Making Comics is 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. It centers around one question - what did you do last week? Art, writing, promotion, you name it - it all adds up to the work behind an indie comic. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support
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Episode 197: Making Dialogue Better
1:07:50
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/su…
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Episode 196: Creating a story From Scratch
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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), refer…
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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 work…
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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 abo…
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Episode 193: Fusing Energy with Story
1:11:45
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/s…
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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:…
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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…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcom…
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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), collabora…
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Episode 187: Working without distractions
1:16:36
1:16:36
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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 ex…
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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…
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Episode 185: Industry episode Feedback
1:18:39
1:18:39
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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). --- Su…
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Episode 184: Unconscious Influences
1:16:02
1:16:02
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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). --- Supp…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support…
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Episode 182: The Comic Process (with Rory Smith)
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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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support
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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). --- Su…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/…
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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 to…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support…
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Episode 177: Creating Immersive Environments
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/s…
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Episode 176: Adapting Prose into Comics
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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). …
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Episode 175: Creating Beyond Comics with Scott Serkland
1:19:14
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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 (…
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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 (…
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Episode 173: Other People's Properties
1:41:20
1:41:20
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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…
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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: l…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/m…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingc…
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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). --- Support this podca…
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Episode 168: The Trappings of Genre
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1:25:06
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support…
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Episode 167: Doug Wagner on Writing Comics
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2:09:51
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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), b…
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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…
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podc…
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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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/makingcomics/support…
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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. --- Support this podcast: https:/…
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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 n…
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Episode 161: Strengthening Your Dialogue
1:30:03
1:30:03
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.…
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Episode 160: Back Matter and Being Resourceful
1:35:48
1:35:48
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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 …
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Episode 156: A Speed vs Quality Question
1:19:51
1:19:51
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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…
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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…
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Episode 158: Making your art Cinematic
1:37:12
1:37:12
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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 cin…
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Episode 157: Death and Taxes and Comics
1:33:24
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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 …
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Episode 155: Knowing When you're Done
1:29:53
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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). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.c…
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Episode 154: Taking your story where you want it to go
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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 creatio…
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Episode 153: Pitching to Publishers
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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: pitchin…
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Episode 152: Planning for Your Story's Success
1:29:32
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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…
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Episode 151: Bringing your Story Forward
1:31:37
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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). --- Support this podcast: https:…
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Episode 150: Creating Complex Characters
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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). --- Support this podcast: …
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Episode 149: Story time versus Elapsed time
1:19:54
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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…
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Episode 148: How to Approach Action in Your Comics
1:23:17
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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:…
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