Making Comics

This week, we discuss the right amount of Kickstarter promotion and the right art to use (5:40), modifying writing goals (18:45), and balancing page word with client work (25:50) before we discuss basic visual concepts (34:55) and how knowing them can help you break them.

This week, we discuss a frantic day of Kickstarter prep (4:50), a recap of Monsterpalooza (11:30), a flurry of comic work and commissions (21:00), the return of an inner perfectionist (27:20), and finishing a cover (32:00) before the main topic: the three components of comic writing (35:20). 

This week, we discuss final-stage prep for both of our Kickstarters (9:25), and some additional Phoenix Fan Fusion recap (23:50) before we discuss balancing time (36:40) and being the right kind of original (43:35).

This week, we welcome (artist) Gary Hodges back to the show! We begin with a Phoenix Fan Fusion first two days' recap (3:00), then discuss progress on the 'page per week' goal of D versus M and different ways to attack that goal (11:45), getting back up to speed on zipatones and cel shading (18:05), and finishing up a comic cover (20:50) before this week's topic: a discussion on the page-drawing p...

Scott and Keith discuss script notes and how they led to revision (7:35), going from inception to completion on a cover in the same day (12:45), novel edits and grammar corrections (19:55), securing an alternate cover artist (29:00), and alternate covers for upcoming Kickstarters for both of us (35:10) before this week's topic: the hardest part of making comics, part five (41:40). We discuss proof...

This week we discuss an update on the panels per day goals for Wanderers and how working ahead can pave the way for enjoying life, both in art and lettering (2:45), stocking up product for upcoming conventions (19:00), the value of having writer friends to bounce things off with a bonus conversation about time travel (27:00) before we get to part four of the hardest part of making comics (38:05)....

Scott and Keith recap Free Comic Book Day at SoCal Comics (1:30), getting lettering technique down (24:00), making progress toward completing art for an issue (34:05), an upcoming project we're collaborating on (36:00), and etiquette on talking to creators at shows or through Kickstarters (39:00) before the hardest part of making comics, part three (42:25). We tackle production time versus consump...

This week we discuss San Diego Comic Fest (6:35), reviewing an upcoming script (17:30), releasing single issues versus waiting for a trade (22:35), status on the 'productivity competition' (29:30) and author brain versus lead character brain (32:10) before we continue with part two of the hardest part of making comics (37:45).

It's an all-bullsh*t episode! If you like the end of our episodes where we talk comic collecting and everything else, this episode is for you! With Keith building up a surplus, Scott obliged with some time to empty out the tank. Hang out with us for an hour of bonus time!

Scott and Keith welcome writer Aubrey Sitterson (No One Left to Fight, Beef Bros) and discuss finishing up a scene and a print respectively (6:30) and final tasks as a project nears completion (11:15) before we discuss (among other things) pitching books to publishers (29:40) and what drew Aubrey to fight comics (51:10). 

This week we discuss strategizing prints for 2022 shows (4:40), going back to a former hometown and how a relaxing moment can generate story ideas (8:10), how putting time in over the years creates a faster process (14:20) and getting work done in an uncomfortable environment (24:10) before this week's topic: what creators think is the hardest part of making comics (30:35), including building a fa...

This week we begin with a recap of WonderCon, then discuss single issues versus trades (4:40), continuing 'one page a day' and improving your craft by doing (26:30), mentoring future comic creators (34:55), and working on art as gifts (40:30) before this week's main topic: branding (46:05).

This week we discuss progress drawing a panel a day (4:25), a decision on the primary cover artist for one of our books (16:00), getting creative with commissions (21:40), writing copy for an upcoming ashcan that dips into comic process (23:40) before this week's main topic: balance of both art and writing (30:00).

This episode, we discuss getting notes back for your comic script (4:55), making characters fully inhabited (17:45) and catching up on commissions (20:15) before we get to this week's topic: a mailbag (25:00) covering page rates, goals for a first-time Kickstarter, and great works of the comic medium that gain understanding of craft.

This week, we discuss productive days we had with both art (5:40) and writing (10:40), getting a burst of inspiration for a variant cover (14:55) and finding out if your work is ready (30:30) before a conversation on editing leads to a conversation on over-polishing and how energy versus polish differs based on the art form (38:25).

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...