Welcome back for the conclusion in our talk with Steampunk Eddie, 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: Once you were selected in the final ten to appear on the show, what preparations did you have to make before you left for Los Angeles? What were you leaving behind or had to put on hold while you were away for filming?
Steampunk Eddie: I worked my ass off. I had to work hard to complete client’s projects before I left. I had to “get paid” so I could pay ahead on my bills and leave with an open head, heart and soul – so I could kick ass.
AA: Without giving spoilers, what interesting things might viewers see in the episodes you were in?
SE: The viewers got to see the real deal – the good, the bad, the ugly. As I said earlier I gotta be me – and I was through every episode. When I needed to apologize I did. I manned up and made it right with my castmates.
AA: What are some memorable moments you had during filming?
SE: During episode five, I was pushed to my limits. When I saw how cut-throat this whole experience was becoming- I lost it. I took a moment to go out into the Punkyard and took my frustration out on the cabinet. The crew asked if I needed a medic – I said “Hell NO! But I may need bail money”. Afterwards I went right back to work and finished the challenge.
AA: What are some factors that you had in common with the other contestants or set you apart? (creativity, design, organization, etc)
SE: Work ethic. While we all had different skills and personalities, every one of them worked their ass off.
AA: What were some challenges for you personally during the filming? (design, construction, being away from family, etc)
SE: The biggest personal challenge I faced was being away from my kids. People think I’m a single dad with 6 kids at home. The truth is four of the six are grown and on their own. I have two minors that I get to see every weekend. But still very much involved with all of their lives. All the phone calls I was allowed was to my kids.
AA: 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?
SE: I hope that if anything, they would see what amazing things can be created from discarded junk.
AA: How was it coming home and getting back to your regular schedule and life?
SE: The hardest part once I got home was that I didn’t even want to leave my house. It was hard to put the show away and get back to my normal life. But after a few days things were back to normal. I had more work than I knew what do with.
AA: What suggestions do you have for people who are thinking of applying for a possible season 2?
SE: Be yourself and bring your A game.
AA: Now that the show has aired, what comes next for you?
SE: Now that the final episode has aired and everyone knows that I won – the whole world has changed for me. I’m getting requests for shows, interviews and more. But the most important thing is my plans to create opportunities for youth and adults alike – discovering their own creativity and incorporating Steampunk. I want to begin teaching workshops and get back to my own studio work.
AA: Looking beyond steampunk, what other interests fill your time?
SE: Drinking, chasing women and keeping one step ahead of the law.
AA: How do those interests influence your work?
SE: Do I have to explain? Nuff said.
AA: There’s only so much time in a day – what interests don’t you have time for?
SE: I really want to learn ballroom dancing.
AA: What other fandoms are you part of (as a fan or participant) ?
SE: Capital Steam of Lansing, MI.
AA: What event or situation has had the most positive impact in your life? What has been your greatest challenge?
SE: Steampunk’d – it has been the most positive impact AND the most challenging.
AA: Any final thoughts to share with our readers
SE: Be true to yourself and your creativity. At the end of the day – win or lose – you still gotta live with yourself. I would like to thank all the GSN cast and crew for making this a memorable experience and I was honored to compete against the best people/artists in the country. Thank you.
Thanks, Eddie, 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 Eddie’s latest news on his website.
Also, check out his exhibit page at The Steampunk Museum.
Airship Ambassador 
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