Comic Lab

Is there a LIMIT to comics success?

October 1, 2026·59 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Is there a limit to how many cartoonists can build successful careers—or is the real limiting factor the cartoonists themselves?Cartoonists Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett examine the surprisingly vast comics ecosystem, where thousands of creators can cultivate separate audiences without ever appearing on one another’s radar. The market may have room for far more working cartoonists than we realize — but success requires more than artistic ability. Creators must also be willing to learn business, communicate consistently with their audiences, and improve when something doesn’t work.Also: Brad discovers that his brilliant new idea had already been implemented… by Brad.ON TODAY’S SHOWIs there a ceiling on the number of successful comics careers?Why artistic talent alone isn’t enoughThe danger of waiting for Marvel, syndication, or a publisher to “make” your careerAudience-building isn’t “shilling”—it’s part of the jobCould 10,000 different Brad Guigars all make a living?How niche comics find their “true fans”Three essentials for a sustainable comics careerWhy repeated promotional messaging mattersThe Council of BradsDo Kickstarter creators owe sales tax?Kickstarter Pledge Manager vs. BackerKitDr. Wigglesby: Which comic was the first successful daily newspaper strip? 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. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

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