Making Comics

This week we talk about the right color palette for a variant cover (5:30), interviewing a person who will serve as a character in your story (21:50), what managing a comics project can involve (32:10), and changing the point in time a story is told (49:00).

This week, we talk about working with an artist on art changes for a story (4:30), fine-tuning an experimental art style for a project and the essence of a style (13:45), those days that begin with staring at a blank page (20:50), coloring a cover on a tight deadline (25:20), the best study guides (32:30), and what "being in the zone" is and if there's a way to get there (41:00).

This week, we recap the creative retreat and talk about finishing a first draft of a script (2:50), "doing the messy thing" when it comes to story (5:30), thinking things out in the panel stage (13:45), working on music and how it relates to writing (17:50), writing your way into a mystery, then figuring out the basics (24:40), creating thumbnails and panels for a new story (34:00), references (37:30), and varying up how your characters talk (46:10).

This week, we talk about those stories that feel easy to write (4:15), winding down Drawtober deliverables (18:20), figuring out structure for a short story (32:00), before we discuss the "Quest" story type (47:00).

Fresh off a trip to Japan (Keith) and San Diego Comic Fest (Scott), we talk about a productive start to a story (4:00), working ahead against a deadline (12:00), documenting via journal and capturing creative work as you go (21:15), the highlights of San Diego Comic Fest (27:30), and a creative take on a alternate cover (48:30).

This week, we talk about the influences that build your style (3:15), the winding path to the end of a story (22:20), and what makes finishing a first draft / thumbnails unique (30:45) before we get to this week's topic: the basic "Voyage and Return" plot (39:50).

This week, we discuss how the art comes alive when going from pencils to inks (5:15), prep work and advance work for creative projects/performances (16:20), considering story structures for a new idea (22:15), and putting work in on an overdue cover (30:30) before this week's main topic: the story type of Rebirth (36:40).

This week, we talk about self-imposed time constraints and how month-long projects are a performance (3:25), how a strong idea for the "next" story can make you want to finish your current story (16:15), dialing in the look for comic art (22:15), planning out next year's schedule and deciding when it's time to move on from a show (31:30), reordering product (41:00), and this week's main topic: author afterwords (51:45).

This week, we welcome Ray-Anthony Height (writer/inker of Midnight Tiger, artist for Marvel, Viz, Lion Forge, and Image) to the show

and discuss a wide array of topics, including further developing a strong idea (3:00), finishing the thumbnails for a comic (10:15), prepping a visa for the FIBDA Festival (14:00), the state of the comic industry today (21:40), the value of a second creative voice on a project (48:00), creator fear and how to address it (54:20), using feedback to gauge your progression (1:07:30), how less is more (1:15:00), and Ray-Anthony's comic career as it's progressed over time (1:22:30).

After recapping a wild day of obstacles to recording, we talk about resizing text (11:20), thumbnailing pages for the next comic (21:00), expanding your mind by sketching plot outlines (25:15), taking on an editor role (38:20), and how surprises turn into a lightning bolt of an idea (44:45).

This week, we discuss story endings (4:00), the right point in time to start your scenes (16:05), a recap of Fil-Am Creator Con (28:50), and a harrowing live draw experience (34:30) before this week's main topic: fandom now versus fandom in the past (46:00).

This week, we talk about dreams in fiction (4:30), thumbnailing for a comic (14:15), comic formatting nightmares (22:15), and why reading bad books are is as important as reading good books (35:45) before we discuss a real life "What would you keep" story (43:50), simplifying things, and easing the pressure you put on yourself (53:40).

This week, we review a packing party and an alternative to media mail (4:30), writing backwards and seeding ideas in a story (16:00), returning to a project after letting it sit for a few months (25:00), how re-lettering becomes re-wording (36:10), finding the perfect image in your old files (44:40), and formative ideas (48:30).

This week, we talk about purposefully cheesy scenes (5:30), using free time to do your less mentally strenuous work (23:00), doing critical restructuring work on a scene (29:30), how just vocalizing something can be a help (34:35), and handing off a script and receiving feedback (44:00).

This week, we talk about commissions (2:30) and how they can inspire your print portfolio, when a short idea sparks something ever larger (8:00), making dialogue better through multiple edits (16:30), and signing yourself up for a massive re-lettering project (34:00).

It's Part Two of the Art Retreat Recap! This week, we sit down with Gary Hodges (Dinosaurs vs Marsbots) and Jim Lujan (film animator, The Full Fungus) for part two of our Crestline art retreat recap, and talk about the design and execution of sound recording for video (4:00), the value of having people live and in person for feedback (12:20), reference photos and the acting they require (18:40), putting greater weight on things that work in animation (27:40), creating a story from scratch in five hours (33:00), and turning page breakdowns into a comic script (40:10).

It's Part One of the Art Retreat Recap! This week, we sit down with Joshua Kemble (Jacob's Apartment, Not Death But Love: the Strange, Supernatural Story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning), Scott Serkland (The Young and the Dead, Serkworks Art Labs), and Cory Kerr (Illo Talk Substack) in part one of the recap of our creative retreat! We talk about working on a long-term project and a rollercoaster ride to publishing (4:30), where to draw the line in historical fiction (13:30), finishing one project and starting character designs on another (20:30), the ups and downs of prose in an experimental form (38:20), and more!

This week, we discuss getting art back for a novel (4:15), ordering signage and prepping commissions prior to San Diego Comic Con (10:15), replacing placeholders with details, and the work that goes into those details (16:30), Selling at San Diego Comic Con (22:00), and thinking your way through an 8-page comic story (32:45) before we talk more about both the creator and fan experience at SDCC (41:00).

This week, we discuss San Diego Comic Con Prep (3:00), fusing the rawness of an original idea with the story it's blossomed into (18:00), restarting a commission (29:30), getting un-stuck on a story (38:15), and getting work done, whether it's flats or pencils (48:30).

This week, we talk about modifying your sales pitch on the fly (3:00), a productive art week (18:30), rewriting a synopsis so it matches the flow of a story (23:40), how everything you do informs future work (31:00), finding the right place in your comic to put key information (38:15), and coordinating shipments to arrive in time for Comic Con (41:30).

This week, we discuss asking a colorist to match an existing style on a comic (2:30), finding a way to get work done (13:40) before we get to this week's topic - challenges in scripting action (25:50), dusting off an old commission to finish it (36:00), hooking into things from a first draft and expanding them (40:00), and getting inspired to write a scene (46:15).

This week, we talk about writing as you letter (4:25), getting cover art back (19:45), how fun marvel method can be when it works (24:25), getting the most out of your pages (41:35), and anthologies (48:50).

This week, we talk about busy pages (5:00), scripting in pencil as part of the marvel method (16:10), finding alternate printers by necessity (26:50), finding your story (45:30), finishing your contribution to a project (54:40), and getting a cover in record time (1:00:00).

This week, we talk about working on a particular challenge on a new page (3:00), using a newly familiar writing environment to write a high-levle Marvel method script (9:50), following up with a nonresponsive vendor (18:00), reminding yourself to harness that "early creation period" energy when you knew less and experimented more (22:25), collaborating on cover art (33:15), and our deepest pop culture reference yet (39:50) before we get to this week's main topic: booth setup (42:20).

