Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Baker.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
For many years, I have been very lucky to meet people who have been open to my vision. I LOVE to entertain people. It all started 8 or 9 years ago during the Halloween season. My kids and I would always dress up and go out trick or treating together. As they grew, I knew it was only a matter of time before they would not want to hang out with “dad” anymore. A neighbor and I would always build a mobile haunted house on the back of a trailer. Our kids would ride around town in this thing, and they were ALWAYS the COOLEST KIDS in town.
Well, it happened, my kids wanted to go on their own. It was then that I started doing a Haunted House in my yard. This thing grew. It grew really BIG. The very last year we held this at my house, Channel 5 and eight were doing live spots in my yard on Halloween night! From there, Dan’s Haunted House was born. We are the ONLY Japanese themed Haunted Attraction in the US. We have been featured on CNN and every top list in the country. I am also the founder and President of Krampus Society, and I do stand-up comedy on the side.
Please tell us about your art.
My company is 13 steps to Nowhere LLC. We are a production company. Currently, we are producing Dan’s Haunted House www.danshauntedhouse.com, Krampus Society and Dan’s Attempt at Comedy. Dan’s Haunted House is a Nationally Ranked Haunted attraction and is the only Japanese themed haunted attraction in the US.
Krampus Society hosts one of the largest Krampus Walks in the country every year in Deep Ellum Dallas during December. Dan’s Attempt at Comedy is a new way for me to get out and make with the funny. We all die. When we die, we will all have regrets… you know, the things that we have said or done that cannot be taken back. If there really is a 5-second window where your life flashes before your eyes as we pass on, I do not want to have regrets that I can change now. I do these things because they are fun and entertaining for the public. This makes me happy.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I have funded 100% of my ventures from my own pocket. This has given me the creative freedom to do what I want when I want and where I want. Having a “job” that pays the bills has helped me keep my sanity. I do sacrifice all of my free time for these endeavors, but it’s worth it!
If you love what you do, let it grow at its own pace. I have met many people who have taken out loans, mortgage their houses or brought on partners to try and make their passion grow. Many times, if it fails, their financial lives are in bad shape, and they lose all love for what they do. If you dig it, do it!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can come to Dan’s Haunted House every Friday and Saturday from Sept 21st until the end of October. Just check out our location. You can visit us on the web, Facebook, and Twitter. All are welcome to join in on the Krampus Walk we have every year. Details can be found on Twitter @KrampusSociety and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/krampussociety. Dan’s Attempt at Comedy is kind of random right now. We will start updating the website www.dansattemptatcomedy.com with dates for shows.
Contact Info:
- Address: 501 East Swisher Road Lake Dallas, Texas 75065
- Website: www.danshauntedhouse.com
- Phone: 972-821-9154
- Email: info@danshauntedhouse.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fearisineverything
- Twitter: @DansHaunted
Image Credit:
Ed Steele Photography
John Taylor Creations
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