What an Open Mic is Good For

 

Introduction

When I did my first open mic, it was a very positive experience for me overall. I played acoustic guitar and sang. It was actually the first time I had ever done anything as a solo act in front of an audience. Prior to that I had only been a guitarist in the various bands I had played in. So this was a first for me and the reception was very good. So I obviously was encouraged enough to want to come back again.

Since then, I have done I don't know how many open mics. Some were good, some were bad, some had their purposes and others served no good purpose whatsoever. But, in any case, you have to think of what you are trying to achieve by performing at one. So how do you know if one is worth your time? I can give you some of the deciding factors for me.

Checking Out the Local Music Scene and Meeting People

When I decided to try my first open mic ever, my intention was just to go out and see what the local music scene was all about. That's obviously good to do if you are considering getting out in that local music scene and playing for money. You will also get a chance to meet other musicians who you may actually want to work with.

My intention at the time was to hopefully get together with other musicians and form some kind of band. So I figured I'd play a few other open mics at various venues in the area to kind of announce my existence to the world and hope someone would want to form a band with me. I eventually met a keyboard player at an open mic and we formed a music duo. We then played a good number of gigs together and made a good amount of money along the way.

Using an Open Mic as an Audition

As a Duo, my keyboard player and me would want to check out a new venue from time to time, so we would do their open mic. Often the person who would do the bookings would be present. So we would use it as sort of an audition. This worked out rather well a number of times and we had scored a number of gigs by doing so. Later on I went solo and would take the same approach when trying to get solo gigs. Again, it all worked out rather well.

Over time, as the economy kind of took a downturn a lot of places stopped having live entertainment. For some of those places, the only live entertainment they had was their open mic. So obviously playing at those open mics did not help in scoring you any gigs at any of those places. In my case, as a solo act, there was no reason to try to meet other musicians for the purpose of forming a band. So basically, there was no real reason for performing at those open mics.

Trying Out new Material in Front of an Audience

When I was putting together a repertoire for the purpose of playing gigs, I used the open mics to try out the new material to see how it would go over with the audience as well as to kind of get over the nervousness of playing something new in front of an audience. As performers, we sometimes do a lot of the same songs simply because we feel more comfortable with them and so we may put off playing that new song in front of an audience for the first time.

For a while, as I was building up my song list, I would do the same open mic every week. I would force myself to try at least one or two new songs each week, since I would be playing in front of the same audience each week. It was my way of forcing myself to learn new material and to try it out on an audience.

When an Open Mic is a Waste of Your Time

When you go to an open mic, you buy drinks. Even the price for just a coke is ridiculous in some venues. So you are spending a significant amount of money in some cases. For what? Really, think about it. If you are not achieving anything by doing an open mic, why throw away your money?

I did an open mic once at this one establishment that I never went back to again. The drinks were very expensive and the person who hosted the open mic didn't really care how the performers sounded. So that person made no effort to properly mix someone and, as a result, most of the acts sounded terrible. I have been to other open mics where the host would make the utmost effort to make the performers sound good as far as the mix would go. He believed that if the performer liked how he sounded, he would come back to the open mic again. He was basically right because his was the most popular one around, no matter where he hosted it.

Now that one open mic with the expensive drinks and the poor mix, as it turned out, did not do their own booking. They relied upon a booking agency. So doing the open mic at that establishment was an absolute and complete waste of time and effort. Obviously I never returned to it. What would have been the point? Expensive drinks, really bad mix and no opportunity to score a gig.

Summary

Now, I had done a number of open mics where the drinks were cheap and the mix was good. Those I didn't mind doing once in a while, even if they didn't normally book bands for live performance. Every now and then it's nice to just get out and have a little fun. So you call up a couple of your musician friends and ask them if they want to meet you there and hang out. But I generally don't make a practice of that though. It's just fun to do every now and then.

To sum things up, the good reasons for doing an open mic are: to try out new material for the first time, to try to meet other musicians to form a band, to check out the music scene in the area or the establishment or to try to score a gig in the establishment hosting the open mic. When none of those things are being achieved, there really isn't much reason for doing an open mic.

So, as you can see, open mics do have their purposes. And if one does fit those purposes, then, by all means, do it. But if you really think about one and you can see no real good reason for doing it, you might as well just stay home and practice.

© 2017 Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and the Creator of the Punksters Characters

 

Psychological Trivia Every Musician Should Know (According to Actual Psychology)

 

Musicians are fascinating creatures. Psychology has spent decades studying creativity, performance, personality, and motivation, and some of the findings explain why musicians behave the way they do. Of course, we're going to have a little fun with those discoveries.

Here are a few psychology-based trivia facts with a Punksters twist.

1. Your Brain Loves Patterns

The human brain naturally looks for patterns, which is one reason music is so enjoyable. We actually get satisfaction from recognizing melodies and predicting what comes next.

