Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Timko.
Hi Erika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an Austin, Texas based puppeteer, filmmaker, writer, and independent content creator whose work blends practical puppetry, comedy, and DIY filmmaking. As the creator of Beaucoup Askew TV, I’ve spent over a decade producing handcrafted puppet programming that celebrates the wonderfully off kilter.
I’m inspired by sketch comedy, creature features, cult cinema, public access tv, and underground art. I love to create character driven stories that embrace practical effects, and handmade puppets.
My flagship series, Fashion Trashin, stars the endlessly chaotic puppet duo of Cinnamon and Diamond, whose adventures poke fun at fashion, pop culture, and everyday life through surreal sketches and fast paced comedy. The show is equal parts variety show, satire, and fever dream, and the series has become the centerpiece of Beaucoup Askew TV, which has been slowly but surely earning a devoted cult audience.
Through Beaucoup Askew TV, I take practical puppetry and home spun creativity, enticing audiences to step into a world that’s a bit….askew.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges has been wearing so many hats. As an independent creator, I’m the writer, puppeteer, filmmaker, editor, and promoter. There isn’t a crew behind the scenes, so every episode is truly a labor of love. It can be exhausting, but it also means every part of the show reflects my creative vision for better or worse.
Another challenge has been working in such a niche medium. Adult puppet comedy isn’t exactly the easiest thing to market, lol. It’s comedy, DIY filmmaking, and puppetry all rolled into one. Finding an audience has taken time, but the people who connect with it are incredibly wonderful, and that’s made it worthwhile.
I actually started Beaucoup Askew TV during a difficult period in my life after losing my mom. Creating these characters and building this strange little universe gave me something positive to focus on. What began as a creative outlet eventually grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
Working with limited resources has also forced me to become more inventive. I love practical effects and building worlds from everyday materials. Those limitations have ultimately become part of the identity of Beaucoup Askew TV.
More than anything, the biggest obstacle has been simply continuing to create year after year. There are always moments of self doubt, creative burnout, or wondering if anyone is really out there watching, lol. But every new idea, every new puppet, and every episode reminds me why I started in the first place. As long as I still have stories to tell and characters to bring to life, I’ll keep making them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the creator of Beaucoup Askew TV, an independent YouTube channel dedicated to original puppet entertainment, comedy, and do it yourself filmmaking. For over a decade, I’ve written, directed, puppeteered, filmed, edited, and produced original content that features practical effects, handmade artistry, and offbeat storytelling. My work draws inspiration from sketch comedy, classic puppetry, and everyday life.
I’m probably best known for creating Fashion Trashin, a puppet comedy series starring the wackily eccentric duo of Cinnamon and Diamond. Through satire, absurd humor, and a wide variety of characters, the show pokes fun at fashion, pop culture, and life while embracing the wonderfully strange. Beyond Fashion Trashin, I continue to develop new puppet series, comedy sketches, and short films that expand the world of Beaucoup Askew TV.
What I’m most proud of is building this project from the ground up and sticking with it after all theses years. As an independent creator, I’ve worn nearly every hat, from designing puppets and building sets to writing scripts, performing, editing, and promoting each production.
What sets my work apart is its commitment to practical puppetry and authentic DIY filmmaking. In an era dominated by digital effects, AI, and mass produced content, I’m happy that nearly every puppet and performance is handcrafted. My goal has always been to make audiences laugh and forget about the real world for a few minutes.
One of the most rewarding parts of creating Beaucoup Askew TV has been the opportunity to collaborate with artists whose work has inspired me for years. As someone who grew up finding creative refuge in music, film, and underground art, it’s incredibly humbling to now work alongside musicians, performers, illustrators, and fellow creators I genuinely admire. I’m incredibly grateful that Beaucoup Askew TV has opened doors to connect with artists who once inspired me from afar and now inspire me as collaborators and friends.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As far as books, I’m really into Stephen King at the moment. I really enjoy his dark sense of humor and writing style. I’m also reading All Fours from Miranda July that has me on the edge of my seat.
Podcasts would have to go to Papa Meat. That guy is hilarious and his content is always entertaining. But I’m not much of a podcast person other than that.
As far as resources, I’d say that sometimes an object, an overheard conversation, or a random piece of pop culture can become the basis for an entire sketch or character.
Other than that, having a solid and eclectic playlist is never a bad thing. Just none of that modern bro country, please.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/fashion.trashin
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/beaucoupaskewtv
- Other: https://Patreon.com/beaucoupaskewtv
