Description

Now that comic creators are returning to websites, SEO (search engine optimization) is once again a hot topic. We'll talk about methods to help search engines index comics. Also, if Brad and Dave were to design a four-year degree for cartoonists, what classes would be on the curriculum?

Today's show

• SEO for webcomics
• Should you use alt text on social media posts?
• Susan MacTaggart's personal affirmation
• UPDATE: Comiclab Live stage show at the NCS conference, Aug. 14-16
• UPDATE: Apple loses its 30% cash grab
• UPDATE: Superfan Ray Michels does it again
• What would Dave and Brad's comics BFA degree include?

Summary

In this episode, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar discuss the importance of SEO for comic creators, particularly in 2025, highlighting best practices for optimizing webcomics. The episode concludes with practical tips for improving website performance and audience engagement through effective content strategies. In the mid-show updates, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar promote their upcoming ComicLab LIVE stage show at the NCS convention in August, examine the implications of Apple's recent court loss, and thank superfan Ray Michaels for updating Dave Kellett's Wikipedia page.

In the second half, they explore what an ideal art degree for cartoonists might look like, emphasizing the balance between craft and business education. They discuss the ideal curriculum for aspiring comic artists, focusing on creative writing, business skills, art techniques, and the importance of real-world experience. They explore various classes that would benefit students, including humor writing, long-form storytelling, digital tools, and color theory. The discussion emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education that combines artistic skills with practical knowledge to prepare students for a successful career in comics.

Takeaways

• SEO is crucial for comic creators to reach their audience.
• Transcripts can enhance SEO and accessibility for comics.
• Alt text is essential for improving search engine visibility.
• Optimizing image metadata can boost website performance.
• Creating a 'Start Here' page can guide new readers effectively.
• Regularly updating meta descriptions can improve SEO rankings.
• Engaging with your audience through alt text can enhance their experience.
• Content creation should be efficient and serve multiple purposes.
• SEO tactics can often be misleading and should be approached with caution.
• Linking to other webcomics can create a supportive community.
• Quality content is more important than SEO for attracting readers.
• Personal affirmations can provide motivation and encouragement.
• Events like the Reuben weekend are valuable for networking in the comic community.
• Recent legal victories can benefit creators financially on platforms like Patreon.
• Understanding analytics is crucial for independent artists.
• Business courses should be a core part of an art degree for cartoonists.
• Branding and legal knowledge are essential for success in the comic industry.
• Grant writing can be a valuable skill for artists seeking funding.
• A creative writing class specifically for comics is essential.
• Rhetoric and composition should be included in the curriculum.
• Understanding humor is crucial for all writers, not just humorists.
• Long-form storytelling should be taught with a focus on serialization.
• Art classes should cover visual storytelling and mark-making techniques.
• A history of mixed media communication is important for understanding comics.
• Digital tools and their applications should be part of the curriculum.
• Color theory and management are vital for storytelling in comics.
• Internships provide valuable real-world experience for students.
• A well-rounded curriculum should balance art, writing, and business skills.

Brad's Comics BFA

This is Brad Guigar's wishlist for a full 4-year BFA-style degree for comics creators, assuming a 120-credit hour program, broken down into approximately 40 classes (3 credits each). I’ve grouped them by category and semester.

YEAR 1 – Foundation

Fall Semester

Intro to Visual Storytelling (Art)

Creative Writing for Comics I (Writing)

Foundations of Marketing (Business)

Composition & Rhetoric (Gen Ed)

Digital Tools for Creatives (Art/Tech)

Spring Semester

Drawing for Sequential Art (Art)

Creative Writing for Comics II (Writing) 

Entrepreneurship 101 (Business) 

Intro to Media Studies (Gen Ed)

Social Media Strategy (Business)

YEAR 2 – Skill Building

Fall Semester

Narrative Structure & Pacing (Writing)

Lettering & Typography (Art)

Branding for Creators (Business) 

 Art History for Comic Artists (Gen Ed/Art History)

Accounting & Taxes for Freelancers (Business) 

Spring Semester

Panel Layout & Visual Flow (Art)

Character Development & Dialogue (Writing) 

Marketing Campaigns & Analytics (Business) 

Legal Issues in Creative Careers (Business) 

Psychology of Storytelling (Writing/Gen Ed) 

YEAR 3 – Integration & Professional Prep

Fall Semester

Writing humor (Writing) 

Coloring (Art)

Crowdfunding & Direct Sales (Business) 

The Comic Industry: History & Trends (Gen Ed/Art History)

Pitching & Proposal Writing (Business/Writing) 

Spring Semester

Advanced Sequential Storytelling (Art)

Long-Form Storytelling & Serialization (Writing) 

Client & Commission Work (Business)

Internship or Industry Mentorship (Business)

Elective: Animation, Game Art, or Podcasting

YEAR 4 – Capstone & Launch

Fall Semester

Capstone Project Planning (Writing/Art)

Publishing & Distribution Models (Business)

Teaching & Workshops for Creators (Business)

Grant Writing & Residencies (Business/Writing) 

 Elective: Zines, Erotic Comics, or Experimental Forms

Spring Semester

Capstone Execution & Exhibition (Writing/Art)

Webcomic Design & User Experience (Art/Tech)

Pre-Press (Art/Tech)

Collaborative Studio Project (All)

Exit Interview & Career Planning (Business)

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.