Translation: That's why you keep humming the same chorus for three days even though you swore you were sick of hearing it.

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2. Performing Creates Adrenaline

Stage performances often trigger an adrenaline rush. Your heart races, your senses sharpen, and your body prepares for action.

Translation: That's why you feel invincible on stage... and then spend the next day wondering why your knees, back, neck, and shoulders all filed separate complaints.

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3. Confidence Is Contagious

Psychologists have found that confidence influences how people perceive performers. Audiences often respond more positively to someone who appears confident.

Translation: If you confidently play the wrong note, half the audience may assume it was jazz.

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4. Practice Builds Automatic Skills

Repetition strengthens neural pathways. With enough practice, many musical movements become automatic rather than requiring conscious thought.

Translation: Which is great... until someone asks what chord you're playing and your brain replies, "I have absolutely no idea. My fingers handled that."

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5. Creativity Often Happens During Rest

Research suggests that stepping away from a problem allows the subconscious mind to continue working on it.

Translation: Your best song idea will probably appear while you're in the shower, mowing the lawn, or trying to fall asleep—not while you're staring angrily at a blank notebook.

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6. Perfectionism Can Hurt Creativity

Psychologists consistently find that excessive perfectionism can reduce productivity and increase anxiety.

Translation: Congratulations! You spent six months fixing a song nobody else thought needed fixing.

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7. Music Can Improve Mood

Listening to and creating music can increase dopamine, one of the brain's reward chemicals.

Translation: Which explains why buying another guitar feels like an excellent life decision... at least until the credit card bill arrives.

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8. Audiences Notice Fewer Mistakes Than Performers

Studies show performers are usually far more aware of their mistakes than the audience.

Translation: The crowd remembered the great performance. You're still thinking about that one note from the second verse that was approximately 0.04% flat.

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9. Social Connection Matters

Playing music together strengthens social bonds and creates a sense of belonging.

Translation: Unless someone keeps changing the rehearsal schedule five minutes before practice.

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10. Musicians Never Really Stop Listening

Experienced musicians often analyze songs automatically without intending to.

Translation: Normal people hear a song. Musicians hear the chord progression, production quality, vocal mix, drum tone, bass line... and somehow still forget the actual lyrics.

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Psychology tells us that musicians aren't strange—they're simply wired to experience creativity, performance, and music in unique ways. Of course, that doesn't explain why instrument cases multiply in closets or why every rehearsal somehow turns into a debate about equipment. Science is still working on those mysteries.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters 

 

When Followers Start Requesting Specific Characters

 

One of the most encouraging things that can happen as a content creator is when followers stop simply watching your content and start asking for more of something specific.

I’ve been seeing more of that lately with the Punksters characters and the various characters they portray. On different social media platforms, people have started requesting particular characters they want to see again.

And recently, I’ve gotten more requests for Nethaniel Goone and Mongo.

That tells me something.

People are beginning to remember the characters.

Who Are Nethaniel Goone and Mongo?

For anyone who hasn’t encountered them yet, Nethaniel Goone and Mongo are part of one of the many comedy worlds built around the Punksters characters.

Nethaniel Goone, played by Jerry Bangston, is a wandering pioneer and frontier adventurer. He isn't a sheriff or lawman. He's simply a guy traveling from place to place through the unsettled wilderness, never quite knowing what ridiculous situation he is going to encounter next.

Along the way, Nethaniel deals with bears and other wildlife, wilderness hazards, suspicious or difficult tribes, and an assortment of pioneers, hunters, trappers, mountain men and other frontier characters.

And, of course, he has his companion Mongo, played by Jerome Bloom.

Mongo travels alongside Nethaniel and frequently provides another perspective on whatever absurd predicament they've managed to wander into. Their contrasting personalities give me plenty of opportunities for comedy.

Basically, Nethaniel keeps wandering into trouble, and Mongo gets to be there when it happens.

What could possibly go wrong?

The Characters Are Becoming Characters

This is something I've wanted to accomplish with the Punksters from the beginning.

Jerry, Jerome, Crash, Bill and the others aren't limited to one particular setting.

They can become pirates.

They can live in the Old West.

They can appear in medieval adventures.

They can wander through the wilderness as Nethaniel Goone and Mongo.

The same familiar Punksters characters can be placed into entirely different worlds and situations. That gives me an almost unlimited number of possibilities for animated comedy.

But something interesting happens after you've created enough of these videos.

Certain characters begin developing their own following.

Someone doesn't merely want another Punksters video.

They want another Nethaniel Goone and Mongo video.

That's a big difference.

Requests Are Valuable Feedback

As a creator, I pay attention to views, likes, comments and other statistics. They can all tell you something.

