About this episode
What happens when your story gets too big for you to handle? Are you the right person for the job? (And if not you, then who??) On Today's Show: In over your head UPDATE: It was FCS all along Crossbar i technicality Advice to your older self Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges creators face, particularly when tackling complex themes such as systemic injustice in long-term comic projects. The hosts emphasize the importance of pushing through creative doubts and the value of learning from mistakes in the writing process. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of creativity, mainly focusing on the challenges creators face after a hiatus. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection, the role of confidence in storytelling, and the value of completing projects. The dialogue emphasizes that it's normal to feel doubt and that taking breaks can be beneficial. Ultimately, they encourage creators to follow their instincts and permit themselves to explore new directions in their work. In this episode, Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett revisit a previous discussion about the frequency of comic updates, introducing the concept of FCS (Frequent, Consistent, Significant) as a guiding principle for creators. They delve into the nuances of typography in comics, particularly the use of the crossbar I, and emphasize the importance of clarity in communication. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they explore what advice they would give to their future selves, reflecting on the nature of change and the importance of embracing it as artists. In this episode, the hosts explore the themes of establishment in the cartooning world, the importance of embracing change, and the value of taking risks. They reflect on the advice they would give to their younger selves, emphasizing the need to cultivate joy and not let life's challenges steal it away. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of life experiences and the lessons learned from past regrets. Takeaways Steven Seagal movies can provide unexpected comfort during tough times. The absurdity of Seagal's later films highlights a decline in quality. Long-term projects can lead to self-doubt about creative abilities. It's important to seek permission from oneself to pivot in creative projects. Tackling heavy themes in comics requires courage and skill development. Backing away from challenges may hinder growth as a writer. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of the writing process. The hosts encourage embracing creative challenges despite fears. Systemic injustice is a complex theme that requires careful handling. Humor can be found in the most unexpected places, even in bad movies. You can't expect purity from yourself. Mistakes help you become a better writer. Consider the reasons behind your creative hiatus. Social change comes from many small actions. Confidence can wane, and that's okay. Finishing a project has intrinsic value. Taking breaks can help clarify your creative direction. Art is never truly finished until the artist says so. It's normal to feel doubt about your work. Follow your heart and pursue what excites you. FCS stands for Frequent, Consistent, Significant updates. Two updates a week can enhance audience engagement. The crossbar I rule aids in clarity of communication. Typography choices impact the readability of comics. Clarity of communication should guide lettering choices. Change is a constant in an artist's journey. Embrace the evolution of your artistic style. Reflecting on past decisions can inspire future creativity. Maintaining a connection with your audience is crucial. Enjoy the present and acknowledge your achievements. We often feel like we're still figuring things out, regardless of our experience. Establishment is a perception; we must keep building our audience. Change is necessary for growth, even if it's uncomfortable. Advice to younger selves often revolves around reassurance and encouragement. Taking risks is crucial; regrets often stem from missed opportunities. Improv offers immediate feedback that cartooning lacks. Life experiences tend to repeat themselves in different forms. Cultivating joy is essential, especially during tough times. The wisdom of older selves often reflects universal truths. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 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 .