Épisodes

  • Special Guests Ryan North and Gillian Goerz

    Special Guests Ryan North and Gillian Goerz
    Jul 3 2025

    While Dave was at Alaska Comics Camp, he had the opportunity to talk with Ryan North Gillian Goerz!

    Ryan North is the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics, and has written for the comic series of Adventure Time and Marvel Comics' The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and Fantastic Four. His works have won multiple Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards and made New York Times Bestseller lists.

    Gillian Goerz (pronounced like “Jillian Gertz”) works in illustration, graphic recording, cartooning, writing and brush lettering. Her middle grade graphic novel Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer spent 7 weeks on the Canadian Best Seller list, received stars from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly and was warmly reviewed by the New York Times Review of Books. Her follow-up book Shirley & Jamila’s Big Fall (Dial, 2021) won the Doug Wright Award for excellence in children's comics.

    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 h et 11 min
  • Special Guest Lucy Knisley

    Special Guest Lucy Knisley
    Jun 26 2025

    While at Alaska Comic Camp, Dave Kellett had the opportunity to speak with cartoonist Lucy Knisley, a critically acclaimed and award-winning comic creator. She specializes in personal, confessional graphic novels and travelogues.

    LUCY'S BOOKS

    Lucy has published more than a dozen books, with several fantastic publishers. These have included: Simon & Schuster, First Second Books, Fantagraphics, Chronicle, Random House Graphics, Knopf and Rocky Pond. She has also contributed to many collections and anthologies at various publishers and made work for many periodicals and publications. Here are a few...

    • Ride Beside Me
    • Woa: A Housecat's Story of Despair
    • French Milk
    • Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
    • Stepping Stones
    • Apple Crush
    • Sugar Shack, the third in the Peapod Farm series, comes out August 2025!

    You can reach out to Lucy via her Patreon page

    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 h et 22 min
  • Special Guest: Jarad Greene

    Special Guest: Jarad Greene
    Jun 19 2025

    While Dave Kellett was at Alaska Comics Camp, he had the opportunity to speak with Jarad Greene, a cartoonist who works on staff at The Center for Cartoon Studies and has helped color many graphic novels for younger readers. He is the author and illustrator of the graphic novels A-Okay, A for Effort, and Scullion: A Dishwasher’s Guide to Mistaken Identity — available wherever books are sold and through his affiliate Bookshop.org shop. He talked with Dave about the joys of learning to use a brush for inking.

    MORE ABOUT JARAD

    Website | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

    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 h et 13 min
  • Alaska Comics Camp

    Alaska Comics Camp
    Jun 12 2025
    Dave Kellet returns from Alaska Comics Camp once more rejuvinated, recharged, and reinvigorated! He shares his joy-filled experiences from a week in Juno, Alaska, with about 60 other cartoonists sharing knowledge, friendship, and happiness. In the second half, a cartoonist shares her feelings of depression after losing a couple of cartooning contests.Today's ShowAlaska Comics CampSusan MacTaggart's personal affirmationComicLab LIVE at the NCS conference, Aug.14-16Rejection storiesSummaryIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar share their experiences at the Alaska Comics Camp, a unique gathering of cartoonists that fosters creativity, community, and personal growth. They discuss the joy of disconnecting from technology, the enriching interactions among artists of all levels, and the cultural exposure provided by the camp. The conversation highlights the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative process and the humorous challenges of camp life. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the enriching experiences at Comics Camp, where artists come together to learn, share, and create in a supportive environment. They highlight the importance of teaching and learning from one another, the joy of creative games, and the deep personal connections formed during the camp. The discussion emphasizes the altruistic nature of the event and its impact on the artists' personal and professional growth. In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss personal affirmations, the importance of motivation, and the upcoming ComicLab Live stage show. They delve into the universal experience of rejection in the comics industry, sharing personal stories and insights on how to cope with setbacks. The conversation emphasizes the value of persistence in cartooning and the idea that true success lies in continuing to create, regardless of awards or recognition.TakeawaysAlaska Comics Camp is a joy-filled experience.The camp fosters community among cartoonists.Participants come from all over North America.The camp is hosted in a beautiful, pristine location.Disconnecting from technology is healing and refreshing.The camp encourages interaction between artists of all levels.Both experienced and new cartoonists teach classes.The camp runs under Chatham House rules for open discussion.Friendship and collaboration are key themes at the camp. Comic Camp fosters a unique environment for learning and sharing.Teaching at Comic Camp is driven by altruism and community spirit.Creative games enhance camaraderie and collaboration among artists.Personal stories shared at camp deepen connections between artists.The camp experience allows for genuine friendships to form quickly.Artists engage in hands-on activities that spark creativity.The isolation of the camp creates a unique bonding experience.Scholarships are available for those who may need financial assistance.The camp is a blend of professional development and personal growth.Comic Camp is considered one of the best experiences in the comics community. Your talent is undeniable, unless you're the one denying it.Stop denying yourself and embrace your creativity.Comic Lab Live is a highlight of the year for creators.Rejection is a universal experience for artists.Don't let rejection define your self-worth.Persistence is key in the world of cartooning.Awards don't determine your value as an artist.You can't let others dictate your happiness.True victory is continuing to create despite setbacks.Sometimes, not winning is a blessing in disguise. 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 h et 1 min
  • How to fight loneliness all by yourself

