The Cartoonist - Michael Hawkins

Who is Timmy's Tutor?

Timmy's Tutor, Ms. Rita Erudite, is a mix between Mary Poppins and Kelly LeBrock from the movie "Weird Science." (Just kidding about the Kelly LeBrock part...sort of.) She is the world's most incredible educational facilitator, helping everyone she comes into contact with meet their potential. Ms. Rita always surprises her students with her almost magical level of experience in all fields of study. If I had had a tutor like her, I might be President today instead of...a cartoonist.

Follow up:

Break A Leg! (or a pencil tip)

Actually, I love being a cartoonist. With some pencils and markers and a computer for lettering and coloring, I can create Timmy and Ms. Rita's whole world and take them into crazy, fun situations. Cartooning is the ultimate in theater, where one person can create the script, the actors, the scenery and direct the play. I hope y'all enjoy the show! (I moved to Texas twelve years ago. Is it obvious?)

Why Timmy's Tutor? (My serious thoughts. You've been warned.)

Growing up, I took my education for granted. In my wife's and my families, it was just expected that we would study hard and go to college or take some additional career training. After graduating from college and getting out into the work world, I discovered that wasn't the case for everyone. When I read the statistics about how many kids never even finish high school, it saddens me. It saddens me that everyone does not have parents who value education and expect and inspire their children to pursue knowledge not simply for grades, but for the betterment of themselves. Parents who, when they don't have the answers, care enough to find the resources to help their children grow and succeed. EVERYONE needs special tutors and mentors to help them be successful in life, no matter what their age. Ms. Rita is the fictional one I'm making for the kids.

I'll always remember a quote that my mother said was on the wall of her auditorium at Lew (Ben Hur) Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana. It said "Character is Greater than Intellect." Though not everyone will have the opportunity to be a Harvard graduate or rocket scientist, everyone can be a good person. Our schools and wonderful teachers are the ones who teach us to love learning not simply for the dollars it will bring us in the work world, but because the body of knowledge being taught will help us to help others.

I also strongly believe in the Cub Scout motto, "Do Your Best". When a child does his best, he or she has personally succeeded in my book!

Where Do You Get Your Ideas From?

This is the standard question asked of every cartoonist or author. In writing Timmy's Tutor, I bring my experience as the father of four young boys who keep me on my toes. Every day I get to discover who God has given me as I follow their diverse interests in reading, music, video games, robotics, and scouting, among other things in a constantly changing list. I also learn more about them as I hear from their teachers, coaches and Scout leaders. It is their energy (and memories of my own youthful explorations) that I am trying to infuse in Timmy and his friends.

What Other Things Have You Done?

The thing I'm most proud of is that I have been married to my wife for almost twenty years and she still goes out with me! (Woo Hoo!) I'm also proud of our four wonderfully exasperating boys. (The lovable scamps!) There is no substitute for the roller-coaster ride experience of parenthood!

Professionally, over the years I've worked as a newspaper artist; created McDonald's Happy Meal Toys; drawn IHOP kids placemats; and helped create life-size Star Wars characters for Pepsi/Frito Lay...among a lot of other things.

I currently run my own business, PromoDoctors, where we specialize in youth and family-focused promotional products and custom creative work. You can see what we've been up to here! Just give a shout if you need our help.

On a personal side, you can enjoy a selection of my other cartoons, comics, and animation work at Prankster Comics. I let my artistic hair down here, writing for my inner 10-12 year old.

Favorite Saying To End On?

"Time flies like the wind. Fruit flies like bananas."

Take care and hope to "see" you back at Timmy's Tutor soon!