Defeating the Demon Complacency

After a few days of cooling (100 degree temperatures), the heat is rising again in Hell, Nevada. Unofficially (via my phone) it reached 115 degrees today. One has to ask themselves why would someone voluntarily move here? The answer, cheap rent. It’s not a good answer, but it's the answer. So to try to make the most of this temporary insanity, I had lunch the other day down by the Colorado River…While partaking in my lunch and looking out the restaurant window, I thought to myself, “how lovely”.

In fact I took a picture to remind myself that Hell isn't that bad and maybe even in Hell, Nevada there’s even a little heaven. WRONG! Like a cold slap on the face in Bemidji, Minnesota, in January, there's no heaven here, and thanks to some input from someone who’s opinion I greatly respect, it looks a lot like Africa!

Hell, Nevada

Africa

I didn't notice it when I took the picture, but there’s no denying it, It really looks like Africa! Not that there’s nothing wrong with that…

Africa is just not my paradise and neither is Laughlin. In one respect I believe that subconsciously, the reason I took the picture was that I trying to convince myself that, "this place isn't that bad here, Michael” WRONG! It is that bad. I wouldn’t choose to stay here any longer than I choose to stay in Africa. In fact I think musical group, Toto, was singing about Laughlin, Nevada when they wrote their song, Africa 

The wild dogs cry out in the night

As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company

I know that I must do what's right

As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

I seek to cure what's deep inside

Frightened of this thing that I've become

Anyways, thanks to that one respected opinion, I defeated the demons that were trying to draw me into complacency and I’m still preparing for my departure.

Until next time...

Feeling Good

Hello World

As I sit here in my boxer briefs (not a pretty sight) because it's 119 freaking degrees outside, I’m feeling good. It's been a productive week here at the Ye Ole Michael Hopkins Cartoons Factory. Not only have I produced some good drawings this week, but one of my drawings even went viral!. The drawing I am referring to is “Bob”. This is a drawing I created to show my appreciation for one of my favorite animated series, Bob’s Burgers. This is one of the few animated series that I still find constantly hilarious! Even as good as The Simpsons were in their first 10 years or Family Guy at its peak. I consider the creators of this show comedic geniuses! Even if I'm only paying semi-attention to the show because I’m concentrating on a drawing, I often find myself chuckling at random lines from the show. The stories they come up with and each of the characters' unique personalities, make this series definitely binge worthy. The only other shows that I binge constantly are, The Office and Frasier and I place Bob’s Burgers in that same category. So here’s to Bob and the entire team at Bob’s Burgers! Thank you for the entertainment! And here’s Bob…

Also this week I created another drawing for my webcomic, Cosmic Fowl. The creative process for this drawing was unlike any Cosmic Fowl that I have ever drawn. I didn't start this drawing trying to create the next Cosmic Fowl but as a random drawing, self-mocking my style We’ll one thing led to another and the drawing turned into Cosmic Fowl #37.

The last drawing is of the Author, George R.R. Martin, Writer of The Game of Thrones epic fantasy books. He also served as a co-executive producer for the hit HBO adaptation of his book series. Here’s George…

Well, thats it for now kids, Ill write more soon and thanks for visiting!

Michael

Rate Increase!?!?!

Hello everyone! Back when I was Hotel General Manager, it was my job to keep informed of my hotel's competitive set‘s (my hotels competition). This was done to ensure I was charging a competitive rate when compared to similar hotels to mine (Yawn…right?). Anywho, Recently I decided to check my Event Caricature rates, vs. other caricature artists. Well, well, well, apparently I had the lowest rate compared to my competition. That’s good if you're an event coordinator looking for a cheap Caricaturist to hire for your event, however its was no good for me as I was basically “leaving money on the table”

“Leaving money on the table" is an idiom that means missing out on an opportunity to maximize profit, save money, or capture full value. It happens when you negotiate a deal poorly, underprice your services, or fail to claim available financial benefits.”

I guess it wouldn’t be a horrible thing to have the lowest rate if I was a rookie Caricaturist or if I wasn't very good, however I have over 40 years of experience and I think I’m a pretty damn good Caricaturist. As such, my rate of $150 per hour was too low. That being said, I decided to raise my hourly rate from $150 an hour to $200 per hour. I hear the “gasping” in your voices now, "$200 per hour!?!?!"

Let’s look at the rates. Caricature artists in Reno, Nevada typically charge an average hourly rate between $150 and $300 per hour. YIKES!!! I guess I could have raised my rate to $300 per hour, however, I think $300 per hour for a Carcicaturist is a bit much.  However, as I stated before, my rate was too low. As such, I don’t think that a 33.33% percent increase is that bad. Besides, the cost of doing business has increased as well (i.e., art supplies, fuel costs…etc.)

So, my new rate for Event Caricatures is now $200 per hour (two hour minimum). A travel/lodging fee may apply depending how far I need to travel. There may be an increased rate for holidays or special events.  

