In a Webcomics.con Poll, we asked: “If I could hire one person to help my webcomics business, it would be a(n)…” The results weren’t particularly surprising. The top response (27%) was “Business Manager.” But here’s the real question…
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In this clip from episode 97 of ComicLab, veteran cartoonist Dave Kellett shares how he manages commissions.
Sam Logan and Jake Parker convinced me a couple of years back at an Emerald City Comic Con, like, hey, why don’t you start taking commissions?
It’s worth a few thousand bucks a year, and they’re fun to do. And I was always like, “Nah, I don’t want to do commissions. I just want to do the things that I want to do.” I was very fussy.
It was a little bit closed-minded in the sense that, like, on some level, I needed to trust my readership that they might have fun ideas in the wheelhouse of things that I like to draw, you know.
So I opened up commissions.
I started to get more of a systematic way of handling it. What I do is I have a form that I use.
If someone’s at a convention, and they say, “Hey, do you do commissions?” I can hand them a sheet, it literally is an ordering sheet. It lists the options — single character black and white, single character color, two to three characters black and white, two to three characters color, etc.
And then I have them write their email, their text messaging, so I can say your commission’s ready.
You have to set your limits. I tend not to draw licensed characters unless it’s really fun and creative.
Sometimes people will say like, “Hey, I would like you to draw my dog Bowser — but draw him though he has a dog Iron Man outfit.”
And to me, that’s enough of a creative step away from the intellectual property where I can make it fun, you know, where I’m not just drawing Iron Man, that kind of thing.
I have done once or twice, but I frankly, I’m like, you’re you’re commissioning me as a cartoonist, so have me draw my stuff. That’s more fun!
This week on the ComicLab podcast, I talk about some of the ways I’m rethinking outreach in 2024. And at the top of the list is — Substack.
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As last year came to a close, it was becoming frustratingly clear that social media has been failing to deliver what we traditionally relied on it for — reaching our current readers and finding new ones. So this year Brad is trying out a new platform — Subsack. But that comes with a whole new learning curve — and more than a few ethical issues to wrestle with!
SHOW NOTES: Two points of clarification. First, the question is raised whether a user can export an email list from Substack. This is, indeed, a feature. Secondly, Dave asked Brad which of his social media platforms has the biggest user base. Brad’s answer was Twitter, but upon further review, it’s TikTok. That fact puts the ensuing discussion into a slightly different framework.
ON THIS WEEK’S SHOW…
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.”
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Many cartoonists are familiar with Wally Wood’s indelible contribution to comics theory: The 22 Panels That Always Work!
I was thinking about Wally over breakfast — a morning Wood, if you please. And I started wondering… is it possible to add to this axiom that has stood the test of decades? Not to knock on Wood, but surely there’s at least one more Panel That Always Works by now! Can we improve on Wood panelling?!
Here’s my challenge to you: Can you add a 23rd Panel That Always Works? Maybe it’s your own personal go-to. Maybe it’s something you saw someone do that you’d love to see emulated. Post an image and show off your panel prowess!
Watch me draw a cartoon while Dave Kellett and I talk shop in this ComicLab clip from episode 316. During that episode, I issued a challenge to comic artists using social media: Try — just TRY — to find something on social media worth sharing! If you do, you’ll learn volumes about why people aren’t sharing *your* posts!
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Let’s talk about an important part of drawing: Making mistakes.
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The National Cartoonists Society has released its call for entries. Here’s what you need to know:
DEADLINE: February 7
The National Cartoonists Society is starting its annual call for entries for consideration for their NCS Divisional Awards, recognizing excellence in professional cartooning. As always, you DO NOT have to be a member of the NCS to have your work considered for a divisional award… all that is required is that the work be eligible, as detailed below.
All submissions and entry forms will be submitted digitally this year.
This is required for all divisions. Proof of 2023 publication date for each submitted sample of work MUST be included by uploading a separate proof file using the entry form. Failure to provide proof of publication date may result in disqualification.
Examples of proof:
Upload one proof image for each submitted image file.
FILE NAME FORMAT
Please name your files and/or label the proof documentation so that it is clear which piece of submitted work it is for.
Review all instructions, including how to submit Proof of Publication as detailed prior to the division requirements. Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.
Complete the online entry form
All winners will be announced at the 78th Annual Reuben Awards Dinner
Good luck to everyone who submits!
One of our most often-requested topics is “How do I start a webcomic?” We’re going to give you some step-by-step instructions — updated for the new year! Plus… we always stress the importance of doing a good comic. That begs another question: “How do I know if my comic is good?”
ON THIS WEEK’S SHOW…
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