This week, we sit down with long-time friend of the podcast Gary Hodges and review the first two days of Phoenix Fan Fusion (4:45), discuss writing and editing a comic script (14:50), the different styles of soliciting feedback from test readers (20:20), thinking about booths and tabling as a fan (32:30), selling at shows and maximizing the show experience at your table (36:40), the benefits of writing without distractions (46:50), and the challenge of a script full of characters (52:50).

This week, we welcome Daniel Hillyard (Plastic: Death and Dolls, Vinyl, Plush, How I Became a Shoplifter, Narcos) and talk about removing exact references from comic scripts (5:00), working around a non-responsive vendor (12:30), the creation stages of a comic (20:00), separating books by visual themes (26:00), Daniel's start in the comics business (39:00), the first time he considered comics as a career (52:00), panel flow on a page (68:00), contemporary influences (76:00), and a lot more!

This week, we talk about the big thinking aspect of writing (5:00), internalizing the desire to vary pages and layouts (13:50), getting finished pages back from the artist sooner than you realize (27:30), and changing elements of your booth design and show prep (30:20) before we revisit the state of the industry with viewer feedback (39:00).

This week, we discuss getting in your work when you can (3:20), a new audio project (10:30), recognizing spots of other people's influence when it creeps into your work (19:00), getting a lot of art back and revisiting a prior editor's note (30:20), staying up to date on your inventory (39:20), and gorging on culture for a project (47:00).

This week, we talk about a wild surge of activity on a new comic (4:15) and designing a banner (18:25) avoiding the stodgy bullshit (21:30), and this week's topic: when to offload work (30:00), before we review Free Comic Book Day events (39:00).

This week, we welcome Rory Smith (Illumination Studios, Mighty Hunters of Mythria) to the podcast to talk about the act of creation, drawing techniques, and much more!

This week, we talk about how much toning and grayscaling can add in the hands of an expert (3:30), today's main topic - making sure you've done your best on every panel (9:00), those moments of serendipity when you get script notes back (23:20), a backlog of commissioned covers (29:40), and the difference between an idea and a story (38:00).

This week, we talk about varying up your distance when it comes to panels (5:00), getting a reminder of your limitations and your strengths (10:00), aligning on payment terms with clients (21:30), and when communication gets warped (35:40) before we discuss the state of the industry (40:00).

This week, we talk about an influx of commission work and the importance of being flexible (3:20), getting clarification from an artist on page art (13:45), fixing printing errors (20:00), controlling the small costs (26:50), prepping a project for a quick turnaround (31:20), and getting struck by inspiration (44:10) before we get to this week's topic: innovation (53:00).

This week, we talk about the close of a Kickstarter campaign (4:10), changing the art style halfway through an issue (18:40), and restocking your books (27:00) before we get to this week's main topic: a recap of Wondercon (31:30).

This week, we discuss getting back art with a change in color (3:30), getting comic work in when the business side commands attention (12:00), reviewing pages from a copy editor (20:15), and ordering limited-edition books (30:20) before this week's topic: immersive environments (40:30).

This week, we talk about approvals from other creators on a collaborative project (2:30), rewriting a story from memory (9:15) working on a cover for potential use (21:40), getting interior art and cover art back (26:00), and returning to traditional methods (29:30) before we get to this week's topic: adapting your prose story into comics (37:00).

This week, we welcome creator Scott Serkland (Young and the Dead, Make Your Own Comics series, The Artcasters) to the podcast and talk about working on a special project (3:55), sticking or not sticking to genre convention (7:30), recreating authentic old collectibles (22:00), client projects and how comics are viewed (28:45), and self-publishing (37:00) before this week's main topic: inventory (42:00).

This week, we talk about including or not including dialogue on your Kickstarter sample art pages (2:50), finishing a first draft (10:30), strategizing around commissioned covers (19:30), giving your artist too much information (27:40), fitting comics into a changed schedule (37:15), convention prepping (41:40), and getting notes back on a script (46:20) before this week's topic: undertelling (53:00).

This week, we talk about acknowledging and avoiding convention in the first draft of a story (7:30), writing the first draft of word balloons in a Marvel Method-process comic (19:20), the need to sometimes be on-the-nose (30:15), scheduling work for future covers (39:15), the importance of clear art direction (47:20) before this week's topic: Other people's (comic) properties (54:00).

This week, we talk about thumbnails for a new comic (4:30), incorporating editor notes into a near-finished work (9:35), finding cover artists (17:30), distributing art pieces evenly in a novel (23:20), working on rough pencils (31:40), and understanding the ups and downs of the freehand writing process (34:20) before we get to this week's topic: listener goals and questions (45:00).

This week, we discuss being productive writing a first draft in a journal (5:30), creating pages of art for a special story (17:15), channeling inspiration when you don't expect it (24:45), giving feedback and giving it the proper weight (28:30), and the value of a journal (49:50).

This week, we talk about work on a detailed cover (2:45), returning to productive writing (12:30), a surprise new project (19:00), getting toned art pages back (25:45), and the promise of a new idea (30:40) before we get to this week's topic: the nuances of character (39:00).

This week, we talk about finishing two covers in a week (5:40), a different release of a new comic (11:30), coordinating work on variant covers (15:50), how a snippet from a video created a path forward for a story (21:00), how helpful it is talking to other professionals (31:30), and the main topic: comic book hacks (38:40).

This week, we talk about daily focused reading (7:20), finishing the first draft of a short comic (14:15), and getting feedback on a story (29:30) before we get to this week's episode: the trappings of genre (42:00).

This week, we talk about finding a path to finishing the first draft of a story (3:00) and moving on from an artist (12:45), then welcome Doug Wagner (Plastic, Vinyl, Plush, Klik Klik Boom, Beware the Eye of Odin) to discuss preference delivering scripts (27:50), breaking into comics (36:35), influences (45:00), finding your true voice (1:03:00), business considerations in storytelling (1:27:30), and much more.

This week, we discuss the best attitude to have for giving and receiving feedback (4:30), understanding who holds the ultimate veto on your work (16:30), how down time can make you more productive (22:15), thinking your way through new characters (27:20), getting pages back from a new artist and editing in the lettering stage (33:00) and how taking criticism is important (41:00) before we get to this week's main topic: leveling up (52:00).

This week, we talk about a comic book within a story (4:40), dialing into craft elements that make a style distinctive (13:30), reworking your dialogue to the balloons and the available panel space (24:10), and hitting a stalemate on work for hire (31:05) before we get to this week's topic: 2024 goals (49:20).

This week, we recap our Making Comics creative retreat and discuss working your way through a comic script (12:45), working on art using a new style (24:30), denouements (36:00), post-workshops edits (44:45), and much more.

It's the year-end episode! creator Gary Hodges joins us to discuss our favorite comic (6:15), favorite artist (24:00), and others including movie of the year (54:30), game of the year (1:17:00), and many more.

NOTE: This is an early-release episode for the week! There will not be an episode dropping on January 1st.

