Comic Lab

By: Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett
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  • Summary

  • The podcast about making comics — and making a living from comics! It's half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It's tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro. So pull up your drawing chair, put on some headphones, and join us while you draw! And if you like what you hear, join our community at patreon.com/comiclab (For sponsorship inquiries: comiclabpodcast@gmail.com)
    © 2018-2024 Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett
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Art Science Fiction
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Episodes
  • Maybe You're Not Funny

    Maybe You're Not Funny
    Dec 19 2024

    Writing humor takes a lot of time and patience. We'll discuss ways to persevere.

    Summary

    In 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.

    Takeaways

    • Writing 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.
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    57 mins
  • In over my head

    In over my head
    Dec 12 2024
    What happens when your story gets too big for you to handle? Are you the right person for the job? (And if not you, then who??)On Today's Show:In over your headUPDATE: It was FCS all along Crossbar i technicalityAdvice to your older selfSummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges creators face, particularly when tackling complex themes such as systemic injustice in long-term comic projects. The hosts emphasize the importance of pushing through creative doubts and the value of learning from mistakes in the writing process. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of creativity, mainly focusing on the challenges creators face after a hiatus. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection, the role of confidence in storytelling, and the value of completing projects. The dialogue emphasizes that it's normal to feel doubt and that taking breaks can be beneficial. Ultimately, they encourage creators to follow their instincts and permit themselves to explore new directions in their work.In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett revisit a previous discussion about the frequency of comic updates, introducing the concept of FCS (Frequent, Consistent, Significant) as a guiding principle for creators. They delve into the nuances of typography in comics, particularly the use of the crossbar I, and emphasize the importance of clarity in communication. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they explore what advice they would give to their future selves, reflecting on the nature of change and the importance of embracing it as artists. In this episode, the hosts explore the themes of establishment in the cartooning world, the importance of embracing change, and the value of taking risks. They reflect on the advice they would give to their younger selves, emphasizing the need to cultivate joy and not let life's challenges steal it away. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of life experiences and the lessons learned from past regrets.TakeawaysSteven Seagal movies can provide unexpected comfort during tough times.The absurdity of Seagal's later films highlights a decline in quality.Long-term projects can lead to self-doubt about creative abilities.It's important to seek permission from oneself to pivot in creative projects.Tackling heavy themes in comics requires courage and skill development.Backing away from challenges may hinder growth as a writer.Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of the writing process.The hosts encourage embracing creative challenges despite fears.Systemic injustice is a complex theme that requires careful handling.Humor can be found in the most unexpected places, even in bad movies. You can't expect purity from yourself.Mistakes help you become a better writer.Consider the reasons behind your creative hiatus.Social change comes from many small actions.Confidence can wane, and that's okay.Finishing a project has intrinsic value.Taking breaks can help clarify your creative direction.Art is never truly finished until the artist says so.It's normal to feel doubt about your work.Follow your heart and pursue what excites you.FCS stands for Frequent, Consistent, Significant updates.Two updates a week can enhance audience engagement.The crossbar I rule aids in clarity of communication.Typography choices impact the readability of comics.Clarity of communication should guide lettering choices.Change is a constant in an artist's journey.Embrace the evolution of your artistic style.Reflecting on past decisions can inspire future creativity.Maintaining a connection with your audience is crucial.Enjoy the present and acknowledge your achievements. We often feel like we're still figuring things out, regardless of our experience.Establishment is a perception; we must keep building our audience.Change is necessary for growth, even if it's uncomfortable.Advice to younger selves often revolves around reassurance and encouragement.Taking risks is crucial; regrets often stem from missed opportunities.Improv offers immediate feedback that cartooning lacks.Life experiences tend to repeat themselves in different forms.Cultivating joy is essential, especially during tough times.The wisdom of older selves often reflects universal truths.You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • A minor problem with a comics major

    A minor problem with a comics major
    Dec 5 2024

    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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins

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