Comic Lab

A listener asks: "Should you judge a book by its cover?" Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar say... YES! Next, a cartoonist who is too embarrassed to promote his own work gets some encouragement and words of advice from the veteran comic creators. TODAY'S SHOW Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Starting a webcomic in 2026 isn’t about chasing algorithms or copying what’s popular — it’s about building something sustainable, creative, and yours. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett break down what new cartoonists actually need to focus on in their first years: writing first, consistency over hype, owning your work, and building an audience the right way. You’ll learn why you don’t need Webtoon or Tapas, why monetizing too early can derail your career, how social media really fits into comics growth today, and why a website and mailing list are non-negotiable. This is a marathon mindset episode for creators who want to do comics for the long haul — and do them for love. Getting off on the Right Foot Building an audience Creation, Curation, Commercial, and KindnessFrequent / Consistent / Significant The 2-2-1 Rule: Monetization DON’T START MONETIZING IN YOUR FIRST YEAR.don’tMarathon thinking You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

What does it really mean when someone looks at your career and says, “You should be doing more”? In this episode of ComicLab, Brad and Dave respond to a pointed listener question that cuts straight to the bone: If they have the skills, the experience, and the ideas — why haven’t they launched even more projects? The answer isn’t defensive or dismissive. Instead, it becomes a clear-eyed breakdown of creative bandwidth, sustainability, work-life balance, and the invisible labor that propels up a long-term comics career. From Patreon and newsletters to storefronts, commissions, podcasts, and family responsibilities, they unpack why “doing enough” is often misunderstood from the outside — and why restraint can be a strategic choice, not a lack of ambition. The conversation then pivots to one of the trickiest problems any humor writer faces: How to judge your own work when readers don’t get the joke. How many confused comments are just statistical noise—and when do they signal a real problem in execution? Brad and Dave dig into the uncomfortable middle ground between ego and humility, exploring how to listen to feedback without letting it derail your voice, and how to improve clarity without sanding off what makes your work distinctive. It’s a nuanced, experience-earned discussion about ramps, chasms, audience expectations, and why “it happens to everyone” is not an excuse — but also not a death sentence. If you’ve ever felt pressure to produce more, or struggled to decide whether reader confusion is a warning sign or just the cost of taking creative risks, this episode offers hard-earned perspective from two cartoonists who’ve been navigating those exact questions for decades. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar make their predictions for 2026 and share their goals for the new year. Also — they offer their annual reminder to shop the Comicraft New Year's Day sale on January 1st. Brad's Predictions Dave's predictions Brad's Goals Dave's Goals You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

At the beginning of the year, cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar made their predictions for the coming year — and set goals for themselves. Now, as the year comes to a close, it's the brutally honest follow-up episode where they grade themselves — and sometimes discover that Past-Brad and Past-Dave were wildly optimistic. Or deluded. Or both. 2025 PREDICTIONS 2025 GOALS Buffer.com wrongwayshow.comHUION Our multi-week partnership with Huion is nearing the finish line. Huge thanks to them for supporting the show. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tablet or dipping your toes into digital art hardware, now’s a great time to check out their lineup. Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: COMICLAB Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. TAKEAWAYS You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the nuances of print-on-demand services. As Brad says, "It's a good place to start, but a bad place to stay." They delve into the importance of advanced planning for holiday sales. Finally, they share strategies for engaging audiences at comic conventions, covering pricing strategies and the psychology of sales, and emphasizing the importance of understanding costs and audience engagement. Today's Show Huion Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Syndicated cartoonists Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman share their journey of collaboration that spans over 35 years, focusing on their iconic comic strip, "Baby Blues." They discuss their initial meeting, the challenges of working together, the creative process behind their gags, and the evolution of their work. The dialogue highlights the joys and conflicts of collaboration, the importance of humor in parenting, and the unique dynamics of their partnership. They discuss their early encounters with legendary cartoonists, the challenges and joys of taking over legacy strips, the impact of awards on their careers, and the importance of authenticity in parenting comics. You can read "Baby Blues" at Gocomics.com/babyblues Huion Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Where should you post if you want to build an audience? Substack delivers unbeatable audience-building tools... but it has some drawbacks. Bluesky is active... but small. Webtoon is terrific... if you're doing the style and content that their users prefer. Patreon has recently added features to promote discoverability and reader-retention. And the legacy social-media platforms — Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook — have been failing creators for years now. Brad and Dave share actionable advice to help you navigate it all. Today's Show Huion Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 Plus — A luxurious large-screen, high-resolution digital pen display with an etched glass surface that simulates the texture of paper while it protects your eyes from harmful glare. Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) — With a large 13.3-inch screen and an FHD (1920X1080) resolution, this model ensuring seamless collaboration with your laptop. The durable back cover also offers superior protection while ensuring interface stability. Huion Note — You found your new on-the-go brainstorming tool. With writing synchronizing, offline storage, document management, one-click PDF sharing, and portable A5 size, Huion Note will redefine what a new generation of notebooks can do. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Today's show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Kamvas 22 Plus ! In today's show, Brad and Dave tackle an old question — does your comic HAVE to be in color? The answer is more nuanced than you might think! Also, the comics uncles will discuss the right ways — and the wrong way — to sign your books for fans. Huion Huion is sponsoring today's show, and they're offering additional discounts on the following products when you use the discount code: ComicLab Kamvas 22 PlusKamvas 13 (Gen 3)Huion NoteToday's Show: Kamvas 22 Plus , Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) , and the Huion Note (Offer ends Jan. 4, 2026)Summary In this engaging conversation, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the debate between black and white versus color in comics, the dynamics of creative teams, and book-signing etiquette. The share personal anecdotes, insights on the creative process, and the importance of listening to audiences. The discussion also touches on the future of comic adaptations and the satisfaction of creating art for its own sake. The hosts delve into the intricacies of storytelling, discussing the journey of creating a narrative and the potential future projects that may arise from it. They share insights from their experiences at Comic Con, particularly focusing on book signing etiquette and best practices. Additionally, they touch on the importance of analytics in understanding audience engagement through platforms like Patreon. But first, Dave waxes poetic over the "Golden Girls" spin-off, "Golden Palace." Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