It's the holiday episode! Dinosaurs vs Marsbots creator Gary Hodges joins us to get in spirit for the season. We review the "nice" - our best creative achievements (13:15), "naughty" - our biggest creative learning (36:05), revisit our personal holiday traditions (1:05:00), and of course discuss the holiday music and movies we're both feeling and not feeling this year (1:12:15).

NOTE: This is an early-release episode for the week! There will not be an episode dropping on December 25th.

This week, we talk about the initial work on a script (3:20), LA Comic Con (9:30), streamlining reward delivery on Kickstarter (25:10), a business summit (33:15), pencils for a new comic (39:30), and having the courage to cut (48:00) before this week's topic: strengthening your dialogue (61:00).

This episode, we talk about the right amount of information to give in a mystery (3:00), creating back matter for a comic (11:00), the release schedule that follows the creative schedule (20:40), a comic book in-store (27:45), hitting a rhythm with the colorist (35:20), a holiday tale of resourcefulness (41:00), and using the zoom function to help with your lettering (49:20).

This week, we discuss an in-store appearance (3:15), finishing inks for a comic and moving on the flatting and notes for the colorist (11:20), revisiting a project once thought complete (19:00) and hitting on a surprise revelation, thinking through a crowdfunding schedule and prepping a Kickstarter, and prepping variant covers and commisions (32:30) before this week's episode: the speed versus quality when it comes to your work (43:00).

This week, we discuss font size and the right amount of dialogue to put on pages and panels (7:25), understanding the genre and potential audience of your story (23:20), checking in on a comic script (30:45), making a first-draft outline of a new comic (32:10), and the middle of a kickstater (44:00) before this week's main topic: writer's block (49:15).

This week, we talk about incorporating new pages into a novel (6:00),working your way through a Kickstarter (10:45), writing a page outline for a single issue (17:30), lettering in a similar, but slightly different way (26:05), and a dose of inspiration that inspired a high-level project outline (38:15) before this week's topic: making your art cinematic (49:45).

This week, we talk about the pre-work for Kickstarters (4:00), editing your way through a late draft of a book (13:30), creating a new logo (19:10), working out the high-level structure of a new ending (26:35), receiving original cover art (34:00) and a note on clear communication with artists (39:10) before we read a letter (42:50) and get to the inevitable topic you've all been waiting for: incorporation and taxes (51:15)!

This week, we review feedback on a comic script (2:30), working your way through a Kickstarter and making choices on promotion (9:00), staying on your page goals (16:45), and a Metal Swap Meet recap (27:00) before we get to this week's topic: knowing when you're finished with a project (33:45).

This week, we talk about preparing for and launching a Kickstarter (11:50), approaching the end of a comic and larger arc continuity (18:00), taking chances on format (31:00), sending your story off to readers (36:50), getting a cover back from an artist (42:00), pondering a potential future project (46:20), and being a creator and not your creations (61:45).

This week, we discuss maintaining your page goals (4:10), ensuring the individual story scripts of a larger arc mesh well (9:55), soliciting opinions from your trusted creator network (17:40), preparing to write the final issue of a comic series (27:30), and revisiting a previously "finished" work (39:00) before we get to this week's topic: pitching your book to publishers (50:20).

This week we discuss finishing a comic script in non-traditional work spaces (3:45), maintaining the three pages per week pace (12:20), setting up your Kickstarter for success (16:50), finishing a parody cover (21:00), and revisiting a story that's been on the shelf for a year and making delicate edits (29:20) before this week's topic: planning for your story's success (40:20).

This week, we talk about sustaining your higher level of productivity (4:40), working on a comic script in whatever way you can (12:30), bringing the best part of your story forward (19:10), choosing the right page layout (31:00), and shelving your daily writing goals to relax and allow ideas to come to you (35:10).

This week, Scott and Keith recap tabling at a horror convention (5:15) and discuss finding your pitch (10:00), sticking to your production goals for art (26:10), incorporating notes into your work and story pacing (33:00), and drawing pencil pages (41:00) before this week's main topic: creating complex characters (48:00).

This week, Scott and Keith discuss what might be a higher permanent level of productivity (3:50), how your past scrapped ideas can become your next good idea (14:00), how AI is now your competition and how knowing what it can do can create a baseline for your own work (22:00), fine-tuning your pages with your colorist (29:30), and figuring out your product mix for a show (34:10) before we get to this week's topic: story time versus elapsed time (45:30).

This week, Scott and Keith discuss pruning your activities when necessary (4:30), hitting a higher level of productivity with your art (11:15), getting a calibration on submissions (24:30), working withyour arists / colorists on changes and feedback to artists (35:45), and working on the story skeleton for a new comic (43:40) before the main topic: how to approach action in your comics (47:30).

This week, Scott and Keith talk about thumbnail pre-work for a month-long panel gauntlet and good goals versus bad goals (7:05), working on a side gig that relates to your creative work (15:15), finding the inspiration for potential work (24:15), sharpening the look of a future cover (27:50), getting the coloring right on your comic (34:30), fitting your productivity schedule to your life and not the other way around (40:30), and finding a rhythm in new panels (44:30) before this week's main topic: where research ends and your story begins (49:15).

This week, we talk about capturing the essence of your story with your cover (4:10), asking your colorist for corrections where needed (11:20), getting the first wave of cover ideas back on your book and realizing what's good within those ideas (18:30), doing advance work on a comic and adjusting to somehing unexpected (33:40), and receiving a test page for your comic and discussing fit for the story (42:35) before we get to this week's topic: your book's conversation with pop culture (52:30).

This week, Scott and Keith talk about receiving the original art for a commissioned comic cover (4:20), using a place with less distractions to your advantage (11:50), hacking out the details and your choices in naming a new character (22:40), finishing the script on a comic (32:20), getting notes back on your comic (40:45), evaluating a story to see if it should be a comic or prose (48:40), and getting the first sketch of a future cover (57:35).

This week, we talk about switching up the way you work and violating a 'rule' with intention (7:30), finishing a comic (13:40), thinking through the future of selling your comics and trade paperbacks (18:45), and using a future opportunity to finish your work faster (35:45) before this week's topic: those times when a dual-prong strategy makes sense for your projects (39:50), when to publish books, future release schedules, and more.

This week, Scott and Keith talk about getting close to the end of a comic (3:30), trying out a tip to work through creative block (11:20), getting original art back from one of your covers (17:45), taking a break in your story to map out the story's direction (22:30), improving your skills with gesture drawings and head sketches (30:25), and getting inspiration from positive feedback (34:00) before this week's topic: handling rejection (47:20).

This week, we sit down post- San Diego Comic Con to discuss re-dedication to your daily / monthly word count (5:00), channeling productive energy from working the table at SDCC (10:30), how the warmup sentence exercise has morphed into something more useful (15:20), tallying up the sales from SDCC (22:30) and ordering stock of your stuff (26:50) before this week's topic (36:00): a vendor (Scott's) and fan (Keith's) recap of San Diego Comic Con.