But someone actually requesting a character is another kind of feedback entirely.

That person remembered the character well enough to ask for another appearance.

That's valuable information.

It doesn't mean I'm going to abandon everything else and produce nothing but whichever character happens to receive the most requests. The variety is part of what makes this whole thing fun for me.

But I definitely pay attention.

If people want more Nethaniel Goone and Mongo, I'll make more Nethaniel Goone and Mongo.

In fact, I already have more ideas for them.

Building a Larger Punksters Universe

This is also why I've continued creating so many characters, settings and recurring series.

Every new character adds another possibility.

Every new setting opens another door.

And every time followers respond positively to one of them, I learn a little more about what people enjoy.

Over time, the Punksters universe becomes larger.

Somebody might discover the Punksters through a pirate short featuring Captain Jerry Driftwood. Someone else might discover them through Jerry Jesterman. Another person might encounter Sheriff Rat Bastardson.

And apparently, some people want to wander into the wilderness with Nethaniel Goone and Mongo.

That's perfectly fine with me.

There's plenty of wilderness left for those two idiots to get lost in.

Keep the Requests Coming

So if there's a Punksters character you'd like to see more often, tell me.

I genuinely pay attention to those requests.

You might even give me the push I need to dust off a character I haven't used in a while—or inspire an entirely new adventure for one you already enjoy.

And to those of you who have been requesting more Nethaniel Goone and Mongo:

Message received.

They'll be back.

Assuming they can find their way out of the woods.

Bob Craypoe 
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters Characters 

 

The Punksters: Band Member Excuses We've Heard (And Unfortunately Believed)

 

If you've ever been in a band, you've heard excuses.

Not reasons. Excuses.

Some are believable. Some are creative. Some make you question whether your bandmate should be allowed to operate heavy machinery.

Here are a few of our favorites.

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"Sorry I'm late. I got stuck behind a funeral procession."

Crash: "For two hours?"

Band Member: "It was a very popular guy."

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"I didn't learn the songs because I wanted to keep my performance spontaneous."

Translation: I forgot.

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"I left my guitar at home."

Jerry: "You live five minutes away."

Band Member: "Yeah... but that's ten minutes round trip."

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"I couldn't make rehearsal because my horoscope said to avoid creative conflict."

Bill: "Mine said I'd be surrounded by idiots."

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"I practiced... just not our songs."

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"I couldn't hear my metronome because I was wearing headphones."

Nobody knew how to respond to that one.

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"I thought rehearsal was tomorrow."

It's amazing how tomorrow always seems to arrive whenever rehearsal is today.

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"I would have been here sooner, but I stopped to help someone."

"Who?"

"Myself. I was hungry."

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"I know the song. I just don't know which part I'm supposed to play."

A surprisingly common problem.

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"I forgot there was a gig."

While standing on the stage.

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"My amp doesn't work."

Bill: "Did you plug it in?"

"...That wasn't the problem."

"It is now."

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"I didn't answer my phone because I was charging it."

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"I couldn't find my pick."

Jerry hands him one.

"No... my pick."

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"The new songs are too new."

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"I was going to practice, but I didn't want to wear the songs out."

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"I thought we were starting at eight."

Jerry: "We ARE."

"Then why is everyone here at six?"

"Because that's called setting up."

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"I couldn't tune because my tuner battery died."

Jerry: "You have ears."

"Not good enough ones."

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"I didn't know we changed the ending."

"We changed it six months ago."

"I've been meaning to catch up."

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"I can't play tonight. I think my stage clothes shrunk."

Bill: "Funny... they only seem to shrink around the waist."

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"I wasn't late. Everyone else was early."

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"I thought someone else was bringing the PA."

Everyone thought someone else was bringing the PA.

The audience enjoyed a wonderful evening of unplugged silence.

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Bill's Favorite Excuse

Bill looked around after everyone had shown up late, forgotten cables, missed cues, and blamed traffic.

"I've figured out why we're still an unsigned band."

Jerry asked, "Why?"

Bill sighed.

"Because apparently we're not even capable of organizing our own failure."

Sadly... nobody argued with him.

 

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters Characters 

 

How to Tell Your Bandmate Is About to Quit

Being in a band is a lot like being in a family. You laugh together, argue together, and occasionally wonder if hiding someone's instrument would improve everyone's quality of life. While every band goes through rough patches, there are usually a few warning signs that someone may be thinking about calling it quits.

Here are a few of the classic ones.

They stop arguing.

Believe it or not, this is usually the biggest warning sign. When someone still argues, it means they still care. Once they stop caring enough to even complain, they may already have one foot out the door.

They suddenly miss every rehearsal.

At first it's a doctor's appointment. Then it's a family emergency. Then they have to wash the dog. Eventually you begin to suspect the dog has cleaner teeth than anyone you've ever met.

