Shows
Making ComicsEpisode 229: Craft versus PromotionThis week, we sit down with Scott Serkland (The Young and the Dead) to give big picture thoughts on AZCAF (3:15), the right amount of information to share on upcoming projects (17:00), and craft versus promotion (37:15), among other topics.2025-04-071h 17Making ComicsEpisode 222: Your Spot on the Learning CurveThis week, we talk about drawing a Kickstarter backer into artwork (2:30), locating yourself on the learning curve (13:00), putting the promotional work into your crowdfunding (25:20), when PDF formatting goes wrong (28:15), when a workshop tells you something you didn't see (36:30), working on a letters column (46:50), and getting the complete art to Keith's superhero story (53:45), which he actually names! Then Scott reveals the secret project (63:00) he's been working on!2025-02-171h 18Making ComicsEpisode 207: Returning to your WorkFresh 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).2024-11-041h 22Making ComicsEpisode 195: Craft ExperimentationIt'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!2024-08-121h 13Making ComicsEpisode 175: Creating Beyond Comics with Scott SerklandThis 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).2024-03-251h 19Making ComicsEpisode 150: Creating Complex CharactersThis 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).2023-10-021h 43Making ComicsEpisode 149: Story time versus Elapsed timeThis 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).2023-09-251h 19Making ComicsEpisode 148: How to Approach Action in Your ComicsThis 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). 2023-09-181h 23Making ComicsEpisode 147: Where Research Ends and Story BeginsThis 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).2023-09-111h 29Making ComicsEpisode 145: New characters and Script notesThis 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).2023-08-281h 32Making ComicsEpisode 143: Handling RejectionThis 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).2023-08-141h 35Making ComicsEpisode 142: San Diego Comic Con recapThis 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.2023-08-071h 46Making ComicsEpisode 137: Extending a storyThis 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). 2023-07-031h 21Making ComicsEpisode 116: Variation and Sound EffectsThis 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).2023-02-061h 30Making ComicsEpisode 90: From San Diego to ScotlandThis 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). 2022-08-081h 38
Making ComicsEpisode 85: From Other Media to Comics (with Tim Radecki)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).2022-07-041h 07Making ComicsEpisode 81: Drawing Pages (with Gary Hodges)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). 2022-06-061h 09Making ComicsEpisode 80: The hardest part of making comics (part 5)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!2022-05-301h 26Making ComicsEpisode 79: The hardest part of making comics (part 4)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.
2022-05-231h 12Making ComicsEpisode 78: The hardest part of making comics (part 3)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.2022-05-161h 17Making ComicsEpisode 77: The hardest part of making comics (part 2)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).2022-05-091h 26Making ComicsBonus Episode: Bringin' ALL the Bulls**tIt'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!2022-05-051h 08Making ComicsEpisode 76: Fight Comics (with Aubrey Sitterson)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). 2022-05-021h 19Making ComicsEpisode 75: The hardest part of making comics (part 1)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.2022-04-251h 28Making ComicsEpisode 74: BrandingThis 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).2022-04-181h 25Making ComicsEpisode 73: Balance (for art and writing)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).2022-04-111h 09Making ComicsEpisode 72: Mailbag!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.2022-04-041h 16Making ComicsEpisode 71: Editing and over-editingThis 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).2022-03-281h 20Making ComicsEpisode 70: The rough daysAfter 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).2022-03-211h 32Making ComicsEpisode 69: That dollop of not giving a s**tThis 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).2022-03-141h 24Making ComicsEpisode 68: The toughest things to drawThis 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).2022-03-071h 30Making ComicsEpisode 67: Three-act StructureThis 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).2022-02-281h 36Making ComicsEpisode 66: ClarityWe 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).2022-02-211h 36Making ComicsEpisode 65: Self-evaluationWe 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).2022-02-141h 14Making ComicsEpisode 64: Inspiration, and making sure it doesn't overtakeThis 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).2022-02-071h 12Making ComicsEpisode 63: Public Domain CharactersThis 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_menu2022-01-311h 40Making ComicsEpisode 62: ConflictThis 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).2022-01-241h 17Making ComicsEpisode 61: The Moment of ImpactAfter 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).2022-01-171h 21Making ComicsEpisode 60: Advance Covers and a New CompanyThis 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).2022-01-101h 04Making ComicsEpisode 59: Convention recap and Story PlanningAfter 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) 2022-01-0354 minMaking ComicsEpisode 58: The Favorites of 2021Starting 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!2021-12-271h 36Making ComicsEpisode 57: The Holiday Shindig!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!2021-12-201h 38Making ComicsEpisode 56: Trademark and CopyrightScott 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).2021-12-131h 05Making ComicsEpisode 55: Setting the SceneScott 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). 2021-12-061h 11Making ComicsEpisode 54: Panels and Panel QualityScott 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).2021-11-291h 17Making ComicsEpisode 53: Character (with Gary Hodges)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.2021-11-221h 43Making ComicsEpisode 52: Fighting your Inner PerfectionistAfter 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.2021-11-151h 04Making ComicsEpisode 51: The Fine Line Between Reference and TheftThis 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).2021-11-081h 18Making ComicsEpisode 50: Setting and World-buildingScott 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).2021-11-011h 09Making ComicsEpisode 49: Talking Heads pagesScott 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).2021-10-251h 08Making ComicsEpisode 48: Styles and Artist-Writer relationships with Keithan JonesScott 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).2021-10-181h 22Making ComicsEpisode 47: Drawtober and PDF PrepScott 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.2021-10-111h 21Making ComicsEpisode 46: A comic's coverScott 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/2021-10-041h 03Making ComicsEpisode 45: LetteringThis 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)!2021-09-271h 14Making ComicsEpisode 44: Inking and ColoringScott 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). 