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.