About this episode
Dave and Brad each realize they must raise their rates on their individual Patreon campaigns. This results in a surprising bout of Impostor Syndrome for Brad that nearly immobilizes him — if not for a meaningful intervention from a trusted friend. SHOW NOTES Raising rates on Patreon UPDATE: Get your exclusive ComicLab enamel pin at Comic-Con International at Booth #1228 UPDATE: ComicLab LIVE at NCS When is it OK to use regional colloquialisms and idioms? SUMMARY Brad and Dave discuss Brad's decision to raise the rates on his Patreon and the Imposter Syndrome he experienced throughout the process. In this conversation, Dave and Brad discuss their experiences and anxieties around raising prices for their Patreon campaigns. They share their strategies for communicating the price increase to their backers and managing the potential backlash. They also discuss the importance of building a supportive community and focusing on the positive feedback rather than the negative. Despite their initial fears, both Dave and Brad found that the price increase had a positive impact on their income. They also highlight the need for clear communication with Patreon support and the potential issues with the platform's automatic emails. In the second half of the show, Dave reminds listeners that they can get their exclusive ComicLab pins at his booth (#1228) at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month. Brad and Dave also announce their upcoming Comic Lab LIVE events at the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) weekend. They also address a question from a Patreon backer about using colloquialisms and idioms in a comic without alienating the audience. They suggest using contextual clues and handholding to introduce regionalisms and discuss the trade-off between writing for a specific audience and reaching a broader global audience. The conversation explores the consequences of artistic choices and the importance of understanding the audience. They discuss the potential strategies for reaching a niche Scottish audience or a broader global English-speaking audience. The idea of providing contextual clues and explanations within the comic is considered but ultimately dismissed. The hosts also engage in humorous banter about Wales. TAKEAWAYS Raising rates on Patreon can be a difficult decision, but it's important to consider the value you provide and the impact of inflation. Imposter syndrome can arise when making changes or asking for more from your audience, but it's important to remember your worth and the value you bring. Changing measurement systems, such as switching from the English system to the metric system, can be challenging but may offer benefits in terms of simplicity and consistency. Raising prices for a Patreon campaign can be anxiety-inducing, but it is important to communicate the reasons for the increase and the value backers receive. Building a supportive community can help mitigate potential backlash and negative feedback. Anxieties and imposter syndrome are common among artists, but it is important to recognize your worth and ask for what you deserve. Clear communication with Patreon support is crucial, as there may be issues with automatic emails and rate locking for annual subscriptions. Brad and Dave will be hosting two ComicLab LIVE events at the NCS weekend When using colloquialisms and idioms, provide contextual clues and introduce them gradually to help the audience understand Consider the trade-off between writing for a specific audience and reaching a broader global audience Niche audiences can be valuable and can sustain a successful career Choose your battles when it comes to using regionalisms and consider the potential limitations on audience growth Artistic choices have consequences, so it's important to be honest about the potential outcomes. Understanding the audience and their cultural context is crucial for effective communication. Leaning into Scottish culture and targeting a niche Scottish audience can be a valid strategy. Providing contextual clues and explanations within a comic may work for long-form stories but not for short, punchline-driven humor comics. Humorous banter and light-hearted moments can add entertainment value to a conversation. 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 .