Lost in Translation

Brad thinks Kickstarter is the right place to go for a Brazilian cartoonist who wants to have his work re-published in English, but Dave thinks his co-host is Lost in Translation. Then, the dynamic duo gives some advice to a pro-am cartoonist who just lost their day job and is considering making the move to full-time cartooning. But first, Brad and Dave share some comic convention horror stories. Summary In this episode of ComicLab, hosts Brad Guigar and Dave Kellett discuss the chaotic experiences of comic conventions, the challenges of translating comics for the English market, and the importance of building an audience. They also provide advice for cartoonists who have been laid off, emphasizing the need for financial stability. The conversation touches on the realities of comic publishing and the necessity of having an emergency fund when transitioning to full-time cartooning. Takeaways Comic conventions can be chaotic and noisy environments. Translation of comics can be a significant time investment. Building an audience is crucial before launching a comic. Kickstarter can serve as a market research tool for comics. Having an emergency fund is essential for transitioning to full-time cartooning. The comic market in North America is larger than in Brazil. It's important to consider the demand for your work before translating it. Creating new work may be more beneficial than translating old work. Networking and social media can help build an audience for new comics. Financial stability is key when considering a career in comics. 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.