How We Created a Puppet Music Video: Behind the Scenes of WAX's ITS YOU
Bringing WAX's Vision to Life: Behind the Scenes of the ITS YOU Music Video
At Creventive Puppet Company, our favorite projects are the ones that challenge us to combine creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling into something truly unique. One of those opportunities came when musician WAX approached us with the idea of creating a puppet music video for his song "ITS YOU" from the album Lifetime Achievement Award.
From the very beginning, our goal was simple: create a memorable music video that felt playful, expressive, and unmistakably WAX. What started as a conversation quickly grew into a full creative collaboration that involved designing and building original puppets, performing them on camera, and handling the production work needed to bring the entire concept to life.
Designing the Characters
Every puppet begins with a story.
Working closely with WAX, we explored the visual style, personality, and tone that would best complement the music. Once the creative direction was established, we began designing and fabricating the puppets by hand, carefully selecting materials, refining expressions, and building characters that could deliver both personality and performance on camera.
Creating puppets for film isn't just about how they look—it's about how they move. Every design decision considered how the characters would perform during filming, allowing for expressive movement while remaining durable enough for production.
Bringing the Performance to Life
With the puppets complete, it was time to step behind the camera.
Our role extended well beyond fabrication. We performed the puppets throughout production, bringing each character to life through movement, timing, and performance. Puppetry is a unique blend of acting and technical precision, where even the smallest movements help communicate emotion and support the story.
Filming a puppet production often requires patience, multiple takes, creative camera angles, and constant problem-solving. Every shot is a collaboration between performance, cinematography, and direction to create the illusion that these characters truly exist.
Creative Problem Solving
Every production presents unexpected challenges, and this project was no exception.
Throughout fabrication and filming, we adapted designs, refined performances, and solved technical challenges to ensure everything worked seamlessly on camera. Those behind-the-scenes adjustments are often invisible to the audience, but they're an essential part of producing professional puppetry for film and music videos.
It's one of the things we love most about this work—finding creative solutions that allow ambitious ideas to become reality.
Collaborating with WAX
One of the highlights of this project was collaborating with WAX throughout the creative process.
From the initial concept to the finished video, the project was built on open communication, experimentation, and a shared excitement for creating something different. Working together allowed us to develop a final product that captured the spirit of the song while embracing the charm and personality that only puppetry can provide.
Creative collaborations like this remind us why we love what we do.
The Finished Music Video
Seeing the completed music video released was an incredibly rewarding moment. Watching handcrafted characters come alive on screen—and knowing every puppet, performance, and production detail helped tell the story—is exactly why we do what we do.
Projects like this showcase what's possible when music, storytelling, and practical puppetry come together.
Whether you're creating a music video, commercial, television production, live show, or original concept, we'd love to help bring your next idea to life.
Have a project in mind? We'd love to hear from you. Let's create something unforgettable together.
EINSTEIN CUSTOM PUPPET
EINSTEIN CUSTOM PUPPET
FOR INSURESMART AGENCY INC in Rockford, IL
Creventive Puppet Company recently just wrapped on another exciting project!
We were commissioned by InsureSmart Agency Inc to recreate their mascot in puppet form for a series of tv commercial spots to help advertise their company in Rockford, IL.
In addition to creating the custom puppet, Creventive Puppet Company also provided our puppeteering and puppet wrangling services for the tv commercial shoot.
Here are a few behind the scenes pictures and videos of the project including final pictures of our Einstein puppet as well as the finished ADS
BUILD CREDITS:
CONNOR ASHER - LEAD FABRICATION
SYDNEY ALEXANDER - FABRICATION
MAE RISK - WARDROBE
COMPLETED SPOTS
BEHIND THE SCENES
Medieval Character Custom Portrait Puppet
We recently built a medieval custom hand/rod puppet character for a private client in Saint Paul, MN.
The client provided us with reference to a medieval character based off of an old BBC show.
Reference photo(s)
Here are the results…
How was the puppet built?
Puppet was built using NylaFleece, ultra suede, custom-made eyes/nose/ears, foam-carved teeth, treated/styled wig with custom-made wardrobe to match client’s reference photos.