They stop talking about future plans.

The band starts discussing the next album or upcoming shows, and they just shrug. They don't seem excited anymore because, in their mind, they may not even be around for the next project.

Their gear starts disappearing.

One week the extra amplifier is gone. The next week they "loaned" their microphone to someone. Before long they're showing up with an acoustic guitar they borrowed from their uncle because they already sold everything else.

They become suspiciously nice.

The person who used to argue over every little detail suddenly agrees with everything.

"Sure, whatever songs you want."

"I don't care where we rehearse."

"Sounds good to me."

It's almost unsettling.

They start saying things like...

"You guys will be fine without me."

Or...

"I've always wanted to learn accounting."

Neither statement inspires confidence.

Of course, sometimes someone isn't planning to quit at all. Maybe they're just burned out, overwhelmed with work, or dealing with personal issues. Before assuming the worst, check in with them. A simple conversation can often solve problems long before they become permanent.

And if all else fails...

Hide the van keys.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters characters 

 

The Official Guide to Being a Terrible Bandmate

 

Every musician dreams of being part of a great band.

This guide is not for those people.

Instead, this is a comprehensive manual for anyone who wants to become the bandmate everyone complains about the moment they leave the room. Follow these ten simple rules, and you'll have your band questioning every decision that led to inviting you in.

Rule #1: Never Learn the Songs

Practice is for people who lack confidence.

Why waste your valuable time learning the material when you can just watch everyone else's hands during rehearsal? If you get lost, simply stop playing until you figure out where everyone is. Better yet, ask what chord comes next... every single time.

The element of surprise keeps the music fresh.

Rule #2: Always Be Late

If rehearsal starts at 7:00, show up at 7:45.

If everyone is waiting for you, that's even better. Walk in carrying a drink and act as though everyone else arrived early.

Being punctual sends the dangerous message that you're dependable.

Don't let that happen.

Rule #3: Borrow Equipment Without Asking

Need a guitar cable?

Take one.

Need a tuner?

Grab it.

Need drumsticks?

The drummer probably has more.

The important thing is to never ask permission. Even better, forget to return whatever you borrowed. If someone asks where it is, simply say, "I thought it was mine."

Rule #4: Tune During the Song

Professional musicians tune before rehearsal.

Amateurs.

The truly terrible bandmate waits until everyone has already started playing.

Nothing enhances a heartfelt ballad like loud tuning noises drowning out the singer.

Rule #5: Always Have an Excuse

Didn't practice?

You were busy.

Forgot rehearsal?

Your phone died.

Didn't learn the new song?

You thought it was next week.

No matter what happens, remember one important rule:

It is never your fault.

Rule #6: Change the Song Without Warning

Everyone practiced one arrangement.

Play a different one.

Skip verses.

Repeat choruses.

Add an extra solo.

End the song four measures early.

The confusion on everyone else's faces is simply proof they aren't keeping up with your creative genius.

Rule #7: Bring the Loudest Food Possible

Band rehearsal is the perfect place to enjoy potato chips, pretzels, or anything else that sounds like someone walking on broken glass.

Bonus points if you leave greasy fingerprints on shared equipment.

Nothing says professionalism quite like barbecue sauce on a microphone.

Rule #8: Vanish When It's Time to Move Equipment

Loading gear?

Suddenly you have an important phone call.

Unloading the van?

You need to use the restroom.

Packing up after the show?

Somehow you've already made it to the parking lot.

The secret is to reappear just after everyone else finishes lifting the heavy stuff and casually ask, "Need any help?"

Rule #9: Blame Everyone Else

Made a mistake?

It was the drummer.

Missed your cue?

The singer distracted you.

Started in the wrong key?

The guitarist counted it off wrong.

Forgot your part entirely?

Clearly the sound system caused it.

A true terrible bandmate never accepts responsibility. There is always someone else available to blame.

Rule #10: Believe You're the Only Important Member

Treat every rehearsal like everyone else is your backup band.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions 

 

Things Every Punk Band Pretends Are Normal

 

If you've ever been in a band, you've probably accepted things that would make people in almost any other profession immediately quit. Somewhere along the way, musicians collectively decided that complete chaos was simply "part of the experience."

The Punksters are no exception.

Here are just a few things every punk band somehow convinces themselves are perfectly normal.

The Van Has More Personality Than Reliability

Nobody asks if the van will make it to the show.

They ask if it'll make it home.

Every strange noise has been given a nickname, and everyone knows exactly how hard to slam the passenger door so it actually latches.

Equipment That Works... Most of the Time

Every amplifier hums.

Every cable crackles.

Every microphone cuts out at the worst possible moment.

Nobody replaces anything because, according to Jerry, "It's got character."

Sound Checks That Solve Nothing

The sound check lasts forty-five minutes.