    How to fight loneliness all by yourself
    Jun 5 2025
    Today's episode is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is building a website, and Dreamhost is there to make that simple, painless, and inexpensive. Go to www.Dreamhost.com/ComicLab for details.The life of a comic artist is often a solitary one. Brad and Dave discuss ways of maintaining social connections for mental health and creativity. Later, they discuss the dangers of setting an artificially low Kickstarter goal.ON TODAY'S SHOWThe lone life of a comic artistUPDATE: Susan MacTaggart's affirmationshttp://www.Dreamhost.com/comiclab for special offers on web hosting for listenersAn artist is reminded of the importance of artSetting an artificially low Kickstarter goalSUMMARYIn this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the themes of socialization and loneliness in the life of cartoonists. They share humorous anecdotes from a recent trip to San Diego Comic Con, discuss the challenges of working alone, and emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections for mental health and creativity. The conversation also touches on practical tips for finding community, engaging with other cartoonists, and the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone to meet new people. In this episode, the hosts explore the importance of socialization for cartoonists and the healing power of art. They discuss how creative spaces can foster social interaction and the necessity of getting out of the studio.The conversation shifts to the emotional impact of art, particularly in times of personal grief, highlighting how art can provide escapism and comfort. The hosts reflect on their own experiences with art as a source of healing and the responsibility of artists to connect with their audience. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the significance of the arts in education and the joy of discovering new authors like John Scalzi.The show ends with discussing practical strategies for running successful Kickstarter campaigns. They emphasize the importance of understanding costs, setting realistic goals, and the potential risks of lowering funding targets. The hosts also explore the concept of urgency in crowdfunding and how to engage backers effectively, including leveraging early releases and creating special offers for supporters.TAKEAWAYSCartoonists often face loneliness in their profession.Finding a balance between solitude and socialization is crucial.Social interactions can enhance creativity and humor.Engaging with other cartoonists can provide support and inspiration.Joining groups like the National Cartoonist Society can foster connections.Participating in local meetups can improve mental health.Volunteering can introduce you to diverse perspectives.Maintaining friendships is essential for personal growth.Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to new opportunities. Cartoonists can benefit from socializing in creative spaces.Art serves as a vital escape during tough times.Engaging with the community can enhance creativity.Walking a dog can lead to unexpected social interactions.Art can be a source of emotional healing.Creativity can be a daily practice, like brewing coffee.Comics can have a profound impact on readers' lives.Doom scrolling can be countered with engaging literature.Art can help maintain mental health and balance.Every artist contributes to the larger narrative of humanity. The arts are often undervalued in education.Discovering new authors can enhance escapism.Kickstarter strategies can significantly impact success.Setting realistic funding goals is crucial.Understanding costs is essential for Kickstarter campaigns.Lowering goals can be risky and detrimental.Project We Love may not significantly boost funding.Engaging backers early can create a sense of urgency.Special offers can incentivize early support.Learning from failed campaigns is part of the 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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    1 h
  • How to improve SEO for webcomics