This week, we sit down on the verge of SDCC and talk about adjusting your productivity goals around your schedule (3:55), selling at an in-store event (6:00), staying warm with sketches and commissions (14:40) and writing warm-ups (18:50), and doing the large-thinking character work before commencing work on a comic (27:15) before we get to this week's main topic: re-evaluating your creative goals and changing them if you need to (41:00).

This week, we talk about completing a comic script (5:00), hitting your daily drawing goal (9:10), getting interior art back from a new artist (14:45) and a cover artist (17:10), getting fan feedback on a comic (20:40), doing commission work for SDCC (23:10), and riding the momentum on a project (28:20) before this week's main topic: removing limitations (39:20).

This week, we talk about doing work (but not finishing) panels so they can be finished later (5:30), writing with the energy of a new project (9:00), working on pre-show commissions for SDCC (14:00), doing big thinking past the current issue of the comic you're working on (19:15), and flatting colors for a page (30:40) before this week's topic: copyrights (38:30).

This episode, we recap our in-store at Comic Book Hideout in Fullerton CA (4:00), then discuss how details are their own easter egg (17:10), jumping straight from your basic skeleton to writing a comic script (24:50), and shipping out Kickstarter packages (33:20) before we give our feedback (42:05) on some comics we've received from listeners and offer tips that apply to all creators.

This week, Scott and Keith discuss making changes with your artist (4:25), the right way visually start a story (12:10), understanding change deadlines (21:45), getting product reinforcements in for Kickstarters and upcoming shows (25:40), and doing deep story-within-a-story work (29:30) before we tackle this week's topic: extending a story (37:00).

This episode, we welcome artist Dave Law (Space Odditorium, Wolf Punks) and discuss bringing real-life elements into your comic for authenticity (6:00), attacking different scenes in different ways in a comic script (11:05), ensuring dialogue corresponds to panel size and how learning from the greats can backfire (16:10), juggling multiple projects as an artist (21:20), digital versus traditional pencils (29:00), working off your digital thumbnails (36:20), working with limitations (43:50), and turning things you don't like working on into things you do (56:00).

This episode, we begin with a convention recap (5:00), bouncing a story off your editor in the formative stage (30:45), ordering product for a convention (35:05), working your way to your story's ending (47:45), and finishing a splash page (52:35) before this week's main topic: leaning into conflict (58:10).

This episode, we sit down with Gary Hodges (creator of D vs M) and discuss, among other things, balancing your writing projects when you're eager to work on all of them (5:20), getting product ready for a show (12:20), pitching your book (28:30), making comics from a place of cinema fandom (39:15), the ambitious work you sign up for in making comics (47:00), how all the time you spend creating matters (53:50), the feeling once your book is released (66:40) and turning that into the next project (69:00),

This week, we discuss troubleshooting at the printer (3:40), a kaiju in-store event (10:10), working under a tight deadline to make new prints for a show (14:40), the top outline and page outline process for a comic (23:25), keeping a 'cut not add' mindset in editing your story (32:50), cranking out even more prints for a show (37:00), and turning a strange idea into a story (40:45) before we talk about this week's topic: making edits seamless (49:40).

This week, we review a productive panel week and the power of small increments (5:45), then we have a lengthy discussion on stopping your progress to do necessary character work (16:15), touching on character sheets (22:40), knowing when to go heavy on research (29:30), and how doing that research makes writing your story easier in the future (32:15), then discuss character studies and working with vendors (36:00).

This week, we recap Free Comic Book Day (4:15), the discuss getting back into drawing after running a Kickstarter (18:30), final edits of comics in the PDF stage (30:00), and designing a trading card (41:00), before we get to this week's topic: choosing simplicity (49:00).

This week, we discuss art for a trading card (4:50), interviews and the daily work behind running a Kickstarter (9:00), hiring an artist for a future variant cover (13:00), trusting the vision for your story - but not too much (17:20), and some answers to listener questions on comic book agents (26:10) and when writer/artists should stick to writing (41:30).

This week, we recap the first two days of Amazing Las Vegas (4:00), then talk about writing a short story over a weekend (14:05), working on backgrounds (17:00), forcing yourself to shutoff creative work so you can focus on Kickstarter work (19:30), and a fun two-page spread (26:00) before we get to this week's main topic: finding the right story to tell (29:30).

This week, we discuss the home stretch of Kickstarters (8:10), those unexpected moments when characters change the story (14:00), update frequency for Kickstarters (25:30), getting pages back and seeing your script changes (30:20) before this week's topic: making the wrong ideas right (38:40).

This episode, we welcome veteran comic creator Andy Belanger to the podcast to talk all things process! We discuss the benefits of working on your own stories (8:15), getting deeper into the craft of writing (15:30), how varying your influences helps (27:00), the state of sales in the industry (36:45), Kickstarter (40:00), and the current state of the industry (51:00).

This week, we discuss the time that goes into launching a Kickstarter (3:15), reviewing a story with fresh eyes (14:30), your name in the back of Kickstarters and how to fill extra pages in your comic (18:45), some editor notes that might apply to your stories (29:30) before we get to this week's main topic (36:30) - no small characters.

This week, we share a few thoughts on WonderCon, including the art of staying patient (13:10), 'I'll be back' (22:05), and the value of a well-rounded product portfolio (28:20), then talk about a nice writing milestone (37:20) before this week's episode: avoiding lazy storytelling (47:00).

This week, we give our thoughts on Day One of WonderCon (4:20) before we discuss getting back to your work after stepping away (9:55), recording guitars for a comic soundtrack (12:50), putting the finishing touches on a comic for a Kickstarter (14:45), and creating what you want without thinking of how it fits in your portfolio (18:00) before we get to this week's topic: self-publishing versus working through a publisher (29:00).

This week, we talk about the dramatic changes that happen from beginning to end when you make small changes along the way (5:45), getting colors back for a piece (15:00), reviewing interior pages for a backup story (22:30), Kickstarter thumbnails (26:10), comfort in creating whatever you want (41:15), and returning to your art after some time away (55:40).

This week, we discuss adjusting the colors on full-color pages to fit the story and the problem-solving that comes with cell phone exchanges (6:20), those times when you need to sit down to write (14:15) those times when you need to get away from your project for a day or two (26:00), writing where the heat is (32:20), working with public domain (and not so public domain) characters (37:10), cutting pages and cutting dialogue in the interest of the story and why lettering your own writing is so helpful (42:20) before we get to this week's main topic: what makes a cover a cover (48:00).

This week, we talk about selling yourself on submissions(3:00), visiting your story location for extra authenticity (20:30), changing up the way your work as a way to keep things fresh (29:15), and working with your editor's notes as our main topic (34:40), as well as special logos for alternate covers (53:40) and toy designs (58:30).

This week, we discuss our creator retreat and the work we did there - thumbnail work (8:00), line-editing your writing (9:15), using the SLAC method to turn thumbnails into panels (26:15), writing the first draft of a comic script (28:30), patchwork comic covers (36:20), and making sure your dialogue matches the size of the panel it sits in (40:00) before we share the goals of fellow creators (44:10).