The first song still starts with someone yelling, "I can't hear myself!"

The sound engineer shrugs because he stopped caring twenty minutes ago.

Payment Is Always a Mystery

Before the show, everyone talks about getting paid.

After the show, someone explains that "exposure" is worth more than money.

Bill points out that exposure has never paid a single electric bill.

Everyone Is Somehow Late

The rehearsal starts at 7:00.

Crash arrives at 7:40.

Jerome thought rehearsal was tomorrow.

Jerry insists they were all early because his watch stopped last week.

Broken Strings Have Perfect Timing

A guitar string will survive months of rehearsals.

The moment the crowd gets excited...

Snap.

It's practically a law of nature.

Nobody Knows Where Anything Is

"Who has the extension cord?"

Silence.

"What about the spare cable?"

More silence.

Jerome proudly announces he brought sandwiches.

Every Gig Is "The Big Break"

Every venue owner says the same thing.

"If this goes well, it could lead to bigger opportunities."

Five years later, they're still hearing exactly the same sentence.

Practice Is Mostly Arguing

Half the rehearsal is music.

The other half is debating song order, who missed a cue, whose amp is too loud, and whether Crash actually knows the lyrics.

He doesn't.

Somehow... It's Still Worth It

Despite the broken equipment, late nights, tiny audiences, bad pay, and constant frustrations, the Punksters keep showing up.

Because there's something about making music with friends that makes all the madness worthwhile.

Besides...

If everything actually worked perfectly, it probably wouldn't feel like a punk band anymore.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters 

  

Why Every Band Has That One Guy

 

If you've ever been in a band, worked with a band, dated someone in a band, or simply lived within hearing distance of one, you've probably noticed something.

Every band has "that guy."

Actually, every band has several of them.

We should know. We are them.

Jerry Bangston – The Responsible One

Every band somehow ends up with one person who is expected to solve everyone's problems.

Need someone to book the gig?

Jerry.

Need someone to carry the PA system?

Jerry.

Need someone to explain to the club owner why Stan climbed onto the roof?

Jerry.

Need someone to convince Jerome that "all-you-can-eat" doesn't mean forever?

Jerry.

Being the responsible member of a band is a lot like being the designated driver. Everyone appreciates you until it's time to do the work.

Stan "Crash" Cash – The Human Disaster

Every band has that one guy who believes every bad idea deserves a chance.

"If we light the drum kit on fire..."

"No."

"If I stage dive from the balcony..."

"No."

"What if we open with twenty minutes of feedback?"

"Still no."

Stan doesn't ask whether something is a good idea.

He asks whether it would make a great story later.

Usually, the answer is yes.

Usually, the emergency room agrees.

Jerome Bloom – The Innocent One

Every band has someone whose heart is in the right place...

...even if his brain occasionally takes the scenic route.

Jerome once asked if the "house band" actually lived in the building.

He thought a sound check meant seeing whether everyone could still hear after the previous night's concert.

He once spent twenty minutes trying to tune a microphone.

Nobody had the heart to stop him.

Bill Billingsly – The Professional Complainer

Every band needs one member whose purpose in life is pointing out everything that's wrong.

The weather.

The venue.

The audience.

The parking.

The equipment.

The economy.

Human civilization.

Bill can find something to complain about at an all-expenses-paid vacation.

"If the beach was any nicer," he'll say, "there'd be more people here."

His optimism has been missing for years.

Authorities are no longer searching.

The Gear Destroyer

Every band eventually discovers that musical equipment has feelings.

Mostly pain.

Amplifiers stop working five minutes before showtime.

Microphone cables develop personalities.

Guitar strings wait until the biggest solo of the night before snapping.

Drumsticks become guided missiles.

Nobody knows why.

Scientists have theories.

None involve competence.

The Late Guy

Every band has someone who believes rehearsal starts whenever they arrive.

"We said six."

"I know."

"It's eight-thirty."

"I hit traffic."

"You live next door."

"There was a squirrel."

Somehow they're always late...

...and somehow they're always the first one to ask when everyone else is going to be ready.

The Walking Music Encyclopedia

Every band also has someone who knows absolutely everything about music.

They know every guitar ever built.

Every amplifier.

Every microphone.

Every album.

Every obscure B-side recorded in a garage in 1978.

They can identify a guitar by hearing one note.

Unfortunately...

...they've never actually played one.

The Free Advice Guy

These people appear after every performance.

"You know what you guys should do..."

No.

We don't.

Please tell us.

We've only spent years writing songs, rehearsing, recording, hauling equipment, playing shows, and making mistakes.

Clearly, we've been waiting for someone who heard us for fifteen minutes to explain the music business.

Why Every Band Needs Them

As frustrating as all these personalities can be, they make life interesting.