There ya go. Not a fun happy blog today, just a rate increase blog.

See you soon!

Michael

Life at 116 degrees

Life is good in Laughlin, Nevada. Of course its a bit warm, in fact did you know that according to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the fifth highest temperature ever recorded in the United States was right here in little ole Laughlin Nevada on June 29th, 1994, it was 125 degrees. Thank goodness it's only been hovering between 110 degrees and 116 degrees, since I been here. As bad as that sounds, if you plan your day correctly, you can get your stuff done in the morning and in the evening (when temperatures drop down into the mid 80’s). So that leaves mid-days to drawing…

I've created some good work since I've been here and I’ve still been traveling to Northern Nevada and drawing at various events. Believe it or not, I do enjoy traveling back to Northern Nevada, I love the area and I love the road trip up there and towns in between here and there including, Las Vegas, Tonopah, Hawthorn, Walker Lake and Yerington. All of which hold a special place in my heart. And of course, I still love Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and Reno…In fact I consider the entire state of Nevada to be my home. Although home base for now is Laughlin there’s no telling where I’ll next pitch my tent (or a second tent) However, I’ll guarantee it will be in Nevada.

My main reason for coming to the Southern Nevada area was to expand the reach of my art. In fact the perfect outcome to this move would be to find a place in Las Vegas to display my original art. Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With that tourism comes a larger audience. An audience that I want for my art. So you may ask then, why not move to Las Vegas instead of Laughlin? Easy answer, it's that Colorado River meandering through town, the desert landscape (that reminds me of an old Clint Eastwood western). I find so much appealing and peaceful here…and of course the lower housing costs. I may eventually wind up in Las Vegas or elsewhere, but for now, Laughlin is where I should be…of course, you may find me anywhere in this amazing State of Nevada.

So now, let's take a look at some of the latest Michael Hopkins creations…

Until next time...

 The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry," - Robert Burns

Mice, men and Caricaturists - Michael Hopkins

Oh, well It's time to move on from this current adventure. Luckily, I do live a life of freedom and I’m capable of making alternate plans. In fact as long as I have something to draw on, life is going to be ok. The lesson I learned is quite ironic, since I learned it in the backyard of The Walt Disney Company, never take an apple from Old Hag Grimhilde.

Nuff said.

My original art is finally gaining some attention at Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. Even though it's a small amount, it’s more than I've seen before and I'm grateful for any attention. I believe that my original caricatures and my original aviation caricatures are on par with anyone's. If you’d like to check out my current collection, please visit my store at the link below. Don't let the prices scare you. I am always open to reasonable offers, so if you see a piece that you like, make me an offer and see what happens.

https://michaelhopkinscaricatures.com

Here's a few examples of my original art in an attempt to entice you to visit my online store.

FYI...Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures was at The VIVA Banquet Hall in Reno, Nevada on March 14th, to help celebrate Addy's Sweet 16 Birthday Party! Happy birthday, Addy, and thank you for inviting Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures to your celebration!

Finally... I'm going to start a new journey (literally) in April. I think I'm going to start by visiting some places from my childhood and some places on my bucket list. I got the time, so why not?? The question is, am I going to blog or vlog these visits or maybe both? Anyways you’ll be the second one to know (after I figure it out). So this new adventure should start around the second week of April. 

Let's see what happens….

Michael

Vegetable Impossible

At an abandoned phone booth on East 4th Street, in Reno Nevada, near an abandoned Motel, next to an abandoned Volkswagen, our hero receives a call...

Good morning, Mr. Hopkins. The Destination Marketing Organization, Discover Lancaster will be at the Reno Sparks Convention Center this weekend promoting Lancaster County Pennsylvania. They're looking for a Caricaturist to draw guests at their booth during the convention. However, this won't be your ordinary Caricature Event. Your mission, Mike, should you choose to accept it, is to draw Discover Lancaster's guests as vegetables. As always, should you or any member of Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures (I’m the only member) be caught drawing guests as fruit of any kind of meat products, The Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog Association will disavow all knowledge of your actions. This phone booth will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Mike.

Mission accepted and here are a few highlights ...

The HondaJet Caricature

The HondaJet

By Michael Hopkins 01/08/2026

I created this drawing on 11"x14" Canson Mixed Media drawing paper with (my favorite pens), Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens. My fascination with this badass little business jet began while disguised as a mild mannered Aircraft Fueler working for

The Daily Planet and watching this beauty roll down the taxiway.

Trust me, this business jet is amazing. I think I’ll purchase one as soon as I sell about a billion more of my drawings at The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store (I’m waiting…) Also, I think I’ll hire this goofball to fly it for me, at least till I learn how to fly.

I know he’s taken a few flying lessons and he’s probably cheaper than a qualified pilot.…Oh..and his mom’s, well...fascinating.

You can read more about this aircraft at The Honda Aircraft Company

If you buy one, tell Honda you referred by Michael Hopkins, Cartoonist Extraordinaire