Welcome back for the conclusion of our chat with James Neathery, one of the ten contestants on Steampunk’d, from GSN, the Game Show Network. Steampunk’d is the first steampunk reality show to be broadcast on cable television.
Part one can be read here.
Part two can be read here.
Airship Ambassador: When people watch Steampunk’d, what would you like for them to take away from the show and what was created that they could apply to their own work?
James Neathery: I just want people to know that they can do it too. I mean, who am I? I’m no big deal, and before the show nobody really knew who I was. But keeping after it and staying true to yourself is almost unavoidable if you’re passionate about making.
AA: How was it coming home and getting back to your regular schedule and life?
JN: It was really difficult acclimating to being away from my regular life and immersed in a pure making/competition atmosphere, and also difficult to go back to regular life again after. I even had dreams about making stuff for the show for over a week after I got back.
AA: What suggestions do you have for people who are thinking of applying for a possible season 2?
JN: Prepare. It’s not just about skill. It’s about personality, adaptability, and endurance. You have to be prepared to shift gears from everyday life to isolation and constant imagining and problem solving. You have to make sure you’re prepared financially too, so everything at home is covered while you’re gone.
AA: Now that the show has aired, what comes next for you?
JN: More of what I love! I’ve been lucky enough to shift to part time at work to let my passion take the forefront in my life. This is who I am and what I want to do. I have so much to offer the community and the wider world.
AA: That’s awesome that you have that opportunity, and a shout out again for your boss. Looking beyond steampunk, what other interests fill your time?
JN: Thinking about it, most of my recreational activities revolve around SP in some way, lol. I love playing with the kids and having occasional nights out with the waifu, and I love me some video games too! PC GAMER YO!
AA: LOL, those are all good interests! How do those interests influence your work?
JN: I use my wife as a model and template for a lot of my designs for women. Oh yeah, haha, I have a ton of “N7” leather stuff now because I love me some mass effect.
AA: There’s only so much time in a day – what interests don’t you have time for?
JN: I am very interested in sleeping but I never get enough of it 😦
AA: Yeah, good luck with that! What other fandoms are you part of?
JN: I like rockabilly. I LOOOOVE me some dieselpunk too. and anime. Nothing obscure really. if it came on adult swim at some point, I probably like it.
AA: Are there people you consider an inspiration, role model, or other motivating influence?
JN: My wife has been a constant supporter of my work. Trust me, if it weren’t for her, I would have given up a long time ago. RJ Foster has also been a fount of information and support for my work.
AA: You’ve shared a number of “Dad jokes”; would you share one more, just for me. Well, and our readers?
JN: Sure. What’s a Victorian lady’s favorite vegetable? BUSTLE SPROUTS
AA: HAHAHAHAHA! Any final thoughts to share with our readers
JN: If you love making, don’t quit. If you get the opportunity, share it. Find time for it. Sacrifice tv and sleep if you have to. Save your lunch money to buy supplies. Reach out to people you want to learn from, be cause for the most part, they will be happy to help. Fit it in where you can. Just don’t give up. Everybody starts somewhere! Don’t be intimidated! If you make, you’re already a step ahead.
Great motivation for everyone to keep in mind, no matter what they do. Thanks, James, for joining us and for sharing all of your thoughts. We look forward to hearing about your next projects!
Keep up to date with James‘s latest news on his website. www.starboardsky.com or http://www.facebook.com/starboardskyleatherworks
Also, check out his exhibit page at The Steampunk Museum.
Follow the latest news about the show on the Steampunk’d website.
Airship Ambassador 
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