Author: Beth Reidmiller

Now through Monday! Give scifi-loving pals the joy of DRIVE — and save that sweet, sweet moolah when you do!

Oh! There’s also a $50-off sale on all my SHELDON original art! Just navigate to your favorite comic in the archives, scroll directly below it, and click “BUY TODAY’S ORIGINAL ART”!

When you buy Acts 1 & 2 hardcovers, we throw in Act 3, FREE! Here’s the link! https://sheldonstore.com/collections/sale/products/buy-drive-act-1-2-get-act-3-hardcovers (NOTE: This 3-pack will ship via Priority Mail, to arrive at US destinations for Christmas.)

Also! Are you missing a DRIVE book? Did your pet chew one to high heaven? BOY HOWDY ARE YOU IN LUCK! It’s a sale on unwrapped and/or super-lightly-dinged DRIVE books. They’re 50%-off! Here’s the direct link for all that: https://sheldonstore.com/collections/sale (NOTE: These dinged books will ship via Media Mail, and will not arrive at US destinations for Christmas.)

Pals! Every week my cartooning pal Brad Guigar and I fire up the mics to talk about comics. It’s half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. That’s right: WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It’s tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro!

And here’s a summary of this week’s show, which just went live! 

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LINK: https://www.patreon.com/posts/in-over-my-head-116117374

TITLE: In over my head

What happens when your story gets too big for you to handle? Are you the right person for the job? (And if not you, then who??)

On Today’s Show:

• In over your head
• UPDATE: It was FCS all along
•  Crossbar-I technicality
• Advice to your older self

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges creators face, particularly when tackling complex themes such as systemic injustice in long-term comic projects. The hosts emphasize the importance of pushing through creative doubts and the value of learning from mistakes in the writing process. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of creativity, mainly focusing on the challenges creators face after a hiatus. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection, the role of confidence in storytelling, and the value of completing projects. The dialogue emphasizes that it’s normal to feel doubt and that taking breaks can be beneficial. Ultimately, they encourage creators to follow their instincts and permit themselves to explore new directions in their work.

In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett revisit a previous discussion about the frequency of comic updates, introducing the concept of FCS (Frequent, Consistent, Significant) as a guiding principle for creators. They delve into the nuances of typography in comics, particularly the use of the crossbar I, and emphasize the importance of clarity in communication. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they explore what advice they would give to their future selves, reflecting on the nature of change and the importance of embracing it as artists. In this episode, the hosts explore the themes of establishment in the cartooning world, the importance of embracing change, and the value of taking risks. They reflect on the advice they would give to their younger selves, emphasizing the need to cultivate joy and not let life’s challenges steal it away. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of life experiences and the lessons learned from past regrets.

Pals! Every week my cartooning pal Brad Guigar and I fire up the mics to talk about comics. It’s half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. That’s right: WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It’s tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro!

And here’s a summary of this week’s show, which just went live! 

———

LINK: https://www.patreon.com/posts/minor-problem-117033293

TITLE: A minor problem with a comic major

Does an aspiring comics artist/writer need a college degree? And, if so, which degree is best? Next, a listener asks why Brad publishes his weekly comics page in half-page increments.

• What schools do we recommend?
• Why does Brad publish twice a week?
• Substack and Bluesky

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the importance of higher education for aspiring cartoonists, debating the merits of specialized degrees versus a broader liberal arts education. They emphasize the significance of writing in comics, the value of community colleges, and the necessity for aspiring artists to actively create comics during their education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the optimal update frequency for comic creators, highlighting the balance between reader engagement and creative output. In this conversation, Brad Guigar and his co-host discuss the nuances of storytelling in comics, emphasizing the importance of finding a ‘sweet spot’ in panel structure and update frequency. They explore the challenges of conveying narratives in short formats, particularly in the context of webcomics, and the need to adapt to new platforms and formats for compelling storytelling. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of comic publishing, including the potential of platforms like Substack and Bluesky.

Pals! Every week my cartooning pal Brad Guigar and I fire up the mics to talk about comics. It’s half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. That’s right: WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It’s tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro!

And here’s a summary of this week’s show, which just went live! 

———

LINK: [insert link]

TITLE: Nobody believes I’m a cartoonist

How do you explain to someone that you’re a professional cartoonist? More importantly — should you even try?! Also, Dave and Brad share details about the software they use, and Brad extolls the virtues of a Patreon content exchange.

