With social media in steep decline, many of us are scrambling to replace one of its biggest perks: discoverability. Finding new readers used to be as simple as posting regularly. Today? Not so much.

A Content Exchange offers a smart, sustainable alternative — and adds genuine value for your existing backers.

The Content Exchange

Sharing another creator’s work with your Patreon or Substack audience isn’t just a good idea — it’s great content.

One thing I’ve seen again and again: the more exclusive content I post, the more pledges and subscribers I get. Scarcity works. And a Content Exchange lets you post something fresh and exclusive without creating it from scratch.

How it Works

We always advise having “many legs under your table.” In other words, comic creators should have many sources of revenue. If one is threatened, the others can keep the business aloft. So it’s important, from time to time, to check for wobbly legs! What are the sources of comics income that are currently vulnerable?

Today’s Show

• Vulnerable revenue streams
• Susan MacTaggart
• Design vs Style

Summary

In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore various themes related creativity and the business of comics. The conversation begins with the importance of diversifying income streams for artists. They also delve into concerns about merchandise shipping costs and the future of platforms like Patreon in the age of AI. Next, the hosts reflect on the relationship between style and design in art, and how generational changes will influence the integration of AI into creative fields. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and insights into the creative process.

Takeaways

• Comic conventions can be a tricky business venture.
• Diversifying income streams is crucial for artists.
• Merchandise shipping costs are a growing concern.
• The future of platforms like Patreon is uncertain with AI advancements.
• Style and design are interconnected in art.
• Generational shifts will influence how AI is integrated into creative fields.

Every Kickstarter tells a story — not just about the book itself, but about the paths people take to discover it. Now that Full Stream Ahead has wrapped, I took a deep dive into the referral data, and the results say a lot about how indie comics projects reach their audience in 2025.

This week, we’re sharing the real numbers from Brad Guigar’s recent Kickstarter. The show is brought to you by Hogan’s Alley! Enter the code COMICLAB10 at checkout to receive 10% off any purchase from their store — the current issue, back issues, a subscription, digital editions, “The Complete Betty Brown” book collection, whatever you see there that catches your eye!

Summary

The fellas discuss Brad’s recent Kickstarter campaign, where he shares insights on his strategy, the challenges of international shipping, and the importance of referral tags and updates to backers. They also discuss the effectiveness of livestreaming the final hour of a campaign and the benefits of late pledges. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining communication with past backers and the value of having a strong online presence for creators.

Takeaways

• International shipping challenges influenced Brad’s Kickstarter strategy.
• Referral tags in Kickstarter help track the effectiveness of outreach efforts.
• Updates to previous backers can significantly boost Kickstarter pledges.
• Live streaming the last hour of a Kickstarter campaign can engage backers.
• Late pledges can add significant funds after a campaign ends.
• Using a website effectively can drive traffic to Kickstarter campaigns.
• Regular communication with past backers is crucial for future campaigns.

Q.: So I made a 24 hour comic. It’s amazing, but it’s “only” 24 pages. Now, comic dads of the Internet has taught me not to make floppies (a magazine/fanzine). So what do I do?

A.: Here are seven ideas, off the top of my head…