I've been framed! (...in a gallery)

In this episode, Brad and Dave tackle a question every cartoonist eventually asks: Where should I invest my time and energy? From gallery shows to professional organizations to keeping up with “the kids,” this conversation is packed with practical, experience-tested advice. But first things first! Here's Brad's 2021 blog post about the science behind why vampires don't cast a reflection in a mirror. Are Art Galleries Worth It? A listener asks whether exhibiting in a gallery helps grow a comics career. Key takeaways: • Gallery exposure rarely converts into comic readers • If it’s not clickable, it’s not effective promotion • Sales are often split (sometimes 50/50), cutting into profits • You can usually sell original art more effectively on your own platform • The biggest benefit? Personal satisfaction and a nice ego boost Should Beginners Join Professional Organizations? Brad and Dave revisit a classic question: Are groups like the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) worth it? • 10–15 years ago: Limited practical value • Today: Much more actionable, community-driven, and educational What You Actually Get • Real-world, practical learning (panels, talks, workshops) • Networking with professionals who actually understand comics • Access to events, meetups, and tabling opportunities • Career insight you won’t get from general audiences Pro tip: For younger creators, discounted memberships make this a much easier entry point. ComicLab at the Reubens Brad and Dave will be presenting at this year’s Reuben Awards Weekend, August 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio. Their session: “Actionable Advice in a Time of Change” • Practical, career-focused insights • Guest cartoonists joining a live panel format • A mix of strategy, storytelling, and real-world experience They’ll also be around all weekend — panels, conversations, and (possibly questionable) lunch recommendations. Get on the mailing list so you don't miss out! Call the ComicLab Talkback Line Got a question or something to share? 📞 609-379-3520 That's... 📞 609-DRY-ELB-0 Leave a message and you might hear it on a future episode! Final Thought Whether it’s galleries, organizations, or audience trends, the theme of this episode is simple: Focus on what actually moves your career forward — and don’t confuse visibility with value. Join our comics community 👉 patreon.com/comiclab 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.