On Today’s Show…

• How do you explain to people that you’re a professional cartoonist?
• What software is best for comics?
• Take a break this holiday
• Patreon content exchange

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the challenges of explaining their profession as cartoonists to others, as well as the misconceptions surrounding the field. Next, they explain the significance of using the right software for comic creation. They emphasize the need for cartoonists to be aware of the technical aspects of their work, particularly when it comes to color formats and printing. Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett emphasize the advantages of tools like Clip Studio Paint and Adobe products. They also highlight the significance of taking breaks during the holiday season to recharge creatively. The conversation shifts to strategies for Patreon content exchanges, where they share insights on effectively reaching out to other creators and the benefits of collaboration in building audiences.

Pals! Every week my cartooning pal Brad Guigar and I fire up the mics to talk about comics. It’s half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. That’s right: WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It’s tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro!

And here’s a summary of this week’s show, which just went live! 

———

LINK: https://www.patreon.com/posts/your-content-is-115212825?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

TITLE: Your Content is not your Community

When comic creators try to market their comics, they often confuse what their comic is about with who it’s for. Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar offer some guidance on making compelling promotions that work. In the show’s second half, the boys have a devil of a time talking about angel investing.

In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore how comic creators can broaden their audience beyond niche markets, emphasizing the significance of themes and relationships in storytelling. The conversation highlights the need for creators to identify their comic’s appeal and engage with a broader audience.

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of angel investing, particularly in the context of cartoonists and creative industries. They discuss the nature of angel investing, the challenges cartoonists face in securing funding, and the potential roles that angel investors could play in their careers. The conversation also delves into alternative funding models like Kickstarter and Patreon and the importance of marketing versus production in growing a creative business. Ultimately, the hosts reflect on their experiences and the realities of managing growth in the comic industry. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of comic creation, discussing the balance between marketing and content production, the impact of hiring assistants, and the challenges of delegating creative tasks. They explore the dynamics of collaboration in writing and the potential growth opportunities for their podcast, ComicLab, while acknowledging the realities of success and the risks involved in expanding their creative endeavors.

Pals! Every week my cartooning pal Brad Guigar and I fire up the mics to talk about comics. It’s half shop talk, half how-to, and half friendship. That’s right: WE SQUEEZED IN THREE HALVES. It’s tips and tricks and all the joys of cartooning as a pro!

And here’s a summary of this week’s show, which just went live! 

LINK: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lets-talk-about-114747356

TITLE: “Let’s talk about your bits and pieces”

When a listener asks about Kickstarter strategy, the ComicLab guys are divided! Dave favors the traditional webcomics approach. Build your audience by posting the comic online, then monetize that engagement with a Kickstarter. Brad likes this, but he could also see using Kickstarter’s strengths in Discovery to build the audience through a series of smaller campaigns that lead to a big one.

Summary

In this conversation, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various aspects of creating and promoting comics, including the importance of audience engagement, the role of webcomics, and practical strategies for using platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter. They discuss the significance of consistent content release versus binge releases, emphasizing the emotional connection built through regular engagement with readers. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and humorous references, making it both informative and entertaining for aspiring comic creators.

In the second half of the show, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss various topics related to comic creation, including the joys of attending the Alaska Comics Camp, the potential of drawing Q&A sessions for Patreon, the nuances of live streaming for community versus audience building, and strategies for overcoming comic paralysis. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, the legal considerations of using names in drawings, and the creative processes involved in writing and drawing comics.

Hello friends! I just put up this delightful original art on eBay…starting at just one penny!

Go check it out: https://www.ebay.com/itm/296674958570

Hi Patreon pals! I just put this original art up on eBay starting at just one penny! Go snag it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296573093804

Hi friends! I just put up the drawing of everyone’s favorite squishy, loveable, not-horrifying-at-all dictator, (THE CENTER)! Go check it out!  It’s starting at just one penny!

link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/296403965956

Alaska pals!

I’m signing this Saturday in downtown Juneau with 40+ other amazing cartoonists! Free admission, 10AM-5PM, at the big, gorgeous ALASKA STATE LIBRARY, ARCHIVES & MUSEUM!

E-mail me if there are particular books you want me to bring/reserve for you! Hope to see you there!