Selling original art is an integral part of the business model of an independent cartoonist who works with traditional media (pencils, inks, etc.). But if you use digital lettering, that final art might not feel so final to a prospective art collector. What should you do?
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Let’s face it. One of the biggest hurdles in growing a webcomic is reader retention. That’s why I encourage you to set aside time this month to develop (or improve) three ways to introduce your comic to a newcomer. Here are some ideas:
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The Butso Method will change the way you think about writing.
It’s very easy to get hopelessly lost during the writing process. We often have vague ideas of the general direction in which we want the overall story to go but no idea how to make that happen. It’s also easy to lose focus due to the vast possibilities we face. After all, we’re creating this story from literal nothingness, meaning anything can happen. But out of an infinite number of “anything,” which is right?!
When that happens, I find it helpful to focus on the basics, and that’s where the Butso Method comes in.
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Chuck Dillon joins us this week to talk about his work for Highlights magazine, designing the Costco Monopoly board, and his delightful children’s books like The Bravest Booger and TheMost Serious Fart.
In this engaging conversation, Chuck Dillon, a talented cartoonist and illustrator, shares his journey from early inspirations to his successful career in children’s book illustration. He discusses the challenges of client feedback, the importance of teaching in his artistic growth, and how boredom can spark creativity. Dillon also reflects on his notable projects, including the Costco Monopoly board and his children’s books, The Bravest Booger and The Most Serious Fart. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of perspective in art and the joy of collaboration, culminating in a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recognition he has received from his peers.
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There seems to be some misinformation about whether it’s legal to ship comics using the Media Mail service of the U.S. Postal Service. Since this misunderstanding could cost you hundreds of dollars, let’s get it straightened out now.
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Cartoonists continue to use newsletters to leverage their audience-building potential, and they struggle with the same question: What should I write in my newsletter? To make this easier, I’ve delineated three basic types of newsletter posts — each with its role in generating new readers for your comic.
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It can be frustrating to “hit the wall” in your creative output, but — speaking from experience — that wall isn’t a wall. And once you realize what’s happening, you’ll feel much better about your journey as an artist.
As creative people, we often feel exhilaration when our brains are storming, our synapses are firing, and our output is exciting. These are the moments we live for!
But it’s not constant. Sometimes, creativity comes much slower. During those times, it feels as if we’re not progressing, and the excitement that comes from finding something new is a long-distant memory.
If you talk to many artists during those times, they’ll tell you their creativity has “hit the wall.”
But speaking from experience and perspective, I can assure you this is not the case. What you’re experiencing is not a wall but a plateau. It feels as if you’ve come to a full stop because you’ve stopped experiencing that exhilarating upward “whoosh” of creativity. But you are now on a horizontal plane.
That’s an important distinction. You can move forward on a horizontal plane. It may not be as thrilling as a vertical “whoosh,” but you must move forward.
After all, this is where you learn about yourself as an artist. This is where you build speed. And muscle memory. This is where you master all the things that became apparent during your last explosion of creative energy.
Moving forward is the only way to get to the next “whoosh” of creativity. Trust me; the burst of artistic energy after a long plateau is a satisfying experience.
Don’t get frustrated about “hitting the wall.” See it for what it is — a preparation for the subsequent big explosion of creativity.
Jumpstarting creativity
Here are some excellent strategies for getting your brain working again after you feel as if you’ve hit a wall:
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A listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator. They sure do… and it’s not what you’d expect!
Today’s show
Romance novels
“Must-Read” Comics List
Summary
Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore the value of romance novels in storytelling, contrasting their narrative preferences. Brad advocates for the insights gained from romance, while Dave expresses a preference for macro stories over micro narratives. Next, a listener asks if there are any comics that the comics dads think are essential reading for being a comic creator.
This conversation delves into the evolution of comic storytelling, exploring influential works and characters that have shaped the medium. The speakers discuss the importance of understanding tropes, the impact of classic comics, and the significance of personal taste in appreciating the art form. They also touch on modern webcomics and the challenges of concluding long-running series, highlighting the diverse narratives and styles that continue to emerge in the comic world.
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This is when creativity seems to be at an all-time high everywhere you look. From carved pumpkins to costumes to haunted houses to the really scary stuff like, well…
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It’s pretty easy to see the influence of manga on comics being produced today. Scrolling through Webtoons, it’s obvious that an entire generation of young comic creators cut their teeth on comics originally made in Japan. In general, that’s tremendous! The creativity, the kinetic energy, the jaw-dropping art — it’s all worthy of emulation. But when it comes to word balloons, something’s getting lost in the translation.
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