Puppet also includes removable arm rods, pose-able armature wire hands and removable costume plus hood.
Credits:
Puppet design & fabrication by Connor Asher, Sydney Alexander
Costumes created by Mae Risk
Ed Bassmaster - Custom Portrait Puppet Build
ED BASSMASTER CUSTOM PUPPETS
CREATED BY CREVENTIVE PUPPET COMPANY, LLC
We recently wrapped on a collaboration with Ed Bassmaster to create a portrait puppet of his characters.
The puppet was built as a blank what-not that could be dressed with different clothes and accessories to match his personas including Chip Diamond, Mumbles, and Always Teste.
Puppet was fabricated by Creventive Puppet Company’s own Connor Asher and Sydney Alexander. Connor created the understructure and covering for the entire puppet while Sydney worked on the detailing including the beard, mole and ensuring the puppet looked clean at all times.
Our costumer, Mae Risk knocked it out of the park recreating the costumes based on Ed’s actual costumes as reference.
BUILD CREDITS:
CONNOR ASHER - LEAD FABRICATION
SYDNEY ALEXANDER - FABRICATION
MAE RISK - WARDROBE
BEHIND THE SCENES
HOW TO DRESS/MAINAIN PUPPET VIDEO
VIDEOS FEATURING OUR PUPPETS
#PuppetChainLetter Collaboration Project
Hi everyone,
I’m so excited to talk about #PuppetChainLetter project collaboration started by Swazzle Puppet Studio in California. I was invited to be one of eight builders from across the country to participate.
First, lets talk about the project…
Eight puppet builders across the nation will contribute to the creation of a single puppet.
The final result will be auctioned with the proceeds benefiting the @puppeteers_of_america Direct Relief Fund for Puppet Artists!
Contributors include: @swazzlepuppetstudio @connorasher @projectpuppet @dluxpuppets @adrianroseleonard & @rachelmadestudio
#puppet #puppetry #puppetmaker #directrelief #puppets #puppeteersofamerica #puppetbuilding
My contribution to the chain letter was to design and fabricate the foam arms and hands.
Unboxing video:
LIVE reveal of the completed arms where I share my step-by-step thought and build process:
FOLLOW the hashtag #PUPPETCHAINLETTER on social media to follow this puppet’s journey from beginning to completion.
Special thank you again to Swazzle for bringing me on board this exciting project. Can’t wait to see how this puppet turns out!
As usual, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
Until next time,
Connor Asher
Jane Lynch - Directing Puppets
JANE LYNCH - SIMPLE CITY CAMPAIGN
Puppeteers: Connor Asher, Steven Widerman
We are honored to have worked with Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress Jane Lynch and STORY on a series of spots for Jane’s directing reel.
Creventive Puppet Company was hired to design, build and perform the puppets for STORY’s Simple City Campaign commercials for Simple Mobile directed by Jane Lynch.
The Creventive puppets worked on set alongside human actors, beautifully brought to life by SAG-AFTRA puppeteers: Connor Asher and Steven Widerman.
WATCH THE SPOTS NOW:
COMING SOON
Fozzie Bear Puppet Refurb Project
Before I begin,
NO! I do not accept replica requests/commissions. Don’t ask.
A close friend of mine reached out asked if it were possible to refurbish a puppet from their personal collection for private use.
Normally I would NEVER do this since it’s a copyrighted character however the idea of a refurbishment project intrigued me as both a puppet builder and Muppet fan especially since I wasn’t building it from scratch nor was charging for it.
I decided to take the project on as a favor for my friend and challenge to myself to tackle between projects. (Once again, I did not get paid for this project)
It was a major challenge but I learned a lot of great techniques and would like to share some of the lessons I learned during this build.
So let’s dive in!
The Process
I received the puppet in a pretty beat up condition. The first step was looking at the puppet from both an internal and external perspective to see the amount of work that needed to be accomplished.
My friend wanted me to try to keep as much of the original’s materials as possible since it was an unpaid project.
I then began dissecting the puppet into pieces to see what the internal structure was made out of.
All of the foam was disintegrating/toasting, mouth plate was built out of card board, nose was built with styrofoam. One of the major issues with some of those materials is that they’re inferior, don’t last long and don’t handle performing well.