    How to improve SEO for webcomics
    May 29 2025
    Now that comic creators are returning to websites, SEO (search engine optimization) is once again a hot topic. We'll talk about methods to help search engines index comics. Also, if Brad and Dave were to design a four-year degree for cartoonists, what classes would be on the curriculum?Today's showSEO for webcomicsShould you use alt text on social media posts?Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmationUPDATE: Comiclab Live stage show at the NCS conference, Aug. 14-16UPDATE: Apple loses its 30% cash grabUPDATE: Superfan Ray Michels does it againWhat would Dave and Brad's comics BFA degree include?SummaryIn this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of SEO for comic creators, particularly in 2025, highlighting best practices for optimizing webcomics. The episode concludes with practical tips for improving website performance and audience engagement through effective content strategies. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar promote their upcoming ComicLab LIVE stage show at the NCS convention in August, examine the implications of Apple's recent court loss, and thank superfan Ray Michaels for updating Dave Kellett's Wikipedia page.In the second half, they explore what an ideal art degree for cartoonists might look like, emphasizing the balance between craft and business education. They discuss the ideal curriculum for aspiring comic artists, focusing on creative writing, business skills, art techniques, and the importance of real-world experience. They explore various classes that would benefit students, including humor writing, long-form storytelling, digital tools, and color theory. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education that combines artistic skills with practical knowledge to prepare students for a successful career in comics.TakeawaysSEO is crucial for comic creators to reach their audience.Transcripts can enhance SEO and accessibility for comics.Alt text is essential for improving search engine visibility.Optimizing image metadata can boost website performance.Creating a 'Start Here' page can guide new readers effectively.Regularly updating meta descriptions can improve SEO rankings.Engaging with your audience through alt text can enhance their experience.Content creation should be efficient and serve multiple purposes.SEO tactics can often be misleading and should be approached with caution.Linking to other webcomics can create a supportive community.Quality content is more important than SEO for attracting readers.Personal affirmations can provide motivation and encouragement.Events like the Reuben weekend are valuable for networking in the comic community.Recent legal victories can benefit creators financially on platforms like Patreon.Understanding analytics is crucial for independent artists.Business courses should be a core part of an art degree for cartoonists.Branding and legal knowledge are essential for success in the comic industry.Grant writing can be a valuable skill for artists seeking funding.A creative writing class specifically for comics is essential.Rhetoric and composition should be included in the curriculum.Understanding humor is crucial for all writers, not just humorists.Long-form storytelling should be taught with a focus on serialization.Art classes should cover visual storytelling and mark-making techniques.A history of mixed media communication is important for understanding comics.Digital tools and their applications should be part of the curriculum.Color theory and management are vital for storytelling in comics.Internships provide valuable real-world experience for students.A well-rounded curriculum should balance art, writing, and business skills.Brad's Comics BFAThis is Brad Guigar's wishlist for a full 4-year BFA-style degree for comics creators, assuming a 120-credit hour program, broken down into approximately 40 classes (3 credits each). I’ve grouped them by category and semester.YEAR 1 – FoundationFall SemesterIntro to Visual Storytelling (Art)Creative Writing for Comics I (Writing)Foundations of Marketing (Business)Composition & Rhetoric (Gen Ed)Digital Tools for Creatives (Art/Tech)Spring SemesterDrawing for Sequential Art (Art)Creative Writing for Comics II (Writing) Entrepreneurship 101 (Business) Intro to Media Studies (Gen Ed)Social Media Strategy (Business)YEAR 2 – Skill BuildingFall SemesterNarrative Structure & Pacing (Writing)Lettering & Typography (Art)Branding for Creators (Business) Art History for Comic Artists (Gen Ed/Art History)Accounting & Taxes for Freelancers (Business) Spring SemesterPanel Layout & Visual Flow (Art)Character Development & Dialogue (Writing) Marketing Campaigns & Analytics (Business) Legal Issues in Creative Careers (Business) Psychology of Storytelling (Writing/Gen Ed) YEAR 3 – Integration & Professional PrepFall SemesterWriting humor (Writing) Coloring (Art)Crowdfunding & Direct Sales (Business) The Comic Industry: History & Trends (Gen Ed/Art ...
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    1 h et 10 min
  • The Eyes Have It