This, we talk about revising unused / mothballed stories and making them new (3:55), setting up a story around dialogue (10:15), negotiating with artists (15:00), designing a logo for your comic (23:50), and writing a comic's scene skeleton and page outline (29:00) before this week's topic: overshowing and overtelling (35:50).

This week, we talk about comic lettering and changing dialogue (5:10), ensuring the characters are doing the work of the story (12:15), reviewing the almost-final version of your comic for consistency (21:40), having a plan for the middle of a Kickstarter (28:20) before this week's topic: finding the right way to end a story (41:00).

This week, we talk about the differences in writing long and short stories (6:10), designing characters for a story arc and getting the essence of your source material (18:25), turning an unused remnant of a large story into a story of its own (24:55), and absorbing material to improve your stories (31:25) before this week's main topic: letting your work air out (44:15).

This week, we discuss celebrating the work you complete (5:00), starting and completing work different than the type of work you've done before (13:40), the line between doing work yourself and outsourcing (22:05), working with the next generation of creators (30:40), lettering your own sound effects (38:00), and a Scott and Keith collaboration cover (45:40).

This week, we talk about moving on from a project (10:00), finding the right angle for a background panel (21:50), starting and finishing a cover (29:40), starting the flats for your comic (32:30), and changing the seas of pop culture intake (34:40) before this week's topic: setting your 2023 goals (54:00).

This week, we talk about choosing the proper angles for your panels (8:30), reconciling creative mode and business mode (19:00), investing in the fun details of your comic (22:15), and asking yourself questions on whether or not you're writing the right thing (34:00) before this week's main topic: remembering the money angle of making comics (41:15).

This week, we discuss printing out your script to enable a revision (4:00), using, but not overusing, artistic tools so your own creativity shines (11:30), cutting the unnecessary parts from a scene (28:00), and staying patient wiht your clients (33:00) before this week's topic: choosing the right parts of the story (34:40).

This week, we discuss finishing the first draft of a comic script (6:30), the value you should put on names in your story (10:45), that magic point on a project when you can plan for the end date (25:20), another method of tackling the work on a comic (29:10), the value of ramping down (41:15), and confirming story solutions wiht your editor (53:45).

This week we discuss finishing a page that contains a ton of detail (6:25), loose scheduling for upcoming projects (16:00), working with clients (20:00), getting your first blast of feedback and rethinking the broad strokes on a new project (28:00), and getting product back after a long design process (40:45) before this week's main topic: rules around magic systems (45:00).

Continuing the year-end Making Comics tradition, it's part two of our year-end suite with guest Gary Hodges, this time with favorites of the year! Roll out the year with us as we share our favorite comic book (8:30), artist (15:45), writer (43:00), TV show (53:45), movie (1:05:00), and band (1:13:00), among other favorites.

This week, we welcome Gary Hodges back to the show for our year-end tradition! To get things started, we discuss the compromise between productivity and perfectionism that every comic has (4:30), tackling the tough work when that's all that's left (30:10), reaching the point where creativity has to give way to research (38:30), and the importance of backing up your work (45:00) before this week's main topic: the holiday special! We compare holiday traditions that have nothing to do with the holidays (52:40), then get into songs and shows we're either feeling or not feeling this holiday season (1:11:30).

This week, we discuss feeding your brain with pop culture (4:15), sticking to page-a-week work goals (7:45), a different way of doing research while working on your story (12:10), when work and payment schedules don't go smoothly for commissions (24:15), and rewriting dialogue and scene descriptions for already-completed art using paper and pencil (28:20) before this week's main topic: the other rule of thirds (39:15).

This week, we talk sticking to getting your page done for the week and becoming aware of a change in your style (7:00), working out an interesting way to deliver 'talking heads'-type information (11:00), working through editor feedback on your comic (20:15), writing your way through a story to figure it out (33:30), and considering a change in your daily goals (38:30) before this week's main topic: using color to make an impact (45:10).

This week, we discuss finding even better ways to retrofit prior ideas into a story (5:00), completing a panel a day while also developing your style (13:15), re-focusing your project priorities (21:30), using for-hire artists to finish a project (29:10), and getting feedback from a professional (43:00) before this week's main topic: understanding characters different from you (48:30).

This week, we talk about returning to a project with renewed energy (6:25), exploring the rules of your story world (14:00), commission updates (22:45), writing critical scenes to your story as you need to do it (25:20), and using and growing a network of contacts (37:30) before this week's topic: comic convention 101, from getting a table at conventions, to remembering the right things to bring and what to expect (41:30).

This week, we discuss the big thinking that goes into stories and repurposing prior ideas (11:30), writing as exploration (25:30), fighting to work when you're under the weather (28:55), incorporating all notes (big and small) into your comic (33:15), and working with client corrections (39:30) before this week's topic: your comic's done... now what? (43:00)

This week, we discuss the end of separate journeys; the end of a month-long panel a day project (3:45) and the end of a nearly five-year journey in completing a novel (8:00), working on different projects and the differences in them (15:20), starting a new project and consciously thinking about new processes (21:00), balancing paid work with your own projects (26:30), and seeking outside opinions on your work (29:00) before this week's main topic: creating from life and life experiences (36:00).

This episode, we welcome E.Bursonson (Ed Brown) to the podcast and start with a discussion of comics we grabbed at Alakazam comics in Irvine, CA (4:00) before we discuss editing multiple comic scripts and story planning (24:40), doing the hard work on pages, so final editing can happen (37:00), and working on commissions and compensating for you own time (48:30). 

This week, we discuss the work ahead involved in Drawtober when you're using Drawtober for a project (5:45), the need for detailed thinking around your characters (12:00), a commission update (23:40), and improving a cliffhanger ending for a comic (26:00) before this week's topic: making every word (and line) count (35:05).

It's the enormous 100th episode! We welcome Gary Hodges to discuss drawing pages that involve a lot of detail (5:30), trying a new method for a backup story in a comic (11:05), and progressing through the middle of Drawtober (25:35) before Gary runs us through a series of questions on the comic process and the first 100 episodes, including the accountability involved in a podcast (35:30), the master through-line in our work (1:02:30), the best way to learn how to make a comic (1:14:30), and what the podcast has taught us over one hundred episodes (1:41:30).

This week we recap a guest appearance on a show (6:30), different ways to approach your work when it's not flowing or feels off (8:55), preparing thumbnails for an intense Drawtober (18:30), top-level thinking around a comic involving scene versus summary (23:40), scheduling backward from a goal date (30:20), and completing commissions ahead of schedule to open up your schedule (42:30) before this week's main topic: backgrounds (44:15).

This episode, we discuss the Amazing Las Vegas convention (4:40), the work it sometimes takes to finish complex pages (8:10), the attendance difference for top creators (12:30), a nice lesson from a popular show (25:30), and consolidating unnecessary dialogue and story (29:15) before this week's main topic: striking first and striking hard... when it comes to making your comic (34:15).

This week, we talk about work on a detailed double-page spread and its ensuing complex page (6:00), lettering (and editing while you edit) and assembling the visuals for a comic (11:20), planning out an upcoming work schedule (24:45) and how research can pay off when you least expect it (29:00), before this week's main topic: dynamic poses (39:30).