After, I began recreating the patterns using some of the original’s along with creating new patterns to make the shapes more accurate to the actual puppet.
One of the most challenging parts of this build was reference images. The actual character changed so much over the years, I decided to try my best to be as true to the character as possible.
Capturing subtle details can be a very difficult and time consuming process on certain characters but I’m always up for a challenge.
After putting together all the new foam, mouth plate and neck sleeve, I began draping the head, neck and body to get new covering patterns.
I then traced those patterns onto remnants of the original faux fur that I got from dissecting the original puppet. (Which was a challenge within itself - so if I needed extra fur, I didn’t have it) and luckily had just enough to cover the head, body and neck. I decided to reuse the original’s ears, arms and necktie to save time and costs.
After everything was sewn together, I treated the fur with heat to give it more texture.
After this, it was time to problem solve the features. Figuring out the eyes, nose and ear placement took quite a bit of time.
In the end, I ended up designing and creating about 9 prototype noses to get the size and shape correct. Some of the noses were foam patterned and fleeced and some I designed in 3D, printed them and covered in Nylon Fleece. The end result was 3D printed and covered.
Similar situation with the eyes. The eyes took about 12 pairs to get just right to where I was satisfied with them.
The end result were made from soup spoons that were sanded, had a screw and bolt epoxied to the back of each eye then inset inside of the head.
Next, the tongue was foam carved with uvula/throat features airbrushed.
Finally, I placed his pupils using a straight pin to get the focus right.
After the puppet was finished, it was time to costume!
My friend, Mae Risk helped me problem solve the hat and necktie. After they were fabricated, I permanently sewed them to the head.
Then after a bit more cleanup work, he was finally completed on 11/16/2020.
Hope this was useful and insightful for some people.
He was a major challenge but I’m pretty satisfied with the end result given the parameters of this project. If I were to start again, I would do some things differently but glad it’s over and ready to start onto new projects.
ONCE AGAIN….NO! I do not accept replica requests/commissions. Don’t ask.
Kiedis the Troll - Custom Puppet Build
Today we’re featuring Kiedis the Troll, custom puppet built and designed by Connor Asher completed on February 24th 2018 for our live touring theatrical production “Three Billy Goats Gruff”.
Kiedis the Troll is now being used in collaboration with the Insurance King and preparing for his own upcoming web show.
More soon.
To request your own custom puppet, visit our custom puppets page and fill out a form: https://www.creventive.com/#/custom-puppets/
Thats all for now. See you soon.
SEE HIM IN ACTION NOW:
Dexter Blue Monster Sack Puppet - Rental for Commercial/film/tv/stage
Welcome back to the blog.
Today we’re featuring our latest rental puppet: Dexter. A sack puppet designed and built by Connor Asher.
What’s a rental puppet?
If you don't have the time or budget to have a custom puppet built, you can rent one from our stock for a reasonable daily rate.
Our rental puppets can be customized to fit the needs of your project. Whether its an individual character or a full cast, any and all existing customizations are possible to be built from our own minds directly to your own hands.
As always, contact us here to discuss a quote for your own custom projects!
See him in action now:
Shmoop Hand/Rod Puppet - Rental for Commercial/film/tv/stage
Welcome back to the blog.
Today we’re featuring our latest rental puppet: Shmoop. A hand/rod puppet designed and built by Connor Asher.
Built using: Faux fur, gasket rubber, ostrich feathers, felt, velvet, wooden spheres.
What’s a rental puppet?
If you don't have the time or budget to have a custom puppet built, you can rent one from our stock for a reasonable daily rate.
Our rental puppets can be customized to fit the needs of your project. Whether its an individual character or a full cast, any and all existing customizations are possible to be built from our own minds directly to your own hands.
As always, contact us here to discuss a quote for your own custom projects!
See him in action now:
HANDS & STRINGS: New Acts Added!
Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Creventive newsletter.
We recently just made updates to “HANDS & STRINGS: A Puppet Variety Show” that debuted this past week at the Village of Roundlake Beach Cultural & Civic Center’s Family Fun Friday event.
