Is Blogging Dead?

Is blogging dead?

That's the consensus among those I've discussed this question with recently. From those discussions, I've surmised that the main reason for the declining health of blogging, is because of YouTube (video killed the blog-eio star) and the fact that people would prefer to watch videos as opposed to getting the same information via reading a blog. Is this because people are becoming lazy or are videos more entertaining? I would hope for our societies sake, that it's the latter. However, from my casual observations of the ever increasing plethora of idiots around me, laziness is on the rise.

While pondering the death of blogs, I've considered doing away with my blog and replacing it with a video blog. However, being the introvert that I am, I have been unable to pull the trigger on that decision (and contribute to the demise of the frontal lobe in our society). Not saying I won't make that decision, however for now, I'm in a holding pattern.

At the same time, another decision I'm contemplating (in an effort to increase sales) is offering free shipping at my online store, The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. What’s holding up that decision is whether or not it would actually increase sales or just increase my costs? Decisions…decisions. Which brings up the question, is it better to make an incorrect decision than to make no decision at all, over the fear of making an incorrect decision??

While going through some old storage boxes recently, I came across some old caricatures I created back in the 1990's. So, I submit your viewing pleasure, a few...

Michael Hopkins Caricatures Classics!

(my apologies to those who don't know who the following people are...ask Google)

                        

                         Larry Bird

George Burns 

Jerry $einfeld

Jack Kemp and Bob Dole

Talk to you soon....

Michael

The Best Laid Plans

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”

Robert Burns 

Indeed. So much for the schedule that I mentioned a couple of blogs ago. However, in my defense, little did I know the creative success the aviation caricatures have become. I should have known, given the fact that I have been drawing aviation caricatures most of my life (of course, in my youth the quality was not what it is today). So is this, "au revoir'' to the webcomics? Possibly. At least it's goodbye to putting out a regularly scheduled webcomic, as I just don't have the time…or at least the time to ensure the quality of my art would not be compromised. Also, for the same reason, I don't make New Year's resolutions any longer, one can't predict the future. Anyways, the good part of not keeping the schedule intact is knowing what I need to concentrate on and that is the caricatures So for now, I'll consider myself a "Caricaturist Extraordinaire '' who occasionally (when time becomes available) makes extraordinary webcomics! However…

Never say never.

Charles Dickens 

Here's a couple of my most recent Aviation Caricatures! Enjoy and be sure to visit The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store 

https://michaelhopkinscaricatures.ecwid.com/

Eastern Airlines L-1011

Lockheed C-5A Galaxy

@iamscribbles

 

Michael Hopkins Caricatures Instagram  @iamscribbles 

Chris

This is the first caricature in a series of commissioned work that I’m doing for a local company (name withheld for reasons that will become obvious in a few months down the road).

Anyways…This is Chris. He is about as unique as they come. However, he’s an important cog in the powertrain of a group held together by duct tape, wire bundles and gang of misfits that without each of whom, would not be the same (whether that's a good or bad thing, I'll let you decide).

Boeing B-52 Aviation Caricature

My second Aviation Caricature of 2023! This caricature of a Boeing B-52 was created on February 14th, 2023 on 10 1/4' x 16" Canson Illustration Board with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, India Ink, India Ink Wash and Watercolor. It was inspired by watching B-52's taking off from Nellis AFB near Las Vegas.

The drawing is available at The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store (link below).

https://michaelhopkinscaricatures.ecwid.com/Boeing-B-52-Original-10-1-4-x-16-Drawing-p523230206

I Should Be Committed

Now that I've committed myself to committing (to a set amount of weekly output for my blog, caricatures and my webcomics), I need to get in shape, both mentally and physically. I'm a firm believer that one's peak mental fitness and one's peak physical fitness cannot exist without the other. Well, one can probably "exist" without the other (I have probably proven that as of late) however,  I believe that one won't reach the pinnacle of success in one's chosen endeavor without both mind and body in great shape. That being said, time to get the mind and body into shape because I have decided not to settle for less. 

In an effort to pull this success out of my ass, I've created a work schedule for my creativity and a schedule for publishing my creativity. 

Work Schedule 

Saturday/Sunday - Caricatures 

Monday - Blogging

Tuesday/Thursday - Cosmic Fowl!

Wednesday/Friday  - Missed Approach (Yikes! Am I really committing to restart Missed Approach again?!?!?)

Publishing Schedule (starting 1/15/2023)

Sunday - Caricatures 

Monday - Blog

Thursday  - Cosmic Fowl

Friday - Missed Approach 

The "Publishing Schedule" is for you (my readers) so you'll know when to expect new blogs and art from me. I realize I've had a problem with consistency (in regards to my art) so this publishing schedule will also help me to overcome this self made obstacle. Also, please realize this is a minimal output. Once the revenue from my creations (and Buy Me a Coffee) starts flowing, this publishing schedule will increase. 

I am also starting a new webcomic, to be exclusively published on my Buy Me a Coffee page. This is an added benefit to say thank you to those who sign up for a membership to my page.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I am giving the, Michael Hopkins Aviation Caricature Roadshow another try. This plan was created a couple of years ago, but the previous attempt was squashed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The plan was such a good idea, I decided to give it another try. So the plan is set and now I need to find a way to accomplish it…easier said than done.

However, I will do whatever it takes to succeed, Including opening up additional revenue streams to fund this roadshow.

One of these you might have noticed on my blog is "Buy Me a Coffee". This is a crowdfunding platform. It provides a service for creators (like me) to collect donations from supporters (like you) who enjoy my caricatures, my blog and my webcomics. My supporters can donate to ensure my plan of world domination continues with the Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog, my Caricatures and my webcomics (Cosmic Fowl and Missed Approach). More revenue from my art equals more time to create and less time spent at the Daily Planet breathing toxic jet fuel). At Buy Me a Coffee, one can either choose to make a one time donation (starting at $5.00) or for only $20 a month, you can become a member of my, Buy Me a Coffee, page. In return for your $20 a month membership, you will receive one entry into my monthly drawing in which I will be giving away one of my limited edition prints. This months print is below...

Another revenue stream I’m considering  is offering aviation enthusiasts access to, commissioned personalized caricatures, of their own or their favorite aircraft (along with themselves or anyone they choose). I will also offer these at the various airshows I visit this summer.

I am also consider offering sponsorships for The Michael Hopkins Aviation Caricature Roadshow, In return for financially supporting for the roadshow I will offer promotional opportunities for their company during the roadshow.

Many more ideas are brewing in the old cerebrum, however that's another blog...

Bye for now