Episode Details

Marvel/Scholastic illustrator Asia Simone (Instagram, Twitter)shares her experience of illustrating a "Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur" book, navigating the world of YA graphic novel publishing, and... surviving Brad's studio! Next, a listener asks... "Should I jump to Cara?"

TODAY'S SHOW

• Special guest Asia Simone
• Should I jump to Cara?
• San Diego Comic-Com 2024
• Breaking the 4th Wall

EDITOR'S NOTE

During the show, Brad and Dave insisted that Jim Davis rarely breaks the Fourth Wall in "Garfield." They were demonstrably wrong.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett, and Asia Simone discuss various topics related to live streaming, collaboration, and Asia's career as an artist. They also touch on Asia's experience working on a Marvel Scholastic book. The conversation is filled with humorous moments and insights into the creative process. Asia Simone discusses her journey into the comic book industry, including how she got scouted for a job at Marvel and Scholastic. She emphasizes the importance of doing the work you want to do and constantly striving for improvement. Asia also talks about the challenges of meeting deadlines and the importance of craftsmanship. She shares her hopes and fears for the future, including the fear of losing momentum and the hope of networking and exploring new opportunities. Asia advises aspiring artists to start small and not put too much pressure on themselves to create big, epic projects.

Next, Dave and Brad express their frustration with Instagram and their skepticism about the long-term success of Cara. They also caution against jumping on every new platform. In an update, they emphasize the importance of considering the cost and profitability of exhibiting at Comic-Con. In this part of the conversation, Dave and Brad discuss the potential drop in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con and the impact it may have on their sales. They also address a question from a Patreon backer about breaking the fourth wall in comics. Dave shares his perspective on breaking the fourth wall, mentioning that he is more willing to do it in his comic strip Sheldon compared to his other comic, Drive. Brad talks about his experience with breaking the fourth wall in his previous comic, Greystone Inn, and why he chooses not to do it in his current comics. They discuss the balance and considerations of using meta humor in comics.

TAKEAWAYS

• Ice cream trucks are a rare sight in Los Angeles, leading to envy from Dave towards Brad in Philadelphia.
• Asia Simone's art style is modern, western, animation-inspired, and often incorporates wacky facial expressions and poses.
• Asia Simone learned about paneling, bubbling, and story structure while interning with Brad Guigar.
• When giving a price for artwork, if the client is enthusiastic and quickly accepts, it may be an indication that the price is too low.
• Asia Simone landed a job with Marvel Scholastic through online postings and was given a test to illustrate a page from a Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur issue.
• Working on a Marvel Scholastic book required Asia Simone to adhere to a specific style and be on model throughout the project. Do the work you want to do and constantly strive for improvement.
• Meeting deadlines is important for building relationships in the industry.
• Start small, and don't put too much pressure on yourself to create big, epic projects.
• Collaboration and networking are key to success in the industry.
• Don't settle for 'good enough' - aim fo