This episode, we discuss the final major hurdle in a writing project (3:55) and using the SLAC method and picking the coolest page to get your energy back on a project (12:50) before this week's main topic: submitting your comic proposal to publishers (32:00).

At 51 minutes, we discuss AI art and an experiment we had with AI generators. If you want to see this art and get a visual to the discussion, go to my website: https://www.keithrfoster.com/blog-posts/ai-art-as-discussed-on-making-comics-ep-96

This week, we discuss tackling an issue of drawing when you can choose what you want to do (4:00), a show that reinforced proper storytelling (10:00), resetting yourself with a good adage to make comics by (15:40), and lettering your own writing and editing on the fly (20:45) before this week's main topic: writing tips from comic "prose" from an old Wizard article (28:15).

This week, we catch up on business, convention schedule planning and cover art (4:20), prepping a script for lettering (14:00), balancing commissions and your work (19:55), and knowing the right things to cut in your story (24:00) before this week's main topic: dialogue (31:10).

This week, we recap Emerald City Comic Con (3:00) and discuss the current business landscape of comic cons and how to pack for a show, building a network of people you like working with (22:25), finding real-life examples of what you want to draw (34:00), and remembering to take time to relax (35:40) and learn more about your craft (39:30) before this week's topic: anatomy, and artists that push anatomy in their drawing (44:40).

This week, we discuss making additions to a comic when the mood strikes (3:20), reviewing thumbnail layouts for a comic (13:00), trying different page layouts (27:00), putting extra effort into separator pages and covers (36:10), and backing up creator correspondence (45:00) before this week's main topic: aligning feedback with your vision and what happens when feedback doesn't align (47:30).

This week, we discuss slipcase production (8:20), putting your personal stamp on lettering (11:30), the natural evolution of your style (21:30), being productive in unusual situations (30:50), videos/podcasts we loved that will improve your craft level drawing (33:00) and writing (38:15),  before this week's main topic: building your characters (54:40).

This week, Scott (back from San Diego Comic Con) and Keith (back from a Scotland trip) recap our weeks and discuss journaling (3:55), getting creative with your vendors to get product on time (14:25), how inhabiting a place can bring a story together (25:00), mishaps in hiring an inker (31:05), changing comic artists at full speed (47:40), and the crowd at SDCC (57:55). 

This week, we discuss finishing a short-deadline cover (3:30), taking stock of your projects (16:15), choosing the right ending for your story (23:30), the value of doing as much 'extra' art as possible (32:05), and large-picture story thinking (40:30). 

SPOILER WARNING for Thor Love and Thunder at 53:10, that ends at 55:15.

This week, we discuss working ahead to ramp down on a vacation (5:25), work on a one-page comic (8:10), reworking a comic so an issue ends on a good note (17:20), working on a panel until it works and quick production turnarounds (20:10), and packaging conversations (27:00) before this week's topic: part two of ten guidelines for drawing a comic book page (34:35). 

This week, we discuss late-stage edits for both a comic and a novel (4:20), editing the lettering (and art) in a book (15:30), and graphic design and Kickstarter design (21:45) before this week's topic: part one of ten guidelines for drawing a comic book page (26:50).

This week, we discuss how being under the weather can create a different kind of productivity (10:25), putting the finishing touches on a comic script (21:00), making sure the most visually interesting things are on the page (26:05), delivering work for clients (32:30), and accepting those days where you need to power down (34:30) before this week's topic (41:40): what's your comic about?

This week, Scott and Keith welcome Tim Radecki (Super-bud, Grave Brigade). We discuss the continuation of zipatones (5:45), image choices for a one-page strip (11:00), and working on writing projects in various stages and balancing time between them (13:20) before we discuss comic writing versus writing for other media and how sometimes you learn as you go (35:15), and working through writer's block (44:50).

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 process (28:30). 

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 proofreading, fighting the current of corporate comics, and more!

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). We discuss carpal tunnel syndrome, pushing through the fear and other topics.

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 consumption time and staying on deadline, as well as other topics.

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 fan base and distribution.

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 (40:50).

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 that, we get to this week's main topic: difficult things to draw (37:45).

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 and get to Keith's egregious mistake (56:00).

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 Chris's Freaks and Gods Kickstarter?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorcrowevol1/freaks-and-gods-vol2-1?ref=user_menu

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 pages and why we chose the action panels we did (38:55).

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 holiday traditions and more!

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 a conversation about comic sales versus print sales (36:40).

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 (1:27:00) when Scott keeps recording unbeknownst to Keith and Gary.

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 kept it in.

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 we mention in your local comic shop):

https://davidaccampo.com/

https://www.enkidustudio.com/#/unicorn-vampire-hunter/

This week, Scott and Keith discuss re-branding and the materials that go with it (5:30), a change in plans for Drawtober (11:55) and planning for a future artist change (19:00) before this week's topic: lettering (27:40). Stay around the 'Grail main event' (45:40)!

Scott and Keith discuss getting the final bits of product in for their Kickstarters (1:45), Rose City Comic Con (13:50), brainstorming future comic projects including drawtober (23:50) and reworking prose to get it ready to turn into a comic (27:30) before this week's topic: inking and coloring (31:20). 

Scott and Keith discuss starting new issues and new story arcs (5:15), preparing for conventions (16:30) and reviewing pages from the colorist (22:45) before they discuss the penciling (30:15) and thumbnailing (43:05) stage of comics.

This week, Scott and Keith discuss issues in flatted pages (4:15), brainstorming a new giant monster (9:20), commission work (18:40), upcoming convention schedules (24:45) making structural changes to your story (27:45) and new inspirations for a comic (35:00) before the two discuss the idea stage and scripting for comics (39:35).

Scott and Keith recap their new comic book day event at SoCal Comics, covering setup (3:00), reading the crowd and adjusting your table inventory (14:10), developing a product portfolio (21:30) and the mentality behind working your table (27:30) before sharing tips to stay productive every day (36:50).

This week, Scott and Keith discuss a dramatic change in a single scene's construction (2:30), getting through creative blocks by working (15:50), rewriting scenes on the fly in a pass of your story (22:15), bonus content for single issues of a comic (29:45) and redesigning a web site (34:00) before the week's main topic: books and tutorials on craft (38:20).

This week, Scott and Keith discuss master edition strategy (2:30), incorporating feedback from different sources (12:30), a redux of last week's conversation on inspiration (17:10), taking feedback and applying changes to create a final draft (20:50), that project that just hangs over your head (30:15) and a strategizing session that turns into an inventory conversation (32:30) before discussing fresh pet peeves, the Kickstarter edition (52:20).

This week, Scott and Keith discuss last-minute Kickstarter chaos and the need for standardization (3:05), payment structures for commissions (11:45) and the pending culmination of a long project (16:40) before a lengthy discussion on sources inspiration, both conventional and unconventional (23:20).

With Keith live on the road this episode, the two discuss last-minute PDF fixes (5:30), cover work and warmup sketches (8:15), ridiculous mutant powers (15:30), giving feedback (21:20), non-comic convention opportunities (25:30) and finding the fun in boring pages (32:40).

