How to get better faster and faster better

Comic Lab

Sometimes, it seems as if the more your skills improve, the longer it takes to get something done! Shouldn't it be the other way around?! Also... what's the most polite way to tell a comic-con shopper to just stop reading and BUY the danged comic?

ON TODAY'S SHOW

• How to get better faster and faster better
• Sites with links to webcomics
• Stop reading and BUY it!

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Brad and Dave discuss speeding up the sketching phase in comics. They also talk about the availability of websites that collect links to independent webcomics, and they suggest creating a collective or list of similar comics to promote each other's work. They also caution against relying solely on top webcomic lists or joining Webtoons or Tapas. In the next part of the conversation, the hosts discuss strategies for dealing with people who read comics at conventions without buying them. They share their own approaches, including offering a free sketch, providing a map to the booth, and letting a crowd build. They emphasize the importance of allowing people to take their time to fall in love with the comic and not pressuring them into making a purchase. They also highlight the psychological effect of having a crowd at the booth, which can attract more people. The hosts conclude by reminding listeners to focus on creating a positive and comfortable experience for potential readers.

TAKEAWAYS

• Improving sketching speed takes time and practice, and it's natural for it to slow down as you become more skilled and focused on quality.
• Consider the value of spending extra time on the sketching phase to produce higher-quality artwork.
• Webrings are a 20-year-old concept and not the same as what the listener is looking for.
• Top webcomic lists and joining webtoons or tapas may not be the most effective ways to promote independent webcomics.
• Consider creating your own collective or list of similar comics to promote each other's work.
• Maintaining your own list or ring allows you to have more control and ownership over your promotion efforts. At conventions, people should be allowed to take their time reading comics without being pressured to make a purchase.
• Offer incentives like free sketches or maps to the booth to encourage potential buyers.
• Letting a crowd build at the booth can attract more people and create a positive psychological effect.
• Focus on creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for potential readers.

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.

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