Making Comics

After a question on beer, we discuss getting notes back on your work (7:40), working ahead on panel drawing in preparation for time off (13:35), never standing in the same river twice and exposing yourself to new things (18:45) and getting good feedback on books you sent out (28:10) before this week's topic: the rough days and how to get through them (39:00).

This week, we discuss packing up books for shipment (3:45), the critical things you need to get a Kickstarter approved (7:20), getting back to SLAC method fundamentals and how it sort of translates into writing (19:45), and continuation of a new writing method (37:00) before this week's main topic: pieces of work where the creators made interesting art by seeming to not give a s**t while making it...

This episode we discuss final preparations for a Kickstarter (2:35) and the final work (and last-minute weirdness) around delivering a Kickstarter (6:00), modifying the method of writing a comic script (14:35), how doing panel work served as a reminder to use the SLAC method (26:45), and how the sixth draft of the novel can be a charm for someone who's never written a novel before (30:50). After t...

This week we discuss proofing final PDFs (4:30), selecting the right content for an ashcan (6:40), setting daily panel goals for a new book (12:10), the winding path to a title for a new story arc (17:05), and commissioning alternate covers (30:00) before this week's topic: three act structure (41:45).

We review Keith's Paris trip (4:45), then discuss putting backers in Kickstarter spreads and new printer leads times (23:40), final editing for a comic and getting page counts right (29:30) before this week's main topic: clarity (37:55).

We get progressively buzzed through a flowing conversation that includes more public domain discussion (5:50), reviewing inked pages once the colors come in (12:15), travel stories (20:10), evolving the way sound effects are done (26:00), getting too close to your projects (34:40), being the right level of self-critical (40:50) and seeking feedback the right way (46:30) before we talk collecting a...

This week, Ed Brown (The 2nd Shift) joins us and we talk nuances of Kickstarter videos (5:00), traditional inking (12:05), delivering on Kickstarters (20:00) and getting ready for a moment of important feedback (23:20) before this week's topic: inspirations and making sure they don't overtake (33:40).

This episode, we welcome Chris Dreier (writer and inker for Freaks & Gods) and talk about taking time to hone your craft and learn (11:30), how basic research can pay big dividends (15:40),  deciding on an artist for an upcoming project (19:30) and last-minute graphics work for a kickstarter (32:45) before a lengthy discussion on public domain characters (37:40). Interested in backing Chr...

This week we talk large arc thoughts (3:00), making the reader want to read the next issue (8:00), using character as a story tool (13:15) and using single-page 'stories' to capture imagination (19:05) before the main topic: conflict (36:10).

After an early discussion on pandan, we discuss sound effect lettering technique (9:10), finding out what people respond to (15:40), issue recaps to bring the reader in the story (22:45), setting the right atmosphere for thinking and working (25:00) and title cards and Kickstarter setup (33:00) before this week's topic: action panels and choosing the exact right moment, where we break down our own...

This episode we discuss the relaunch of a comic company (3:50), the design stage for a comic cover being done in advance of interiors (6:30), getting a professional consultation on work (20:30), and faces and re-drawing them if necessary for a master edition (26:20) before catching up on holiday purchases (35:00).

After a long convention weekend, Scott and Keith unwind by taste testing some chips and delivering quality ASMR (7:45), then recap the show discussing elevator pitches (14:45) and sales desperation / understanding the long game (18:20) before this week's topic: planning ahead at multiple story levels (30:30) 

Starting a new tradition, it's our Year End episode! Scott, Keith and guest Gary Hodges share their comic of the year, artist of the year, writer of the year, our favorite TV shows, movies, songs, albums and beers of 2021. Close out the year with us!

Scott and Keith welcome guest Gary Hodges back to the podcast for the first of two special year-end episodes! The crew talks page goals (5:20), sound effects lettering (15:45) and the value of a writing retreat, however brief (25:15) before a lengthy holiday discussion (33:10) where we share our favorite and least favorite bits of holiday pop culture, holiday songs we like and dislike, personal ho...

Scott and Keith review Comic Con Special Edition (5:30), changing the lettering process to allow for better feedback (12:25), adding a kick to writing by changing your process (16:50), and making extra art for your book (24:35) before this week's topic: a loose discussion on trademark and copyright (36:30).

Scott and Keith discuss the completion of a novel draft (6:00), completing inks for a comic (10:40), knocking out a short novella using the Novel November model (16:20) and staying productive (25:10) before this week's topic: setting the scene (38:30). 

Scott and Keith discuss the 'more' - additional panels and art for the 2nd Shift Kickstarter - being done to fill out the comic (6:30), research on dialect and speech mannerisms versus accent (10:45), a Procreate tip for high-quality panels  (19:45), preparation for back-to-back comic conventions and leveraging multiple vendors (31:00), and wise words from a cinematic classic that turns into...

The longest Making Comics to date! Scott and Keith welcome Gary Hodges (D vs M 1975, D vs M 1997) and discuss last-minute preparations around the Three Protectors ashcan (9:00), Scott's Kickstarter launch (18:05) and preparation and layouts for a new issue of D vs M (23:00) before this week's main topic: character (36:15). Bonus discussions start at 1:09:30 and the nonsense level ratchets higher (...

After wrapping up Drawtober (5:00), Scott and Keith discuss adapting a prologue into a full story (7:00), hunting for cover artists (15:15) and a workshop on the spot on a Kickstarter design (26:10) before this week's main topic: fighting your inner perfectionist (37:30). Keith shares a story  at 45:40. Note: Keith butchers 'NaNoWriMo' (calling it 'NaWriNoMo') around the 14 minute mark but we...

This week, Scott and Keith discuss a work being "too quiet" or not (3:10), preparing for the next kickstarter and future issue numbering (13:00) and a tangent on manga (22:15) before this week's main topic: homage vs plagiarism (34:30).

Scott and Keith discuss the best time of day to mail Kickstarter packages (4:15), selling at the San Diego Metal Swap Meet (11:30), burning up the drawtober buffer (16:10), and goal-setting as a motivational device for writing goals (19:40) before this week's main topic: setting and world-building (36:15).

Scott and Keith discuss working on multiple projects (1:30), artist and writer communication throughout the process (9:50) and quick updates on conventions and Kickstarters (19:50) before this week's main topic: talking heads pages (27:00). Also, resources for finding a colorist (42:30).

Scott and Keith welcome Keithan Jones (founder and owner of KID comics, creator of San Diego's Black Comix Day) and discuss beginnings at comic conventions (4:30), storytelling and illustration styles (19:40), artist and writer relationships (47:30) and writing multiple stories (59:20).

Scott and Keith discuss the results of a scene rewrite (3:40), working through the Drawtober comic (8:05), big thinking around a story and how 'real' you choose to be (16:50), lettering and onomatopoeia (27:30) before this week's main topic: PDF preparation and final edits (34:00). Comic nerd stuff starts at 49 minutes.

Scott and Keith talk Drawtober preparation (3:10), how a mistake ended up improving a story (9:00), a commission update (13:15), and an example where putting time in - no matter how much a grind it felt like - yielded results (16:30) before this week's topic: comic book covers (22:45). Comic recommendations follows at 46:00! Links to the indie books we mention (you can find the third-party books w...