Scott and Keith discuss a detailed cover (1:10), checking your splash pages within a PDF and allowing time for final revisions (3:30), making toys (16:15), ways to get your indie book out in the world (23:10) and finally Keith's trip to Philadelphia (44:00), covering comics and the idea of collecting themes in your comics.

Scott and Keith discuss commissions (1:30), reviewing PDFs for final changes (17:50), direction in comic book pages (23:35) and finding a comic printer (29:30) before they talk about collectible comics (46:20)

Scott and Keith - in the same room - discuss making a fun exercise out of tracking changes from ashcan to comic (3:00), the value of off-screen writing / riff writing (14:30) and comic recommendations (22:30) before they review dollar book (and not dollar book) purchases from recent shops (36:30).

Keith and Scott compare notes on project hiccups (4:25), covering Adobe Illustrator, finishing up PDFs, cycling through cover artists, feedback on non-convention commissions, toy-making, and a printing conundrum (33:40) before answering a listener question about juggling multiple projects (41:40).

This week, Scott and Keith revisit last week's discussion around changes for a master edition (8:45) before discussing corner boxes (14:50), slabbing comics and collecting in general (18:30), when writing refrains go wrong (41:00), holding back on information (43:30), and pet peeves on comic book covers (49:40).

Back recording at a normal time of day, Scott and Keith discuss lettering nuances and shortcuts (6:50), finding a good printer (18:55), taking feedback and how the adage 'write what you know' can steer you wrong (25:05) before discussing changes to comic panels for a collected edition (48:15) and the question - change it, or leave it as is?

Reminder: the preorders on Kodoja Volume 3 are about to close, so if you want to preorder your copy, show this code to your local comic retailer: JUN211875 

Scott and Keith cover a lot of topics this episode - mocking up panels with sketch software to confirm the angles on drawn art are correct (2:30), editing for clarity after receiving finished pages (8:00), reading every day and how inspiration can be in unlikely places (24:10), working with printers (27:00), sifting through critiques and what to do when expert reviews contradict each other (35:00).

As mentioned, Kodoja Volume 3 is up for pre-order on Diamond! For convenience, here are the Diamond order codes for all three volumes - all you need to do is show them to you local comic retailer.

Kodoja Volume 3 TPB: JUN211875

Kodoja Volume 2 TPB: JUL182241

Kodoja Volume 1 TPB: APR161998

Keith and Scott discuss how a busy schedule makes people more productive (0:55), re-thinking overdubbed dialogue and cutting it down for clarity (3:00), editing language (10:30), project management for the upcoming Second Shift hardcover (16:00) and big-picture thinking for the next arc of Kodoja (20:10) before a large discussion on 'rules' and why understanding them is good, but following them closely may not be (24:20).  (SPOILERS begin at 28:10, end at 43:40).  The two review purchases from another trip to SoCal Comics after the credits (48:00).

This episode, Scott and Keith welcome friend Terry Mayo to the podcast!  Topics this week include Terry's current Kickstarter Buddy (5:45), re-lettering older comics (11:30), an update on the Kodoja Volume 3 soundtrack (15:00), an upcoming project of Terry's and how copyrights play in (16:30), the joy of receiving art pages (24:40), more discussion on indies and creator rights (33:00), and some books we're currently enjoying (45:20). 

Find Terry's Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mayotl/buddy-1-1-of-3-like-the-exorcist-meets-milo-and-otis/posts

This episode Scott and Keith recount Keith's trip to Richmond, Virginia (1:00), an episode of late night productivity (19:30), accountability threads (21:50), writing bonus material for comics (28:15) and listener questions (37:00) on media mail, rights and ownership before discussing character development (53:00).

Scott and Keith discuss the completion of the 2nd Shift PDF (3:00), work for an ad that never happened (5:50), creating a project plan for delivering Kickstarters (18:05), and calibrating positive feedback into future artistic direction (22:40).  The two then discuss comic purchases over beers in the field (34:00).

This episode Scott and Keith discuss the twenty-five episode milestone (1:10), a batch of revisions on one of Keith's comics (7:00), graphic design for Scott's future hardcover (12:50), Keith's indie creator 'originality' conundrum (16:40), a comparative experiment Keith did with his novel (26:50) and revisiting the power of one panel a day (38:00).  A discussion on the maximum price to sell an indie comic (46:55) follows.

This week, Scott and Keith discuss re-finding your creative time as the world returns to how it was in 2019 (4:40), Big-picture thinking about future projects (12:45), figuring out the right stew of story ingredients (22:00), artistic techniques to make your images better (23:50) and revisiting great modern comics (38:20)

Scott and Keith discuss characters with dialogue quirks (3:00), text-heavy and text-only pages (7:55), one-in-ten variants and value in comics (12:25), Keith's big-picture thinking for Volume Four of Kodoja (28:00), Scott getting back to the panel-a-day goal (38:50) and the pricing of commission work (44:50).

Scott and Keith welcome Ed Brown, writer of the 2nd Shift, to the podcast!  Ed discusses his current writing work (2:30), which leads to a conversation on his backstory and unpacking writing quality (16:30), author intent, and three-act structure (26:00).  Scott and Keith review their week's art, administrative and even music activities (33:20) to end the main part of the episode.  In part two of the episode, Keith and Scott take the comic hunt on the road (again) to visit Spero's Heroes in Chatsworth, California (51:00).

Scott and Keith discuss a current commission, which leads to a conversation about mermaids (4:50) before the two talk comic scripts against pencils (10:45) and likenesses of people in comics (15:00).  Keith recaps his recent travels (18:05) and Scott goes over a heavy week of activity (33:25) before the two answer the question 'what comic advice would you give your past self ten years ago? (44:00)

Surprise!  Scott and Keith welcome Gary Hodges back to discuss Godzilla versus Kong and the three other Monsterverse movies (Godzilla 2014, Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla: King of the Monsters) as a whole.  SPOILER WARNING!  Stay around for the post-credit conversation on 'live draw' models that's sure to win us a podcasting award.

Keith gives Scott props (1:50) and discusses a personal goal before the two discuss Scott catching up on comic work (4:25), dark versus the conveyance of dark in art (11:05), the influences watching over us during creation (20:30) and further discussion on what indie is (26:10).  Keith then makes a plea to the writers out there (39:05) to be mindful of cliches and dialogue tags, which leads to a larger discussion on dialogue (49:40). 

Keith gives a recap of his brief time in Denver (0:30) - hint, it involves beer - before Scott discussed his recent trip to Arizona (5:50).  The two talk Kickstarters (15:00) and how long production gaps create writing difficulties (25:00).  Bonus: the two return to the field (36:50) and review their purchases from another dig at Socal Comics San Diego. 

Scott and Keith catch up on recent reads (1:45), Scott's week and the perspective of convention organizers (10:10) before Keith reviews progress on his fourth novel draft (13:50) while remembering pivotal moments in earlier drafts (20:30).  The 'Gary Yap email trilogy' concludes with a lengthy discussion on influences (25:00) before Scott and Keith give their answers to another mailbag question - 'what do you consider indie?' (46:45)

Scott and Keith talk beer (1:00) including a real-time tasting, then move in to Kickstarter talk (6:00) before Keith talks about Marvel horror comics in the 90s (14:55) and both discuss production lead times (24:45).  Keith then brings up two examples of rewriting-as-problem-solving (34:15) before the two discuss Keith's adult comic influences (46:15). 

