This week, we welcome the brilliant Dylan Meconis, creator of Queen of the Sea and Bite Me.

Here’s what we cover:

• How most colorists actually break in (hint: it’s not by “murdering another colorist in single combat” — though that was discussed)
• What “flatting” is — and why it’s often your first step into paid coloring work
• Why networking is really just “being friends with cartoonists”
• Portfolio strategy: Why saying “I do everything” is less effective than saying “I do this brilliantly”
• Analog coloring techniques — watercolor paper, oil-based pencils, and why certain materials go extinct at the worst possible moment
• The realities of scanning physical art (and why scanners are basically cameras on an arm)
• How to handle black plates, rich black, and avoiding fuzzy type in print
• If you’ve ever wondered whether coloring could be an income stream for you — or how to level up your current process — this episode is a masterclass.

Products and Programs mentioned on the show

Note: Some of the links are affiliate links

• WildCraft Studio is in Portland, Oregon. 
• PITT monochrome oil pencils by Faber-Castell
• Watercolor paints, Daniel Smith brand
• Watercolor paper (cold press) by Arches
• White watercolor paper, Dick Blick house brand
• Epson scanner, Perfection series
• Epson scanner, Workforce series
• Colored pencils, Caran d’Ache

As we head into tax season, let’s look at one of the most useful tools for running a small business — the Profit & Loss Statement.

A listener writes in after a breakup, worried they’ve lost their creative spark for good. Brad and Dave unpack the emotional toll of heartbreak, why creative paralysis is normal, and how time, grief, and self-reflection can ultimately deepen your storytelling. Also: Dave is quitting Amazon Advantage, and he shares why he made that startling decision.

Today’s Show

• Comics Will Break Your Heart (and so will dating)
• Dave Kellett’s “Double Dog Dare” book
• Amazon Advantage
• Imposter Syndrome and mental health

Takeaways

• It’s normal to feel creatively blocked after a heartbreak.
• Finding joy in solitude can help with creativity.
• Time is essential for healing after a breakup.
• Navigating international shipping can be complex and frustrating.
• Mental health is crucial for creative individuals.
• Imposter syndrome can hinder the creative process.
• Seeking professional help is important for mental health issues.
• Weather can significantly affect mood and creativity.
• Sharing experiences can help others feel less alone.
• Listener feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement.

In light of a gradual breakdown of social media, one of my areas of focus is to find non-social-media methods to promote my comic. Getting invited to talk about your comic on a podcast can be an effective promotion. But many comic creators just aren’t very good at talking. And you can’t promote if you’ve bored the audience to tears. It’s OK if you’re not naturally lugubrious behind a microphone. With over a decade of podcasting experience, I’ll tell you the one secret that will turn you into an amazing podcast guest.

Poor Man’s Copyright is a system of attempting to establish copyright through mailing a copy of the art to yourself (some people suggest using Certified Mail). The artist then files the envelope — unopened. If their copyright ownership is ever threatened, all they need do is open the envelope (in a court of law, one supposes) and present the document with a flourish. Some prominent artists even advise young people to use Poor Man’s Copyright. There’s only one problem: It’s complete bullshit.