Pixels aren't permanent

Comic Lab

Is it OK to change your comic after you've already sent it to your audience? The guys also tackle tariffs, ISBNs, bar codes, and offering comics to charity organizations.

Today's show

• Making a change to a comic after it's "out there"
• Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmation
• UPDATE: Tariffs on books??
• ISBNs and bar codes for self-published books
• Comics for Charity

Summary

In this conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore the nuances of humor writing, the importance of building an audience on new platforms, and the challenges of editing long-form comics. They discuss the creative process, social-media presence's significance, and tariffs' implications on publishing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for flexibility in creative work and the importance of adapting to changes in the industry. In the mid-show update, they discuss the complexities of navigating tariffs and customs in the publishing industry, particularly for self-publishers. They emphasize the importance of planning for potential costs, such as tariffs, when launching Kickstarter campaigns. The conversation then shifts to the necessity of ISBNs and barcodes for self-published works, highlighting their role in making books trackable and sellable. Finally, they explore how cartoonists can contribute to charitable causes through their work, encouraging creators to produce comics that align with their values and to share them independently without burdening charities.

Takeaways

• You never know if your humor resonates until years later.
• Building an audience on new platforms is crucial.
• Reflecting on past work can reveal unexpected humor.
• Editing is a natural part of the creative process.
• Mistakes can be corrected easily before print.
• Social media can serve as a distributed editing tool.
• It's important to be happy with your work in the long run.
• Tariffs can impact the publishing industry significantly.
• Trust in the system can be a challenge for creators.
• Engaging with attentive fans can create strong connections.
• Assume the worst when planning for tariffs in publishing.
• Include potential tariffs in your Kickstarter budget.
• ISBNs and barcodes are essential for self-published books.
• ISBNs help track books in the international registry.
• Barcodes are necessary for selling through retailers.
• Charities may not need unsolicited comics due to their workload.
• Creators can impact causes without direct charity involvement.
• Comics can be a powerful tool for social change.
• Plan independently to avoid complications with charities.
• Charities are skilled at asking for the resources they need.

You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon

• $2 — Early access to episodes
• $5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.

If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!

Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.