After a connectivity misfire, Scott and Keith start for good (3:30) with Scott's friendly 'productivity competition' with a studiomate and some feedback he got from Jim Lee and other artists (6:30).  Keith discusses positive confirmations along the way (17:35), getting feedback and truly exposing yourself to critique (20:50), and Keith's primary fear as a creator (26:30).  The two then talk how often we check our Kickstarters (28:00) before moving to a few mailbag questions from listener Gary Yap, starting with podcast recommendations (39:00) and influences (53:00).

In the same room for this episode, Scott and Keith begin with a discussion on Collaboration vs Work for hire (4:00), Scott's week and Keith's business preparation around Kickstarter launch (17:25).  The two then talk respective future plans for story (24:55). Beer and basketball talk starts at 38:00.

A mid-week Bonus Episode!  We wanted to do something a little different to celebrate the dual timing of our Kickstarters so we hit up a couple San Diego comic shops, drank a few beers and recorded all along.  Note: the episode was recorded in the field, so there are background conversations, wind noise and other elements not usually present.

Kodoja Volume 3 Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kodoja/kodoja-volume-3-leviathans

Second Shift Drawtober Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/accidentalaliens/2nd-shift-drawtober-to-comic-book?ref=user_menu

Scott mentions an interesting project (1:20) before both guys recap the work on their Kickstarters.  They touch on two adages: 'youth being wasted on the young' (19:45) and 'ten percent of something or 100 percent of nothing' as well as Gerard Way, Parrish Smith and Rob Liefeld.  A bonus pop cultre conversation follows with Gary Hodges, including Godzilla vs Kong (34:55), a SPOILER on close-watching of the movie's trailer (51:30 to 58:25), and television (58:30).

Want to back our projects?  Here are the links.

Scott:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/accidentalaliens/2nd-shift-drawtober-to-comic-book?ref=user_menu

Keith:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kodoja/kodoja-volume-3-leviathans

It's time for our first guest!  Gary Hodges (writer/artist of D vs M 1997) joins Scott and Keith this week, beginning with a conversation about the script-crafting process for the next two issues of D vs M (3:45), then moving to panel layouts and the conflict between Art Gary vs Script Gary (26:30).  The three discuss long-form and short-form stories (34:00) and Kickstarters, from Keith's prep (39:00) to Scott's incentive covers (45:00).  After that, some comic convention stories (51:20) and Gary's decision where to end the story (58:55).

Keith discusses his week which leads to a discussion lettering and consistency (7:00) and finding the right script balance to make your artists succeed (13:00). Scott recaps his week, starting with a discussion on references and spending money (15:35) before the two discuss Kickstarter preparation (25:00).  Post-outro basketball talk at 42:30.

A brief review of the week starts with Scott discussing dutch angles into his work (2:40) before Keith recaps a few actions on the comic 'Animals' (6:00), including the value of throwing work away when necessary.  The two then discuss Kickstarters (13:50) with Keith asking Scott specific questions on prepping, launching and promoting them.  Post-episode riffing at 49:50.

Keith reviews his week starting with a creative conundrum (2:15) and status on two other projects.  in Scott's recap, her discusses the best person to do art for (13:20) before both guys talk about the necessary positive attitude through the creative process (23:00).  The two then move on to live music, creativity and personality after Keith decides to be a holier-than-thou indie music jerk (32:00). 

Scott begins his review of the week (1:00) with an update on Issue #10 of the Second Shift, SLAC method (12:20) for attacking an issue's worth of pages.  Keith then reviews his 'CEO week' (14:00) with his comics and writing music to them (18:40).  The two then share three comics (each) we've recently enjoyed (22:30).  Bonus stuff (49:00) includes a fast food discussion and basketball talk.

Keith starts the episode discussing his 'Animals' project (2:35) and the new art process he's working on (and is a part of) for the book.  The two discuss mid-stram artistic changes on books (10:30) and the differing roles in art and writing for comics (18:10). Scott reviews his week (24:45) and both fine-tuning and finishing touches on and upcoming issue of Second Shift.  Lost material anecdotes follow (32:30).  Bonus stuff hits with an outtake of the two discussing Keith's recent staycation and Scott's 2021 vacation designs (40:55).

Scott talks dialogue revisions and dialogue tweaking (1:00) before moving to the new coloring process he's experimenting with (9:30).  Keith reviews his week (17:10) and character writing before we answer some listener questions on writing workshops, video resources for artists and comic scripts (32:05).

As promised in the discussion, here is the link for comic page examples:  https://keithrfoster.com/home-1/comic-scripts-examples

Keith starts his week with a status of his three comics projects in their various completion states, which leads to a discussion on trilogies (15:27).  Keith then talks about gathering all his projects (17:35) in one place.  Scott reviews his week (23:10) before Keith mentions a decade-old sociological learning between East and West coasts (31:30).  The two close the episode around people that have our names/domains (35:55).

And, you'll understand when you get there: Keith is still @Keith_Decibel on Instagram.

Scott starts the episode discussing his week learning lettering techniques (1:05) before the two talk dialogue authenticity (9:20).  Keith mentions his early returns outsourcing lettering (20:35) before the two compare writing comics scripts (26:40) and conceptualizing scenes for both dialogue and music.  Prince enters the conversation (38:50) before Scott and Keith riff on collecting (40:15), specifically record-collecting.

Scott mentions a few resources in the conversation, there they are.

Radio word bubbles:

https://youtu.be/ErLkjfXdmE4

Scott McCloud basic lettering 1/2:

https://youtu.be/nhsqRjBehmw

Scott McCloud basic lettering 2/2:

https://youtu.be/GOSp76iGg94

Keith starts with his weekly recap (1:49) involving logistics around the 215 Ink book 'Gory Books #1' before the two talk single issues vs trades in today's environment (11:55).  Scott then reviews his week (21:35) with highlights on flatting and lettering.

The two begin talking Inktober (1:00) before Scott gets to his own work as a part of Drawtober (5:19).  Keith discusses his work on the comic Three Protectors (22:15) and its five-plus year journey from inception to completion.  Scott mentions a similar journey for Wanderers of Melissanda before the two discuss nuances of self-publishing and how they relate to the Wu-Tang Clan (30:13).

This episode, Keith talks about what he did over the last few weeks (0:43) then Scott discusses how he spent his time (11:50) before the two discuss revisions and Star Wars (18:05), closing out Kickstarters (23:13) and other topics before discussing NBA free agency (34:20). 

Welcome to Making Comics, a podcast where indie comics creators Scott Lost (Wanderers of Melissanda, The Second Shift) and Keith Foster (Kodoja, Three Protectors) discuss the world of independent comics from both artist and writer perspectives.

Like any good zero issue, this episode is the origin.  Scott and Keith share what got them into comics (0:55), what led both of them to their current books (10:09) and where they met (24:00).