Cartoonist Brad Guigar talks about his love/hate relationship with Reddit — and the publishing strategy that's currently delivering Patreon backers that has him loving it again. Today's Show NSFW comic artists on Reddit Brad mentioned getting great advice from people doing NSFW comics on Reddit. Here are a few of them. u/GrimDarkDorku/DarlingSnarlu/LeFauxCreuxTakeaways Summary In this episode of ComicLab, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges and strategies of comic creation, particularly focusing on the use of Reddit as a platform for engagement. They explore the ethics of working on personal projects during downtime at work, the acceptance of NSFW content, and the importance of consistency in posting. The episode also features listener interaction, discussing how accents can influence perceptions, and concludes with a challenge from the hosts. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

We always advise having "many legs under your table." In other words, comic creators should have many sources of revenue. If one is threatened, the others can keep the business aloft. So it's important, from time to time, to check for wobbly legs! What are the sources of comics income that are currently vulnerable? Today's Show Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore various themes related creativity and the business of comics. The conversation begins with the importance of diversifying income streams for artists. They also delve into concerns about merchandise shipping costs and the future of platforms like Patreon in the age of AI. Next, the hosts reflect on the relationship between style and design in art, and how generational changes will influence the integration of AI into creative fields. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and insights into the creative process. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

This week, we're sharing the real numbers from Brad Guigar's recent Kickstarter. The show is brought to you by Hogan's Alley! Enter the code COMICLAB10 at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase from their store — the current issue, back issues, a subscription, digital editions, "The Complete Betty Brown" book collection, whatever you see there that catches your eye! Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss Brad's recent Kickstarter campaign, where he shares insights on his strategy, the challenges of international shipping, and the importance of referral tags and updates to backers. They also discuss the effectiveness of livestreaming the final hour of a campaign and the benefits of late pledges. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining communication with past backers and the value of having a strong online presence for creators. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

In this engaging conversation, Cathy Guisewite, the creator of the iconic syndicated comic strip 'Cathy', shares her journey through the world of cartooning, the challenges she faced as a female cartoonist, and the cultural impact of her work. From her early days of struggling with drawing to her experiences on The Tonight Show, Cathy reflects on her evolution as an artist and the significance of her comic strip in addressing women's issues. She discusses the release of her 50th Anniversary Collection and the bittersweet feelings surrounding the end of her long-running strip. Cathy 50th Anniversary Collection Takeaways The Tonight Show 50th Anniversary Collection You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

Brad thinks Kickstarter is the right place to go for a Brazilian cartoonist who wants to have his work re-published in English, but Dave thinks his co-host is Lost in Translation. Then, the dynamic duo gives some advice to a pro-am cartoonist who just lost their day job and is considering making the move to full-time cartooning. But first, Brad and Dave share some comic convention horror stories. Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the chaotic experiences of comic conventions, the challenges of translating comics for the English market, and the importance of building an audience. They also provide advice for cartoonists who have been laid off, emphasizing the need for financial stability. The conversation touches on the realities of comic publishing and the necessity of having an emergency fund when transitioning to full-time cartooning. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