Without Jerry, nothing would get organized.

Without Stan, nothing exciting would ever happen.

Without Jerome, we'd forget how funny innocence can be.

Without Bill, we'd never appreciate how good things actually are.

Bands aren't built because everyone is the same.

They're built because everyone's different.

Even if some of those differences occasionally result in broken equipment, confused audiences, and an insurance claim.

And if your band somehow doesn't have "that guy"...

Take a long look in the mirror.

You probably are him.

 
Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and creator of the Punksters 

 

Welcome to Beautiful Bleak Harbor!

The Official Tourism Guide Nobody Asked For

 

Thinking about your next vacation? Have you grown tired of crystal-clear beaches, luxury resorts, and places where people actually seem happy?

Then pack your bags and head to Bleak Harbor, where disappointment isn't just a feeling—it's part of the town's identity.

Nestled somewhere between "seen better days" and "probably should be condemned," Bleak Harbor is a working-class town full of bars, factories, dive venues, pawn shops, and people who somehow manage to laugh through it all. It's rough around the edges, proudly imperfect, and home to the Punksters.

So grab your suitcase... and make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

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Jester's Roadhouse

No trip to Bleak Harbor is complete without stopping at Jester's Roadhouse, the town's premier destination for live music, cold beer, and floors that haven't been properly mopped in decades.

Years of spilled beer, mixed drinks, whiskey, and the occasional bout of projectile vomiting have created a sticky surface unlike anything modern science can explain.

Every step across the floor sounds like this:

SCHLUP... SCHLUP... SCHLUP...

The regulars don't even notice anymore.

Visitors usually spend the first fifteen minutes wondering if someone glued their shoes to the floor.

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The Slam Pit

If your idea of a great night out includes live music and the possibility of accidental dental work, The Slam Pit is the place for you.

Fights break out so often that the security staff doesn't even ask who started them anymore. They simply wait until somebody hits the floor before stepping in.

The bartenders have an unofficial betting pool on which table gets flipped first.

If you leave The Slam Pit with all of your teeth still in your mouth, consider yourself extremely fortunate.

The locals call that...

"A quiet Friday."

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The Rusty Hammer

Looking for romance?

The Rusty Hammer has introduced hundreds of couples...

...to antibiotics.

It's Bleak Harbor's most popular hookup spot, where questionable decisions are made by otherwise reasonable adults.

Medical professionals recommend taking antibiotics before you even walk through the front door as a preventative measure.

Will they actually help?

Probably not.

But you'll feel like you're doing something.

Remember...

What happens at The Rusty Hammer usually requires a follow-up appointment.

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The Black Mug Coffee House

Need a little pick-me-up?

The Black Mug serves coffee so strong it could peel the finish off your car while it's still parked outside.

One cup will keep you awake until next Tuesday.

Two cups will have your eye twitching independently from the rest of your face.

Three cups will have you shaking like you're strapped into an electric chair while telling complete strangers about your entire childhood.

The coffee is so concentrated that regular customers don't ask for cream.

They ask for a stomach pump.

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The Bleak Harbor School System

Parents will be pleased to know that Bleak Harbor schools never suffer from overcrowding.

In fact, the eighth-grade classrooms enjoy one of the highest teacher-to-student ratios in the entire country.

Mainly because most of the students have already dropped out by the sixth grade.

The guidance counselors continue encouraging every student to "reach for the stars."

Many of those students reach for the parking lot instead.

The school's career day features exciting opportunities in warehouse work, factory jobs, construction, and occasionally explaining to your parents why you quit school in the first place.

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Main Street

Take a relaxing stroll through historic Main Street.

Browse the pawn shops filled with merchandise whose previous owners probably still miss it.

Visit one of the tattoo parlors where every artist promises, "Trust me..."

Choose from five pizza places that all swear they're completely different despite having nearly identical menus.

Don't forget to stop by the furniture store that's been advertising its "Final Going Out of Business Sale" since the late 1990s.

Some traditions are worth preserving.

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Employment Opportunities

Bleak Harbor has a thriving economy...

...if your dream has always been to unload trucks, work in a noisy factory, wait tables for customers who don't tip, or become assistant manager somewhere that keeps promising you'll be promoted "next quarter."

Most people don't stay because they love their jobs.

They stay because the coffee at The Black Mug has destroyed their ability to sleep long enough to fill out another application.

---

The Locals

The people of Bleak Harbor are among the friendliest you'll ever meet.

After they finish complaining.

Ask someone how they're doing, and you'll hear a story involving inflation, back pain, rising taxes, bad weather, three broken appliances, and an uncle who's still convinced disco ruined America.

Strangely enough, if someone from out of town criticizes Bleak Harbor, those same people will defend it like it's paradise.

Only the locals are allowed to make fun of Bleak Harbor.