    The Eyes Have It
    May 22 2025
    Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is creating a website, and Brad and Dave have relied on Dreamhost for years. Check out Dreamhost.com/comiclab to find out how you can lock in a rate of $2.59/month for three years!Every beginning cartoonist agonizes over drawing eyes! Why is that — and while we're at it, what's the right way to do it? Next, we'll talk about why we hate anthologies, and answer a listener who suspects his webhost is throttling his traffic.Today's showHow to draw eyesSusan MacTaggart's personal affirmationDreamhostAnthologies"Is my host blocking my traffic??"SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of cartooning, focusing on the art of drawing eyes and the importance of expressiveness in comics. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the evolution of their styles, and provide valuable insights for aspiring cartoonists. The discussion highlights the balance between maintaining a unique style and adapting to the needs of storytelling, emphasizing that style often emerges from solving artistic challenges over time. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various aspects of comic art, including the importance of flexibility in artistic style, the significance of character-specific design choices, and the challenges associated with comic anthologies. They emphasize the need for experimentation in developing a unique style and the forgiving nature of comics as a medium. The discussion also touches on personal affirmations, sponsorships, and the humorous dynamics between the hosts. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett delve into the complexities of anthologies in the comic industry, discussing the dynamics of collaboration, the challenges faced by creators, and the reader's perspective on anthologies. They also touch on the importance of portfolio sites and the misconceptions surrounding web traffic and SEO. The discussion highlights the frustrations and joys of comic creation, emphasizing the need for professionalism and the impact of collaboration on the final product.TakeawaysThe way eyes are drawn can significantly impact a character's expressiveness.Cartoonists often obsess over how to draw eyes more than other features.Style in cartooning is often discovered in hindsight, not planned.Using simple eye representations can be effective in storytelling.Different expressions can be conveyed through variations in eye design.It's important to adapt eye styles based on the emotional context of the scene.The dot is a versatile starting point for drawing eyes in comics.Cartooning styles can evolve significantly over time. Comics allow for flexibility and experimentation in art.Don't lock yourself into a specific style too early.Your artistic style will evolve over time.Character design should reflect the moment and emotion.Comics can be forgiving in terms of artistic rules.Anthologies can be challenging due to varying contributor commitment.It's important to find what works best for your characters.Trust your instincts and do what looks best in the moment. Anthologies often succeed when creators are in a specific career stage.The dynamics of collaboration can lead to frustration in anthologies.Reader experiences with anthologies can vary widely.Portfolio sites serve a different purpose than high-traffic sites.SEO may not be the primary issue for low traffic on portfolio sites.Social media can drive traffic to portfolio sites effectively.The quality of contributions in anthologies can greatly affect the overall product.Professionalism and deadlines are crucial in collaborative projects.The importance of having a clear theme in anthologies is often overlooked.Creatives should focus on their own work rather than anthologies. 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 h et 3 min
  • Who are you? What do you do? Why should I care?

    Who are you? What do you do? Why should I care?
    May 15 2025
    Today's show is sponsored by Dreamhost. The first step in owning and controlling your own work is creating a website, and Brad and Dave have relied on Dreamhost for years. Check out Dreamhost.com/comiclab to find out how you can lock in a rate of $2.59/month for three years!Your social media profile needs to answer three questions clearly: Who are you? What do you do? And why should I care? If you're wasting time being cute, you're missing out of opportunities. Also, the NCS releases the nominees for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, and a person hired to illustrate a children's book faces a tough question from the writer: How do we sell this thing??Today's ShowBranding on your social media profileSusan MacTaggartShow sponsor: Dreamhost dreamhost.com/comiclabUPDATE: NCS Outstanding Cartoonist nominationsWe made the book... now what?"Have we ever considered not doing free content?SummaryIn this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of branding for cartoonists on social media, emphasizing the need for clear communication in profiles. The conversation wraps up with insights on navigating new platforms like Bluesky and the importance of straightforward messaging in promoting one's work. They discuss the evolving nature of social media presence, and the value of reliable hosting services like DreamHost. They also engage in a light-hearted personal affirmation segment and provide updates from the National Cartoonist Society. The conversation culminates in practical advice for illustrators on how to sell their work, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role in the creative process. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the importance of branding in book promotion, the exploration of new intellectual properties (IP) for original graphic novels, and the value of audience engagement and product testing in the creative process. They also touch on the resurgence of physical media in a digital age, emphasizing that quality content will always find an audience.TakeawaysBranding is crucial for self-publishing cartoonists.Social media profiles should clearly state who you are.Consistency is more important than creativity on social media.Cartoonists often struggle with self-promotion due to imposter syndrome.Blue Sky may not have the same algorithmic restrictions as other platforms.Direct communication is key in branding and marketing.It's okay to promote your work without feeling like you're bragging. Put some of the creative thought into solving business problems.This change is 100% not permanent.You can change it tomorrow.We're big fans of DreamHost.This is the perfect opportunity for you.A 97-day money back guarantee.You are a limitless well of creativity.This is not your job, Jay.You should run as far away from him as you can.Your job is to use the book to promote Jay. Your job is to use the book to promote your next gig.Selling books, marketing books, promoting books, that's not Jay's brand.The responsibility of selling this book is not your job.This is a time management issue.You can use this to get to the next stage in your career.We have both done this with IP that the world has never seen.You'd better have previews and sample images that look incredible.People will absolutely buy that thing because they know it's good.People will buy your book. Absolutely.You can absolutely make that 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.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 h et 4 min