A Deep Dive into Platform Fatigue, Strategic Posting & Sustainable Growth
Creators are drowning in platforms—Substack, Patreon, Webtoon, Tapas, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Threads, YouTube Shorts, Tumblr (yes, it’s back again), their own sites, AND mirrored archives.
Do you actually need to post your comic everywhere? Or is that a recipe for burnout and diluted results?
Let’s discuss how to choose the right platforms instead of all platforms.
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Today’s show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — go to https://bit.ly/41pXyI7 or https://comiclabshop.com and use the code COMICLAB5 to unlock an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid 4/6/2026 – 6/14/2026)
The Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) is the New 22″ Benchmark. A powerful yet accessible 21.5” pen display featuring a 2.5K QHD 90Hz screen, PenTech 4.0, and Canvas Glass 2.0. Designed for smooth, precise, and true-to-life creation, it redefines what an entry-level display can deliver — professional performance without the premium price.
TODAY’S SHOW
How to do a two-page splash page
Get your discounted Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) at comiclabshop.com – COMICLAB5
UPDATE: Got a comment for ComicLab? Dial the ComicLab Confab! (609) 379-3520… that’s (609) DRY ELB-0
NCS in Columbus, Ohio, Aug 6-8
USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26th and ends (maybe?) Jan. 17, 2027 (NOTE: This will not affect Media Mail pricing)
Editorial cartoonists on social media
What’s the deal with Susan MacTaggart?
Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby
Splash Pages Brad and Dave take a deep dive into splash pages — what they are, how they’ve traditionally been used, and how they function differently in print versus webcomics. They discuss classic first-page splash images as attention-grabbing devices, as well as the practical reality that they can help creators hit deadlines. Dave shares how he uses splash pages sparingly in Drive to give big moments room to breathe, while Brad explains how he uses them consistently at the start of chapters in Evil Inc, both as storytelling tools and promotional assets. The conversation also explores why two-page splash spreads can struggle online — especially on mobile — and reinforces a key principle: a graphic novel page is not the same as a webcomic update, and each must be designed with its medium in mind.
ComicLab Confab (Listener Calls) The guys remind listeners about the ComicLab Confab — their voicemail line where creators can call in with questions, comments, or hot takes. It’s an easy, low-pressure way for the community to participate in the show and potentially have their thoughts featured on-air. If you’ve got something to say about comics, business, or creative life, you can dial (609) 379-3520 — that’s (609) DRY-ELB-0.
National Cartoonists Society — Columbus, Ohio Brad and Dave highlight the upcoming National Cartoonists Society event in Columbus, Ohio (Aug. 6–8), encouraging cartoonists to attend. They emphasize the value of in-person networking, camaraderie, and professional development that comes from gathering with other working cartoonists — something that can be hard to replicate online. https://nationalcartoonists.com/registration-now-open-80th-reuben-awards-ncs-conference/
USPS Fuel Surcharge Update A practical business note: the USPS fuel surcharge goes into effect April 26 and is expected to run (possibly) through January 17, 2027. This will impact many shipping rates for creators who sell physical goods, though Media Mail remains unaffected. For cartoonists running Kickstarters, online stores, or Patreon rewards, this is a reminder to factor rising shipping costs into pricing and planning. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0325-usps-announces-transportation-related-time-limited-price-change.htm
Editorial Cartoonists on Social Media The conversation touches on how editorial cartoonists are navigating social media — including the challenges of visibility, audience building, and platform changes. Brad and Dave reflect on how shifting algorithms and audience behavior can affect political and commentary-based comics, and what that means for creators trying to get their work seen.
What’s the Deal with Susan MacTaggart? In a classic ComicLab aside, Brad and Dave riff on the mysterious (and confusing) name “Susan MacTaggart,” using it as an example of how something presented without context can create intrigue — or just bewilderment. It ties back humorously to their broader discussions about clarity, audience expectations, and grabbing attention.
Introducing Dr. Reginald Wigglesby The episode also features the introduction of Dr. Reginald Wigglesby — a comedic bit that adds to the show’s ongoing tradition of playful world-building and running gags. It’s a reminder that even in a craft-focused podcast, humor and character bits are part of what makes ComicLab feel like hanging out with friends.
You might be missing a significant opportunity to promote your Kickstarter.
When you initially set up your Kickstarter, you gave it a title. You should set aside time at least once daily to search for this title on your social media platforms, especially Twitter and Facebook.
Here’s why….
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Long ago, Patreon revolutionized how independent artists make a living. But many of us are still struggling. And for some, the reason isn’t the quality of their work. Instead, it’s applying a bad Patreon strategy — and suffering the consequences.
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For many independent comic creators, our income falls under the “gig economy.” That income must be reported to the IRS. Here’s how to handle those unique tax responsibilities.
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In this episode, Brad and Dave tackle a question every cartoonist eventually asks: Where should I invest my time and energy? From gallery shows to professional organizations to keeping up with “the kids,” this conversation is packed with practical, experience-tested advice.
Are Art Galleries Worth It?
A listener asks whether exhibiting in a gallery helps grow a comics career.
Key takeaways:
• Gallery exposure rarely converts into comic readers • If it’s not clickable, it’s not effective promotion • Sales are often split (sometimes 50/50), cutting into profits • You can usually sell original art more effectively on your own platform • The biggest benefit? Personal satisfaction and a nice ego boost
• 10–15 years ago: Limited practical value • Today: Much more actionable, community-driven, and educational
What You Actually Get
• Real-world, practical learning (panels, talks, workshops) • Networking with professionals who actually understand comics • Access to events, meetups, and tabling opportunities • Career insight you won’t get from general audiences
Pro tip: For younger creators, discounted memberships make this a much easier entry point.
ComicLab at the Reubens
Brad and Dave will be presenting at this year’s Reuben Awards Weekend, August 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
Their session: “Actionable Advice in a Time of Change”
• Practical, career-focused insights • Guest cartoonists joining a live panel format • A mix of strategy, storytelling, and real-world experience
They’ll also be around all weekend — panels, conversations, and (possibly questionable) lunch recommendations.
In a recent episode of The Wrong Way, I used a double-outline pen in Clip Studio to draw lasagna noodles. Today, I’m going to show you how that tool works — and I’m going to show you a drawing process that takes that idea to the next level.
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To run a successful Kickstarter campaign, you must understand the concept behind the Kickstarter Ladder. The Kickstarter Ladder works like this: You start your backer with a reward at a very low price. A digital reward works excellently here: Low cost and no shipping.
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.
When Patreon first unveiled its free membership feature, I was not a fan. After all, Patreon is a phenomenal monetization tool, but it was never delivered on discovery for creators. And building a tier for non-paying members seemed counterintuitive. After using it for a while, I’ve come around to seeing the wisdom in a free-membership tier. Nevertheless, it will be essential to have a strategy for converting those free remembers to paying members.
The content you are trying to access is only available to members.
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