S7E2: Alex Clark — Juggling and Web Cartoons
These are show notes taken from an audio interview.
To listen to the actual interview, please use the player above.
In this interview, Alex Clark talks about how creating internet cartoons has helped him to grow and keep in touch with his audience when he’s not performing! He also talks about some of the ins and outs of working with an agent.
With his show that contains jaw-dropping tricks, quick-witted comedy, and crazy antics, Alex Clark has traveled around the globe performing at university campuses, festivals, and on other stages. He’s earned two People’s Choice Awards and was voted Best Novelty Act and Fastest Rising Star in the college market. He’s a comedian that stands above the rest, but that’s probably because he’s up on a ladder!
Kris’ Recommendation of the Week —
Help One of Our Own
We have a great opportunity as a part of the magic community to band together to help one of our own. Many of you may know Jeff Stone from Salt Lake City, UT. He’s the creator and editor of Stone Cold Magic Magazine, a free web magazine on magic that ran for seven years. He’s also known for his work on magic using Frixion ink and fire, he appeared on Jay Sankey’s Underground Jam, and also has a new book out called “793.8” which is the Dewey Decimal code for where magic books can be found in the library.
Recently Jeff was hospitalized from diabetic complications and consequently racked up some sizable medical bills that he cannot afford. And as if that’s not enough, his four-year-old daughter Oliveah was also unrelatedly hospitalized with what turned out to be E-Coli. They’re both home now and on the road to recovery, but are now struggling to figure out what to do with this debt. They’re trying to raise $20,000 and so far have raised $1,500.
I know I have a respectable-sized audience that listen to this show and if Jeff has in any way touched your life or career, please consider giving a donation to his cause. I know he’s helped play a part in my magical journey and I donated. Put yourself in his shoes and please consider giving $10 or $20 and I know that together, we can help to put a big chunk in that wall of debt!
CLICK HERE to help donate and support. When you donate, please mention that Successful Performercast sent you. Every little bit helps.
Interview with Alex Clark: Success Quotes
Just tell people what you want.
If you’re not embarrassed by your first product, you waited too long to launch it.
Internet Cartoons
• How his internet cartoons have helped get people to his shows.
• Talks about he’s been able to use them to help build a fan base and keeps him top of mind.
• His cartoons give him a reason to keep in touch with his an base and email list.
• His cartoons are an extension of his comedy and another way he can express his talents.
• It’s a way for him to give more to his audience.
• How he’s monetizing his online cartoons.
Working with Agents
• How he got his first agent.
• An agent is a tool.
• How agents get paid.
Failure Moment
Talks about a recent NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) showcase he did where he thought he liked it, but didn’t book a single gig.
Favorite Success
Performing in New Zealand at the World’s Busker Festival
How does he stand out from his competition?
His internet cartoons.
What’s worked well in growing his business?
Trying everything. The more things you try, the more apt something is to work.
Biggest Profesional Challenge
Figuring out what to do next. He’s achieved all of his goals so far, so now he needs to decide what’s next. He wants the next challenge.
Anything he would have done differently?
He wishes he could go back and see what things would be like if he hadn’t made certain decisions.
Interesting Story
Tells about his experience at the Edison Fringe Festival which involved a skirmish on the streets outside his hotel and how one very nice Canadian man drove Alex all over town helping Alex find a prop he needed for his show. Plus, there’s a kicker ending.
Other Topics Covered
• Talks about how he discovered entertaining and juggling.
• Just doing it.
• Reaching out and putting yourself out there as much as possible.
• Lots of failures lead to successes.
• Talks about his branding, “a comedian who happens to juggle.”
• Talks about his marketing efforts.
• How he got his first fair gig.
• You never know where your gigs can come from.
• Street performing and how to find spots when he’s traveling.
• What might be on the horizon for Alex Clark.
Parting Advice
Just do it!
Recommended books and resources:
Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you’re enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we’re doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!
Resources:
Tap Forms for iPhone – a database software
Boomerang for Gmail – scheduling emails
Books:
Manual of Juggling by Max Holden
Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin
How to Talk to Anyone by Leo Lowndes
Also Mentioned:
Get More Corporate Gigs with Barry Friedman
Where can we find Alex Clark?
Twitter @itsalexclark | Facebook | Patreon