Everyone else should mind their own business.

---

Why Visit Bleak Harbor?

Because beneath the sarcasm, the dive bars, the questionable restaurants, the factory whistles, and the sticky floors is a town full of ordinary people trying to build extraordinary lives.

It's where friendships are made.

Bands are formed.

Dreams are chased.

And every now and then, against all odds, somebody actually makes something of themselves.

Bleak Harbor may never appear on a postcard.

But without it...

There wouldn't be any Punksters.

So come visit.

Just don't wear your good shoes.

 

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and Creator of the Punksters 

  

Character Development: The Foundation of Great Storytelling

 

One of the most important aspects of creating memorable characters is character development. Whether you are creating a comic strip, animated series, novel, video game, or movie, strong character development serves as the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Many people think character development is simply about making a character more realistic or interesting. While that is certainly part of it, character development serves a much larger purpose. It provides a framework that makes storytelling easier, strengthens creativity, helps generate ideas, and allows audiences to form meaningful connections with the characters.

Without character development, characters are little more than names and illustrations. With it, they become individuals with distinct personalities, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and predictable patterns of behavior.

Creating More Than a Character

When developing a character, it is important to think beyond their appearance.

A character's visual design may be what initially catches someone's attention, but it is their personality that keeps people interested.

Good character development involves creating a background story, personal history, interests, goals, fears, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, habits, and relationships. These elements help define who the character is and how they interact with the world around them.

The more you understand your characters, the easier it becomes to write them consistently.

Eventually, the characters begin to feel less like creations and more like people you know.

You understand how they think.

You understand what motivates them.

You understand how they are likely to react when placed in various situations.

That understanding becomes an incredibly valuable creative tool.

Developing Patterns of Behavior

One of the biggest advantages of strong character development is the creation of behavioral patterns.

Every person has habits, tendencies, and predictable reactions. Fictional characters should be no different.

Once a character is fully developed, they begin responding to situations in ways that are consistent with their personality.

Perhaps one character is impulsive and jumps into situations without thinking.

Another may be cautious and analytical.

A third may always try to avoid responsibility.

A fourth may be stubborn and refuse to admit when they are wrong.

These behavioral patterns help define the character and make them feel believable.

More importantly, they create opportunities for storytelling.

The moment you place multiple personalities together, interactions begin to emerge naturally.

Conflict appears.

Misunderstandings occur.

Unexpected solutions arise.

Humor develops.

The characters themselves begin generating the material.

Making Story Creation Easier

One of the greatest benefits of character development is that it often makes writing easier.

Many writers struggle because they constantly ask themselves:

"What should happen next?"

However, when characters are well developed, a better question often becomes:

"What would these characters do in this situation?"

The answer frequently provides the storyline.

Instead of inventing every detail from scratch, the writer can rely on the personalities of the characters to guide the direction of the story.

A simple situation can produce dozens of possible outcomes depending on who is involved.

Imagine a band receives an unexpected opportunity.

One character may view it as a dream come true.

Another may immediately worry about the risks.

Another may see it as a chance to make money.

Another may accidentally sabotage everything through poor decisions.

The story emerges naturally because the characters already have established personalities.

This makes the creative process far more enjoyable and efficient.

Why Audiences Connect With Characters

Character development does not only benefit creators.

It also benefits audiences.

Readers, viewers, and fans enjoy getting to know characters over time.

As people become familiar with a character's personality, they begin to anticipate their reactions.

They know who is likely to make a mistake.

They know who is likely to cause trouble.

They know who will try to fix the problem.

This familiarity creates emotional investment.

Audiences start looking forward to seeing how their favorite characters will respond to new situations.

In many ways, characters become like old friends.

People enjoy spending time with them because they know what to expect while still being surprised by the circumstances they encounter.

This connection is often one of the primary reasons fans return again and again.

Character Development and Humor

Character development is especially important in comedy.

Many jokes become funnier when audiences already understand the personalities involved.

A joke does not always require a surprising situation.

Sometimes the humor comes from the fact that readers know exactly what a character is going to do.

The anticipation becomes part of the joke.

Fans recognize the setup and begin smiling before the punchline even arrives.

They know the stubborn character is going to refuse help.

They know the reckless character is going to make things worse.

They know the overly confident character is about to fail spectacularly.

The humor works because the audience understands the characters.

Without established personalities, many jokes lose their impact.

Character Development Enhances Creativity

Some people assume that creativity requires unlimited freedom.

In reality, creativity often thrives within boundaries.

Well-developed characters provide those boundaries.

When you know who your characters are, you also know what they would and would not do.

These limitations actually make it easier to generate ideas.

Rather than facing endless possibilities, you have a framework that guides your thinking.

You can place your characters into almost any situation and immediately begin imagining how they would react.

