rewards and add-ons, and the psychology behind offering choices to backers. They emphasize the need to make a profit on add-ons and to account for them in the Kickstarter goal. They also mention the upcoming live shows at the National Cartoonist Society Reuben Awards and discuss the possibility of future speaking engagements. In this part of the conversation, Brad and Dave discuss the balance between writing in proper English and writing dialogue that sounds natural. They emphasize the importance of considering the audience and the potential reach of the comic. They also discuss the use of slang and specific language choices, highlighting the need to make slight modifications to appeal to a wider audience. They stress the importance of using punctuation properly, especially in comedy, where timing is crucial. They also provide advice for aspiring comic creators, encouraging them to start making comics and to seek opportunities for publication, even if it means facing potential embarrassment.

Takeaways

• Building LEGO sets and a gaming PC can be challenging and require attention to detail.
• When structuring Kickstarter rewards, it's important to offer a variety of options and price tiers to appeal to different backers.
• Add-ons can be a profitable addition to a Kickstarter campaign, but it's crucial to ensure they are priced to make a profit.
• Digital rewards can be a significant source of income for a Kickstarter campaign and have the advantage of no shipping costs.
• Live shows and speaking engagements can be exciting opportunities for cartoonists to connect with their audience and expand their reach. When deciding on the language and dialogue choices for your comic, consider the audience and potential reach of your comic.
• Making slight modifications to appeal to a wider audience can help you reach more readers.
• Proper punctuation is crucial, especially in comedy, as it affects timing and delivery.
• Start making comics and learn from your mistakes. Seek opportunities for publication to improve your craft.
• Embrace the potential for embarrassment as a learning experience and a way to improve your skills.

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.