We premiered five new acts for the show. Acts include: Jeremy J. Giggles, Sock Puppet, Mrs. Microphone, The Rag Mop and the Can Can utilizing ventriloquism and complicated mechanical rod puppets.
After the show’s conclusion, the audience was shown how some of the puppets were operated followed by a Q&A and photo opportunity.
The audience had a great time, as well as us. A major thank you again to the staff of the Village of Roundlake Beach Cultural & Civic Center for hosting us!
That’s all for now. Want to book HANDS & STRINGS for your event? We would LOVE for the opportunity to entertain you! Fill out a form here: https://www.creventive.com/puppet-show-quote
Kiedis the Troll - Insurance King Collaboration
Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Creventive Newsletter, we’re excited to share one of our latest partnerships!
Our pals at Insurance King wanted to bring in our character, Kiedis the Troll as their new social media manager to help combat trolling on their social media through a series of clever GIFs and short video comment replies.
Speaking of which, Kiedis actually has his own social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok!
Follow him @KiedisTroll
Be sure to also follow the Insurance King facebook page to see what he’s up to. Tweet him if you dare!
Kiedis the Troll - Insurance King Behind the Scenes Video shot by Frank Slowinski Jr and Alfredo Castil Produced by Dan Block
Custom Portrait Puppet for Client
Welcome back to the Creventive Newsletter,
Today we’re featuring a new custom portrait puppet that we just built for a client’s husband as a birthday present for her husband.
Handmade custom puppet made to order. Featuring a needle-felted goatee, custom-dyed hair, nylon fleece skin, custom made shirt.
To request your own custom puppet, visit: https://www.creventive.com/request-a-custom-puppet-quote
Dog Hand/Rod Puppet - Rental for Commercial/film/tv/stage
Welcome back to the blog.
Today we’re featuring our latest rental puppet. A hand and rod puppet designed and built by Connor Asher.
What’s a rental puppet?
If you don't have the time or budget to have a custom puppet built, you can rent one from our stock for a reasonable daily rate.
Our rental puppets can be customized to fit the needs of your project. Whether its an individual character or a full cast, any and all existing customizations are possible to be built from our own minds directly to your own hands.
As always, contact me here to discuss a quote for your own custom projects!
See him in action now:
Little Red Riding Hood is now available for touring!
Creventive Puppet Company is proud to premier our newest touring stage show: “Little Red Riding Hood” - available now! 🐺
This is the final addition to our “Fairytale series” and is now available for booking - please check our schedule online for upcoming appearances!
Don’t Talk to Strangers (Pre-K - 5th Grade)
This classic fairy tale follows Little Red Riding hood on a journey to deliver a basket of goodies to her sick Granny. On her quest she must overcome difficult obstacles. Will she make it or be tricked by the Big Bad Wolf?
Special thank you to everyone involved
Directed by: Connor Asher
Written by: Connor Asher, Caelan Cavanagh and Sydney Alexander
Voiceover work: Sydney Alexander and Connor Asher
Puppet Fabrication: Connor Asher
Backdrop/Set Piece painting: Elaine Miller
Debuting our "Three Billy Goats Gruff" - live educational puppet show
On March 28th, we premiered our new "Three Billy Goats Gruff" live educational puppet show.
CPC's Three Billy Goats Gruff was written with the intent to teach kids about "not being greedy" through the Troll, including counting and simple mathematics.
The Billy Goats Gruff show is a total of 30minutes with a pre show with out Q/A session after the show.
The show was written by Connor Asher and Caelan Cavanagh. Following the original fairy tale, we wanted to stick to the origins and add more into the story while not changing what people were familiar with. One of the challenging parts about writing puppet shows is accounting all the props, puppets, set pieces and things that need to be made since everything is hand-built. In addition to this, only two puppets could be on at any given time because of the number of hands backstage.
One of the new characters we introduced was "Birthworts: The wicked witch". In the beginning of the story, she casts a spell over the land that the Billy Goats live in, because they keep eating her flowers, transforming all the fresh beautiful green grasses to become baron and infertile, forcing the three billy goats gruff to move.
Later in the story, the witch visits Sir Kiedis and because of his greed, she transforms him into a troll.
Voices by Connor Asher and Sydney Alexander. Audio by Sydney Alexander.