2021-09-201h 08Making ComicsEpisode 43: Pencils and ThumbnailsScott 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.2021-09-131h 08Making ComicsEpisode 42: The Idea Stage and ScriptingThis 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).2021-09-061h 09Making ComicsEpisode 41: Table selling and Staying ProductiveScott 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).2021-08-301h 03Making ComicsEpisode 40: Working through blocks and TutorialsThis 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).2021-08-231h 08Making ComicsEpisode 39: Using Feedback and Show prepThis 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).2021-08-161h 06Making ComicsEpisode 38: Sources of InspirationThis 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).2021-08-0953 minMaking ComicsEpisode 37: Finding the fun in boring pagesWith 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).2021-08-0253 minMaking ComicsEpisode 36: Getting your comic out thereScott 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.2021-07-2658 minMaking ComicsEpisode 35: Commissions and Finding a Comic PrinterScott 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)2021-07-191h 02Making ComicsEpisode 34: Character consistency and Comic recommendationsScott 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).2021-07-121h 00Making ComicsEpisode 33: Project hiccups you don't expectKeith 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).2021-07-0558 minMaking ComicsEpisode 32: To Slab or not slab? and creative things to avoidThis 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).2021-06-281h 11Making ComicsEpisode 31: 'Write what you know' and Revising for master editionsBack 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 2021-06-211h 19Making ComicsEpisode 30: Verifying your artwork and Sifting through critiquesScott 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.
2021-06-1454 minMaking ComicsEpisode 29: 'The Rules' and why they matter... or don'tKeith 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).2021-06-071h 16Making ComicsEpisode 28: Copyrights and Creator Rights with Terry MayoThis 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/posts2021-05-311h 05Making ComicsEpisode 27: Accountability and Comic RightsThis 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).2021-05-241h 05Making ComicsEpisode 26: Project Planning and Managing FeedbackScott 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).2021-05-171h 01Making ComicsEpisode 25: Indie creator fears and Manageable daily goalsThis 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.2021-05-101h 13Making ComicsEpisode 24: Staying productive when your schedule fights youThis 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)2021-05-0348 minMaking ComicsEpisode 23: Big-picture thinking and a Panel a DayScott 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).2021-04-261h 10Making ComicsEpisode 22: Writing the 2nd Shift and Three-Act StructureScott 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).2021-04-191h 08Making ComicsEpisode 21: Comic advice to your Past SelfScott 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)2021-04-121h 09Making ComicsBONUS EPISODE: Godzilla versus Kong (and the Monsterverse)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.2021-04-091h 18Making ComicsEpisode 20: Balancing your influences, Cliches and Dialogue TagsKeith 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). 2021-04-051h 07Making ComicsEpisode 19 - Trip recaps and getting comicsKeith 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. 2021-03-291h 04Making ComicsEpisode 18 - Base influences and accent influencesScott 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)2021-03-2258 minMaking ComicsEpisode 17: Lead times and Writing as problem-solvingScott 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). 2021-03-151h 03Making ComicsEpisode 16: Feedback and Early InfluencesAfter 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).2021-03-081h 27Making ComicsEpisode 15 - Collaboration and PreparationIn 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 38:00.2021-03-0150 minMaking ComicsEpisode 14 - A Very Special EpisodeA 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_menu2021-02-2420 minMaking ComicsEpisode 13 - Adages and Pop CultureScott 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/proje...2021-02-221h 30Making ComicsEpisode 12 - Script, Layouts and Process with Gary HodgesIt'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).2021-02-151h 13Making ComicsEpisode 11 - References and Kickstarter preparationKeith 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 42:30.2021-02-0859 minMaking ComicsEpisode 10 - Kickstarter TipsA 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 49:50.2021-02-011h 01Making ComicsEpisode 9 - Creating and Your best possible performanceKeith 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). 2021-01-2554 minMaking ComicsEpisode 8 - Managing Projects and Comics We LikeScott 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.2021-01-181h 03Making ComicsEpisode 7 - Midstream changes and saving your workKeith 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).2021-01-1148 minMaking ComicsEpisode 6 - Dialogue and Writing ResourcesScott 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-examples2021-01-0444 minMaking ComicsEpisode 5 - Managing Your Projects (and Trilogies)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.2020-12-2841 minMaking ComicsEpisode 4 - Learning Lettering (and Outsourcing Lettering)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/GOSp76iG...2020-12-2148 minMaking ComicsEpisode 3 - Logistics and LetteringKeith 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.2020-12-1434 minMaking ComicsEpisode 2 - October is for Artists, November is for WritersThe 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).2020-12-0840 minMaking ComicsEpisode 1 - On Revisions and Delivering KickstartersThis 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). 2020-12-0148 min
Making ComicsEpisode 0 - Origin StoryWelcome 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).2020-11-3034 min