I would call them amazing.   I've seen some other videos of this puppeteers work in the past and he really is good.  Love the fact that the size of these creations allow for performance in the palm of the hand of the audience.

I think maybe there are actually quite a few puppet companies in Houston.  Have you tried Puppet Pizzazz http://www.puppetpizzazz.com/index.html There is also Carranza Puppets http://www.carranzapuppets.com/

I took a class once where they suggested making a copy of you patterns, sealing them in an envelope and mailing them to yourself. Once you receive them, do not open them.  Because the US postal system time and date stamps mail and is considered a govenment stamp then this will prove when it was created.

This made me smile. When I was just a kid starting out making puppets I used this method to "copyright" my puppet patterns. I have no idea where those ended up. I think maybe this has some validity if there was ever a dispute but you would still have to go into court and more then likely the other lawyer would have some way of disputing it.

I do want to point out that even if you register your copyright it does not mean that you are "protected". True if someone came to you and tried to say they had come up with your puppets first and was trying to get you to stop making them you would have proof but it does not keep others from taking your designs and using them. You still have to go to court if  you want to try and keep someone from using your designs. I guess I am just not sure how worth it is to go to the headache of registering is. You know it would be interesting to know at what point the Muppet characters where registered. I have a feeling that at the start of things they where not.

Great links you guys!  Some really good information there.

I am intrigued by your idea to take an existing vinyl doll head and convert it to a vent dummy. In fact I wonder if you could use the Controller 2T/3T for that. http://www.braylu.com/control-stick-2t-3t-pvc/

Do you mean that the lower jaw is a separate piece not attached to the upper head except via the mouth plate?  If so I would say not totally uncommon.

I love your take on the shoulder dragon!  Nice to see the full body shot of avatar also.  I like him even more now.   Can really see how you improved and progressed though the years. Tanks for sharing!

Sounds like a very cool video but it is not ringing any bells. Couldn't find anything with searching but I'll keep my eye out for it. Some times simple is the best. There is this video that while not a hanky is really a very simple puppet that is manipulated very well.
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https://youtu.be/kFiJS09tkmY

You have said the one key word... Practice.   Pretty much the common reply given to this question. The position and angle used to puppeteer is using a fairly unique set of muscles so practice is going to do you the most good. Not to mention why waste time doing some exercise when you could be getting better at your manipulation.

I should point out though that you said "horrible pain". Muscle ache is one thing but if you have constant pain then you might want to check with your doctor.

Does anyone even go to the studio anymore? I know some of the announcers even work from home studios.

Pretty cool interview!  I find it odd though that the interviewer did not hold the mic in the puppets hand and have him do the interview. You did great though in handling both mic and replies!