Welcome back for the conclusion in our talk with Morgan Olson, who was 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.
Read part one here.
Airship Ambassador: Without giving spoilers, what interesting things might viewers see in the episodes you were in?
Morgan Olson: Art! and lots of it… I can switch gears pretty easy, sew, paint, build, and even do things like welding. I think of all the makers on the show, my range of skills was broadest so I always wanted to showcase another skill set I have in my tool belt.
AA: What are some memorable moments you had during filming ?
MO: Welding the typewriter necklace in the Closet challenge, the Automaton head, and meeting some interesting new people, I did not know Thomas Willeford, and I find him highly amusing.
AA: What are some factors that you had in common with the other contestants or set you apart ?
MO: Professional Design career. I do art professionally, trained and resume of large companies. I am one of few people on the show this way, you can see that our career has taught us to react differently than someone on a hobby level. This was both an in common and set apart factor, professionals can sense each other, my choice of team mates was always very calculated.
AA: What were some challenges for you personally during the filming? (design, construction, being away from family, etc)
MO: Missing my tools, I can be picky about using certain tools, fabrics, machines. I really missed my own studio in this way, made me appreciate my own equipment.
AA: How was it coming home and getting back to your regular schedule and life?
MO: It was interesting getting back home. I actually kinda missed the routine of going to set everyday! I love how being on Steampunk’d is helping me pick up more interesting jobs also, worth my time on every level.
AA: What suggestions do you have for people who are thinking of applying for a possible season 2?
MO: Ya gotta have a personality! Wet fish are not fun to watch on tv, but it’s also very important to be a hardcore artist. You really have to perform on many levels at once, thinking, making, timelines, team mates and fast too! Not for the faint of heart, ya gotta be balls to the wall.
AA: Now that the show has aired, what comes next for you?
MO: I own a custom request art Production company, I jumped right back into my booked projects. I’m designing a theater set and installing it, a sculpture for a performance artist, 3 Steampunk costumes ( my friends got very inspired) and I am working on my ecommerce website.
AA: Looking beyond steampunk, what other interests fill your time?
MO: I really enjoy music, I work music festival production. I also really like technology and learning new things. I’m the type of person who has been there, done that at least once, experience junkie. From sky diving to tv shows, I want to experience it all.
AA: How do those interests influence your work?
MO: It teaches me courage, which you need copious amounts of to run your own company. You have to try new things in life, and courage helps push through the fear of what might happen.
AA: There’s only so much time in a day what interests don’t you have time for?
MO: “I have time for work, and time for love. Beyond that, I have no time…” a famous CoCo Chanel quote that resonates with me. I’m here to “ be someone” and I am always happiest when doing something productive, funny enough I don’t even own a tv, sold it 10yrs ago, never looked back. I’m always busy doing things.
AA: What other fandoms are you part of?
MO: Hmm, I’m not really specifically into fandoms, but I have an appreciation for many things. I have made custom costumes for 15yrs, I am usually helping my clients attain their fandoms 🙂
AA: Are there people you consider an inspiration, role model, or other motivating influence?
MO: CoCo Chanel, Richard Branson, Banksy. Genius personalities that create their own reality.
AA: What event or situation has had the most positive impact in your life? What has been your greatest challenge?
MO: Steampunk’d answers this question. Being on the show has definitely added a helpful level to my career. And to be honest, it has been the most challenging project I have ever worked on.
AA: Any final thoughts to share with our readers
MO: Making things with your hands, actually creating something yourself is such a rewarding feeling. If you want to be an artist, Make Art. If you want to write, start a book. The internet has changed the art world, being an artist is now easier than ever.
Thanks, Morgan, for joining us in this interview and for sharing all of your thoughts. We look forward to hearing about your next projects!
Keep up to date with Morgan’s latest news on her website.
Also, check out her exhibit page at The Steampunk Museum.
Airship Ambassador 