Comic Lab

What are independent comic creators' most reliable revenue streams — and which are the worst? Brad ranks them from top to bottom, and Dave shares his own experiences with each. Also, the guys share the strategy that's making Patreon's "Collections" feature a solid income generator.

Today's show

• Webcomics Revenue Streams Ranked Best to Worst
• UPDATE: USPS Ground Advantage
• UPDATE: Patreon Collections
• Should you include credits for digital fontmakers in books?

Summary

Cartoonists Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar delve into the various income streams available to comic creators, comparing crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter, and discussing the importance of commissions, freelance work, and merchandise sales. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted mention of Comic-Con income and the challenges comic creators face in the industry. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad discuss the significance of USPS Media Mail for shipping and the recent developments in Patreon Collections amidst economic uncertainties. Brad and Dave discuss the economic challenges facing creators, particularly in light of rising costs and potential trade wars. They explore strategies for adapting to these changes, such as adjusting Patreon tiers to accommodate supporters' financial situations. The conversation then shifts to the often-overlooked topic of font credit in comics, questioning why font designers are not acknowledged in the same way as letterers. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of font creators and suggest that doing so could set a new standard in the industry.

Takeaways

• Patreon is a top income stream for creators.
• Kickstarter offers big swings in income.
• Digital commissions can be lucrative.
• Physical rewards on Patreon can be problematic.
• Sales of printed merchandise are important.
• Comic-Con can be a significant income source.
• Understanding income streams is crucial for success. Comic-Con can be profitable but comes with risks.
• Digital merchandise sales can provide better profit margins.
• Diverse income streams are crucial for financial stability.
• Merchandise sales often yield lower profits due to costs.
• Day jobs are a valid source of income for many artists.
• Media mail is essential for affordable shipping of books.
• Patreon collections can be a surprising revenue source.
• Economic challenges may impact artists' income streams.
• Understanding costs is vital for convention profitability.
• Experimenting with new income strategies is important. Economic challenges are impacting creators' income.
• Adjusting Patreon tiers can help retain supporters.
• Hedging bets is a smart strategy in uncertain times.
• Font credit in comics is often overlooked.
• Acknowledging font designers could elevate the industry.
• Younger creators often follow the practices of established ones.
• Listing fonts used in comics could become a new norm.
• Digital lettering has changed how fonts are accessed.
• Creators should consider the impact of tariffs on their work.
• Engaging with supporters through lower tiers can maintain connections.

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. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.