We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Connor Barnes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Connor below.
Connor , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by constantly exposing myself to new experiences, whether it’s through reading diverse genres, watching different types of films, or simply spending time in nature. I also find that collaborating with others or working on different projects, like my comedy series or short stories, helps keep ideas fresh. It’s important to stay curious and open to inspiration from unexpected places, which often means stepping out of my comfort zone. Regularly setting aside time for brainstorming and freewriting also keeps the creative juices flowing.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Connor Barnes, the Owner and Operator of Ugly Bros Comedy. Comedy and creativity are at the core of everything I do. I run the Corridor Comedy Series, a monthly show in mid-Michigan, where I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible comedians and bring live comedy to the local community. Beyond that, I’m involved in a few other creative projects, like writing a fiction book set in a small rural town, working on a short film called “The Bench,” and crafting a short story about a fictional killer. I’m also planning to start a monthly folk music and food truck event called “Melodies and Munchies.”
Keeping my creativity alive is essential to me. I do this by constantly exploring new experiences, whether it’s diving into different genres of books, watching a variety of films, or even just taking time to be in nature. Collaborating with others and working on diverse projects helps me stay inspired. I make it a point to stay curious and open to new ideas, often finding inspiration in unexpected places. Setting aside time for brainstorming and freewriting is also key to keeping my creative energy flowing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I continue on my journey, I know that passion, communication, and wisdom will be essential guiding forces. Passion drives everything I do, fueling my creativity and giving me the motivation to push through challenges. It’s what keeps me excited about every project, from the Corridor Comedy Series to my writing and filmmaking endeavors.
Communication is equally important—whether it’s connecting with the audience during a comedy show, collaborating with others on a project, or simply sharing ideas. Effective communication allows me to build strong relationships and convey my vision clearly, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Wisdom comes with experience, and it’s something I strive to cultivate every day. It helps me make better decisions, learn from my mistakes, and approach each new challenge with a thoughtful perspective. Together, passion, communication, and wisdom create a solid foundation for everything I do, guiding me as I grow and evolve on this creative journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m looking to collaborate with people who share a deep passion for their craft, whether it’s comedy, writing, filmmaking, or any other creative pursuit. These are individuals who aren’t just talented but are also driven by a genuine love for what they do. They’re the kind of people who bring energy and enthusiasm to every project, constantly pushing themselves to improve and explore new ideas.
Equally important is a commitment to open and honest communication. I want to work with those who value collaboration, who are willing to share their thoughts and ideas while also being receptive to feedback. These collaborators understand the importance of clear communication in creating something truly special together.
Wisdom and a thoughtful approach to their work are also key qualities. I’m drawn to people who have a wealth of experience or a willingness to learn from each new challenge. They’re reflective, making decisions based on both intuition and insight, and they bring a level of maturity and understanding to the table.
In essence, I want to work with creative, communicative, and wise individuals who are as passionate about their work as I am about mine. Together, we can create something meaningful and impactful.
Contact Info:
- Website: Uglybroscomedy.com
- Instagram: Uglybroscomedy
- Facebook: Uglybrotherscomedy
Image Credits
Paragon Studios Michigan
