Obligatory Happy New Year Post!

PATRON PEOPLE!

2020 is in the dust and I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Last year was a big year for me in terms of growth professionally ( with the release of more videos, more types of merchandise, livestreams, etc), but not so much personally. being secluded from friends, family, conventions, and gatherings us a whole definitely took a toll on me mentally, as it did for all of us. This year I want to focus on trying new things, and taking better care of myself emotionally and physically. In this post, I'll talk a little bit about what that means for "Bricks 'O' Brian" .

More, but not of the same...

some of you may not know this, but I've been making gameplay videos for over 10 years (since I was in the 7th grade)!  Which is a long time in general, but that's even longer in Internet years. I've seen things change in this industry overtime, and seen many people adapt in ways to keep going. I've been doing a lot of the same things this whole time, and I owe it to myself to try new things just so I can experience new things. With the slowing schedule of releases coming to the Nintendo switch and PlayStation 5 (for now at least),  this gives me time to launch things that I've always wanted to. One of those things is a podcast. Now this isn't necessarily super public information, but because you are my patrons, you get the first peek.

Introducing my podcast named "Out of the Bag", where every week myself (and sometimes a guest) will talk about the happenings in our own lives, the world at large, and what's coming in the future. It's a clean show that discusses things beyond my wheelhouse (not just video games or LEGO). I'll have more details in the near future, but you'll be able to follow audio/video versions of the show when it launches. Oh, and anyone on the MEGA TIER Supporter level will get producer credits on the podcast episodes. Don't tell anyone else! ;)

Slicker merchandise

I'll be honest, I'm sick of seeing my face. By that I mean the standard BOB face on shirts, pins, stickers, etc. I want to level that up for 2021. More thought, more expressions, and a better variety overall. I want to reach out to various graphic designers to really """elevate the brand""" (that makes me sound super schilly but I'm sure you get what I mean). Basically, I know there's more to be done than just putting my mascot on a shirt and calling it a day. There's more that can be done. I want to make something that not JUST a 7 year old would love. Something... nice. I don't know what that means yet, but you'll know soon enough.

Laying the blueprint

This year I turn 25. That means I pay taxes, I'm almost off my Mom's health insurance, and I need to get things moving and grooving. I need to do what I can personally to make myself be the best man I can be (getting finances in order, learning more about myself, etc). Part of that is knowing when I need to rest and be nicer to myself. Although I do a lot and can always do more, I can't keep giving if my tank is on empty. I feel this sense of guilt when I'm just sitting around doing "nothing", I always feel like I need to be building my "business" or doing something more productive. Couple that with varying levels of anxiety on the daily,  I haven't truly felt "relaxed" in forever (2020 as a year didn't help). I need to learn to decompress in a healthy, constructive manner... I don't know what that means quite yet, but that's what I want to figure out this year.

That's all... for now!

This year should be a time to reflect on 2020 and move past it as best we can. There's infinite reasons why it was objectively miserable for everyone, but these darker times allow us to really appreciate what good times may be ahead. I haven't shown you the entire 2021 BOB Menu yet, but more details and whatnot will be explained in a special Birthday Livestream on January, 23rd 2021! Head over to twitch.tv/bricksobrian to follow me and stay tuned for a special birthday extravaganza full of fun, and announcements!

Thank you for your continued support. Keep meowing it out, and I'll talk to you soon!

~Brian