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