While you're stuck trying to find the RIGHT way to start your comic, someone else is starting a comic THEIR way. That's because the only RIGHT way to start a comic is the WRONG way. Confused? We'll explain. Also—storytelling without conflict? Kishōtenketsu is a story structure that highlights contrast rather than conflict. But first, Dave's Los Angeles may have the most "perfect days" in the United States, but Brad argues that Philadelphians truly appreciate their sunny weather more when it occurs. Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the challenges of starting a comic, emphasizing that there is no right way to create comics and that experimentation is essential. The hosts provide practical advice on overcoming creative blocks, the importance of consistency in practice, and the necessity of starting, even if it means doing it imperfectly. In this episode, the hosts explore the creative process, discussing the fear of starting projects and the importance of embracing imperfection. They share insights from their recent social media challenge, reflecting on productivity and the benefits of reducing screen time. The conversation shifts to the discovery of non-conflict storytelling techniques, particularly the Japanese writing style Kishōtenketsu, which emphasizes character development over traditional conflict. Finally, they discuss updates to the Patreon app, highlighting user experiences and the implications of its new features. Today's Show Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

Chuck Dillon joins us this week to talk about his work for Highlights magazine, designing the Costco Monopoly board, and his delightful children's books like The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart. Summary In this engaging conversation, Chuck Dillon, a talented cartoonist and illustrator, shares his journey from early inspirations to his successful career in children's book illustration. He discusses the challenges of client feedback, the importance of teaching in his artistic growth, and how boredom can spark creativity. Dillon also reflects on his notable projects, including the Costco Monopoly board and his children's books, The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of perspective in art and the joy of collaboration, culminating in a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recognition he has received from his peers. Chuck Dillon WebsiteBuy Chuck's books and original artBored PandaThe Bravest BoogerThe Most Serious FartCostco MonopolyTakeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

A listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. They sure do... and it's not what you'd expect! Today's show Summary Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the value of romance novels in storytelling, contrasting their narrative preferences. Brad advocates for the insights gained from romance, while Dave expresses a preference for macro stories over micro narratives. Next, a listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. This conversation delves into the evolution of comic storytelling, exploring influential works and characters that have shaped the medium. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding tropes, the impact of classic comics, and the significance of personal taste in appreciating the art form. They also touch on modern webcomics and the challenges of concluding long-running series, highlighting the diverse narratives and styles that continue to emerge in the comic world. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

As he prepares to launch his new Kickstarter at newevilbook.com, Brad Guigar tells co-host Dave Kellett that he's decided to eliminate all international shipping except for Canada! Between VAT taxes, new regulations, tariffs, and other uncertainties, he's decided it's just too risky. But first, a listener wrestles with his new role as a comics publisher. Is he helping out some friends, or is he a greedy capitalist? Today's show Summary In this episode, cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the intricacies of comic publishing and the importance of ownership in the comic industry. They delve into the ethical considerations of being a publisher, the necessity of clear contracts, and the financial math behind comic sales. The conversation also touches on the significance of developing a personal art style. The comics uncles delve into the intricacies of drawing and artistic styles. To close out the show, the fellas talk about the challenges of international shipping for comic creators. They explore the evolution of personal style in art, the inevitability of developing a unique style, and the complexities of managing multiple styles. The conversation also addresses the current issues surrounding international shipping and tariffs, particularly for creators looking to launch Kickstarter campaigns. The hosts offer valuable insights and guidance for navigating these challenges while upholding artistic integrity and achieving profitability. You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

Many singers do a key change in the middle of a song to indicate drama. Dave Kellett is so good, he does it right in the middle of a word! Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett learn too much about each other while sharing a hotel room with his friend at the National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Dave and Brad return from Boston brimming with stories from a week of cartooning camaraderie and community. Here's how to join the NCS. If you're under the age of 27, your membership is only $27! Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett reflect on their experiences at the NCS Conference and Reuben Awards sharing insights on the importance of community, networking, and the evolving landscape of cartooning. They discuss the joy of meeting fellow cartoonists, the impact of online creators, and the significance of new voices in the industry. The conversation also touches on travel tales, humorous anecdotes, and the camaraderie that defines the cartooning community. Takeaways You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.

Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar hosted a live performance of ComicLab at the 79th annual National Cartoonists Society Conference and Reuben Awards. Joining them onstage to talk about the business of comics were three marvelous cartoonists: Jason Chatfield, a remarkably talented cartoonist who is as comfortable doing stand-up comedy as he is sitting down to create cartoons for The New Yorker. His new book, “You’re Not a Real Dog Owner Until…”, is a danged delight, and belongs on your shelf. Sean Wang, the creator of Runners, a wonderful sci-fi comedy about alien smugglers. Its most recent Kickstarter launched a couple days before the recording of the show, and was funded shortly thereafter — which is 100% a coincidence, but we’ll be claiming credit nonetheless. Cassidy Wasserman, whose debut graphic novel, On Guard, was published by Random House earlier this year to rave reviews. She has also illustrated no fewer than three delightful children’s books. On the show... You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon $2 —$5 —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.