You’ve already done the hardest part — creating the comic. That’s hours (or even years) of writing, drawing, and refining until you had something you were proud to share. But once it’s finished, too many creators stop there. The truth is, that comic is a powerful asset you can put to work again and again.

Repurposing your work matters for a few key reasons. First, efficiency: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you want to release something new. Second, reach: presenting your work in different formats helps you connect with new audiences where they already are. Third, revenue: the same comic can generate multiple income streams if you package it smartly. And finally, experimentation: trying new formats is a low-risk way to discover what resonates most with your readers.

In this post, we’ll look at three of the most effective ways to repackage and resell your comics — books, merchandise, and short-form content — and how each one can turn your existing work into fresh opportunities.

After discussing the best lettering techniques for shouts and whispers, Brad and Dave talk about plateaus. Is it possible to plateau for too long? Can plateaus actually be beneficial? PLUS… Dave shares his experience after the first week of taking the ComicLab Social Media Challenge. This may be the best time-management tool yet!

Today’s Show

• The best lettering techniques for shouts and whispers
• Susan MacTaggart’s Personal Affirmation
• Are plateaus… good?
• Is it possible to plateau for too long?
• The ComicLab Social Media Challenge … is it your time management solution?

Summary

In this episode of Comic Lab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett explore various themes related to creativity, comic artistry, and the challenges artists face. They discuss the importance of improv in everyday situations, the nuances of comic lettering, and the significance of legibility in comics. The conversation also explores the role of boredom as a catalyst for creativity, the inevitability of plateaus in artistic development, and the necessity of challenging oneself to avoid burnout. Additionally, they touch on the impact of social media on productivity and the importance of effective time management for artists.

Takeaways

• Improv can enhance experiences like open houses.
• Comic lettering styles can convey a range of emotions.
• Legibility is crucial in comic art.
• Visual metaphors help communicate emotions in comics.
• Boredom can spark creativity and new ideas.
• Plateaus in artistic growth are common and can lead to breakthroughs.
• Challenging oneself can reignite creativity.
• Social media can distract from productivity.
• Time management is essential for artists.
• Burnout can be mitigated by seeking new challenges.

It’s possible to speed up your drawing process without becoming one of those “copy/paste” artists. Here’s a guide to working smarter — and faster.

Today’s show is brought to you by Dreamhost! It’s the first step in owning and controlling your own work. Check out the special offers at dreamhost.com/comiclab. Once again, Dave Kellett returns from Comic-Con International with a full report featuring actual numbers from his time spent exhibiting at his booth. He’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and what he has planned for next year. Next, it’s the COMICLAB SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE! After Brad challenges Dave to remove the social-media apps from his phone and charge the phone on the other side of the room at bedtime, the guys decide to make this a group experiment. Do YOU accept the challenge?

Summary

Dave reflects on the success of his booths, strategies for engaging with fans, and the importance of presentation. The conversation shifts to a new social media challenge, where they explore the impact of social media on productivity and creativity. They encourage listeners to join them in reducing social media usage and share their experiences. The episode concludes with a focus on future plans and the importance of community engagement.

Takeaways

• Comic-Con was a success for both hosts, with increased sales and engagement.
• Preparation and presentation are key to a successful Comic-Con booth.
• The hosts discuss the importance of original art and its display.
• Social media can be a significant time sink, impacting productivity.
• The hosts challenge each other to reduce social media usage for a week.
• Engaging with the Comic Lab community is important for accountability.
• The hosts reflect on their experiences and lessons learned from Comic-Con.
• They emphasize the importance of personal connections at conventions.
• The episode encourages listeners to take control of their social media habits.

Webcartoonists have discovered Substack, and they’re flocking to the platform. After all, it’s one of the very few platforms where users are reporting measurable results. But setting up a Substack account is easy. Figuring out what to publish there… isn’t.