The possibilities become nearly endless because the personalities are already established.

Far from restricting creativity, character development often increases it.

Building an Entire World

As characters grow and evolve, they begin forming relationships with one another.

Friendships develop.

Rivalries emerge.

Romantic relationships form.

Workplace conflicts arise.

Family dynamics become important.

Each new relationship creates additional opportunities for stories.

Each new character adds another layer to the world.

Over time, what started as a simple concept can evolve into an entire fictional universe filled with unique personalities and interconnected storylines.

The world begins to feel alive.

Characters continue influencing one another, creating new situations and generating fresh ideas.

This allows a creator to build a body of work that can continue growing for years.

The Real Value of Character Development

Character development is far more than a storytelling technique.

It is a creative engine.

It helps writers generate ideas.

It provides consistency.

It strengthens humor.

It creates emotional connections with audiences.

It makes fictional worlds feel believable and alive.

Most importantly, it transforms characters from simple drawings or descriptions into personalities that readers genuinely care about.

When audiences begin anticipating what characters will do, laughing at their mistakes, celebrating their victories, and looking forward to spending time with them, character development has done its job.

The stronger the characters become, the stronger the stories become.

And in the end, it is often the characters—not the plots—that people remember most.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions and the Creator of the Punksters 

  

Using Characters for Branding and Branding Characters

 

One of the most powerful tools available to a creator, business, or entertainment property is the use of characters. Characters can become the face of a brand, helping people instantly recognize and remember what that brand represents. At the same time, a well-developed brand can help give characters a stronger identity and make them more memorable. The two concepts work together, creating a relationship where the brand strengthens the characters and the characters strengthen the brand.

Many companies have used characters successfully for decades. People often remember mascots, spokescharacters, and fictional personalities long after they forget advertising campaigns or slogans. The reason is simple: people connect with personalities more easily than they connect with logos. A logo is a symbol. A character feels like someone. Characters can tell stories, display emotions, create humor, and develop relationships with audiences. They give people something they can relate to.

The Punksters were designed with this idea in mind. While the Punksters logo is important, it is really the characters that bring the brand to life. Jerry Bangston, Crash Cash, Jerome Bloom, and the rest of the cast each have their own personalities, quirks, strengths, weaknesses, and stories. They are not simply drawings. They are characters with identities. Over time, followers begin to recognize their behavior patterns and understand how they are likely to react in different situations. That familiarity creates a connection that a logo alone could never achieve.

Character branding also creates consistency. When audiences see a Punksters comic, video, game, blog post, or social media update, they know what kind of humor and personality to expect. The characters become ambassadors for the brand. Every appearance reinforces what the Punksters represent. The more often people encounter those characters, the stronger the brand becomes in their minds.

At the same time, branding helps strengthen the characters. A character without a brand often feels isolated. They may appear in a single comic or story and then disappear. When characters belong to a larger branded universe, they gain a sense of place and purpose. The audience begins to understand the world they live in, the relationships they have, and the recurring themes that define them. Bleak Harbor is more than just a setting. It is part of the Punksters brand. Locations such as Jester's RoadHouse, The Slam Pit, and The Rusty Hammer help create a recognizable world that gives the characters a home.

Character branding also creates opportunities for expansion. A logo can appear on merchandise, but characters can appear almost anywhere. They can star in comics, animations, games, music videos, blogs, trading cards, posters, wallpapers, and social media content. Every new piece of content strengthens both the character and the brand. When audiences enjoy spending time with the characters, they are more likely to explore other parts of the brand as well.

Another advantage is longevity. Trends come and go, but strong characters can remain relevant for years or even decades. Audiences may discover them through one piece of content and continue following them because they become invested in the characters themselves. When creators focus on developing personalities rather than chasing trends, they create something with much greater staying power. A funny trend may last a few weeks. A memorable character can last a lifetime.

This is why character development is so important. The more depth a character has, the more useful they become for branding purposes. When you know what a character believes, how they react under pressure, what motivates them, and how they interact with others, creating new content becomes easier. The character starts helping generate ideas. Their personality becomes a creative framework that naturally leads to stories, jokes, conflicts, and situations.

The strongest brands often become inseparable from their characters. People don't just recognize the brand. They recognize the personalities associated with it. The characters become the voice of the brand, while the brand gives those characters a larger identity and purpose. Together, they create something much more powerful than either could achieve alone.

For creators, this offers an important lesson. Don't just build a brand. Build characters that represent that brand. Give them personalities, histories, relationships, and a world to inhabit. Then consistently place those characters in front of your audience. Over time, those characters become more than part of the brand—they become the brand itself. And when that happens, every new story, comic, video, or game becomes another opportunity to strengthen both the characters and the world they represent.

Bob Craypoe
Founder of Craypoe Productions