Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett dig into the many ways we react to humor — from full-on belly laughs to the silent internal “that was good” response. After that the way, they tackle some big (and surprisingly relatable) topics:

• Are they actually going to use Patreon Quips?
• Dave’s Bad 2025 — what went wrong, what he learned, and why it matters
• Why you never stop building an audience, even when things feel “established”
• And yes… being scared of Reddit comments is universal!

Summary

In this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar dive into the nature of humor in comics, prompted by a listener’s question about whether funny comics truly elicit laughter or if they are simply enjoyable. Brad and Dave explore the subjective nature of humor, sharing their own experiences with laughter and recognition of craft in comedy. Next, they delve into the ongoing journey of building and maintaining an audience in the ever-evolving landscape of comics. They emphasize that there is no such thing as a ‘built audience.’ Audience engagement is a continuous process that requires constant effort and adaptation. Drawing on the metaphor of the Ship of Theseus, they discuss how creators must regularly replace and update their strategies to keep their audience engaged, acknowledging that audience members may leave for various reasons, including life changes or simply forgetting about the content.

The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of negative feedback, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where creators often face harsh criticism. Brad and Dave share personal anecdotes about dealing with trolls and the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of audience engagement. They conclude by reinforcing the idea that the creative journey is ongoing, and that every creator must continually learn and adapt to thrive in the industry.

Takeaways

• “Not every year is going to be gangbusters.”
• There’s no such thing as a built audience; you’re always in building mode.
• Audience engagement is like the Ship of Theseus; it’s constantly changing.
• You should aim to gain 2-6% new audience every month to replace those who leave.
• Negative comments often come from unhappy individuals; don’t take them personally.
• Every creator must continually learn and adapt to thrive in the industry.

I often say on the ComicLab podcast: ”It’s hard to drive towards an art style that you want. Usually, it’s something you see in the rearview mirror.”

An online publisher has become the center of some genuinely alarming stories. Brad and Dave break down five hard lessons comic creators can learn when a publisher shows signs of instability, mismanagement, or collapse.

Today’s Show

• Five Lessons from a Publisher in Crisis
• Submitting your work for awards

Summary

Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the importance of owning and controlling one’s career in the comic industry. They discuss the need for business acumen among cartoonists and the risks of signing contracts. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes in self-publishing, the power of transparency among creators, and the benefits of submitting work for awards. Ultimately, they stress that the goal is not independence at all costs, but informed consent in business relationships.

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome should not prevent you from submitting your work.
• There is a percentage of humans who can close their nostrils underwater.
• Cartoonists must be prepared to be business people.
• Your best defense is often not signing a contract.
• Mistakes in self-publishing are manageable and teach valuable lessons.
• Transparency among creators is crucial for success.
• Experience changes the power dynamic in negotiations.
• Submitting for awards can provide valuable insights into your work.
• Reviewing your work helps improve your editorial and aesthetic eye.
• Self-publishing allows for greater control over your career.

Many cartoonists are familiar with Wally Wood’s indelible contribution to comics theory: The 22 Panels That Always Work!

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

• Should you judge a book by its cover?
• Too embarrassed to promote

Takeaways

• A book’s cover plays a significant role in its marketability.
• It’s important to design a cover that reflects the content of the comic.
• Promoting comics can be challenging, especially in unexpected social situations.
• Introverts can find it difficult to promote their work in person.
• Having a decoy website can help ease the promotion process.
• It’s okay to feel uncomfortable discussing your work with strangers.
• Using humor can help deflect awkward conversations about your work.
• Online promotion can be more effective than in-person promotion.