Q. What does the Speedscaping portion of your presentation entail?
A. My presentation consists not only of a powerful, inspiring message, but also of a live, and rapid creation of a beautiful drawing on a canvas that measures 6X8 feet that I call Speedscaping. I don’t speak while drawing – I’m moving too fast too do that; The drawing is accompanied by beautiful and moving music with the house lights down and a spotlight on the canvas. It’s a dazzling presentation that brings people to their feet every time!
Q. How long are your presentations?
A. A typical student presentation is 45-60 minutes long; a typical teacher presentation is 60-90 minutes long. I’m very flexible and can adjust my programing to fit into your time frame. That said, you want to allot a minimum of 25 minutes for me to be able to speak and do the drawing and have it be a worthwhile experience for the audience.
Q. We already have a keynoter for our event. Can you do just the drawing?
A. You bet!
Q. So what’s the story with the frame/canvas for the drawing?
A. I ask that you build the frame and stretch the canvas for my drawing before I arrive to make my life just a little bit easier. Here are simple directions and diagrams, as well as a short video to help you do this quickly and pain-free. I will bring the “legs” to which the frame will be attached if I’m driving. If I’m flying, I ask you to provide additional lumber so I can build the legs when I arrives. The details of what I need exactly are listed in Ben’s Rider.
Q. What other supplies/equipment do I need to provide?
A. I also needs a flat, queen-size bed sheet in either navy or black. For your floor’s protection (the chalk I use can stain), Strongly urge that you provide a couple of drop cloths large enough to cover an area of 12X15 feet. The drop cloth needs to have a poly back like the following brand: Gotcha Covered Absorbent Drop Cloth. Both the sheet and the drop cloth can be purchased on the internet or at your local Wal-mart/K-Mart. You will also be asked to provide some heavy duty extension cords and an electric drill. For full details of my A/V requirements, please download his Rider by clicking HERE.
Q. How long does it take you to set up?
A. Assuming that the frame is ready as required and all other A/V/Set-up needs have been met, I can be set up and ready to go in about 30-40 minutes.
Q. What will these supplies cost me?
A. The total cost of all supplies is between $40-60 per frame. This includes the drop cloths, so if you are providing multiple frames, additional frames are more in the $20-30 range.
Q. What is the process of booking Ben?
A. When you decide to move forward with booking me for your event(after you have verified that your date is available and that your budget works), you will be asked to complete an Event Questionnaire. Once our office has the Event Questionnaire back from you, they will issue a contract and email that to you with my rider and set-up instructions. To secure the date, we require a 50% deposit of the fee and a copy of the signed contract. Both are due within 2 weeks of you receiving the contract. Approximately a week before your event, you will receive a call or text from me to go over all the details and answer any last minute questions.
Q. Can we hold a date on your schedule while we’re working out the details of our event without signing a contract or paying a deposit?
A. Yes. My program coordinator will happily to pencil you into my schedule (if the date is available) while you’re finalizing the details of your event. If another client is interested in booking me for the same date, you will have the right of first refusal. What that means is that my office will contact you and give you 48 hours to make a firm decision, one way or another, on the date you are holding.
Q. What if our school district does not allow for deposits?
A. We do accept a PO and a signed contract in lieu of a deposit on a case-by-case basis.
Q. What happens to the drawing after the event?
A. At multi-group events/conferences, I usually sell the drawings on a first come, first serve basis. I usually donate the drawing to all the public schools that invite host the event. Please note that the drawings are not long-lasting and are virtually impossible to preserve permanently. They can be displayed for a few months, but eventually the chalk fades and flakes off. Over the years we have tried to come up with ways to make the drawing transportable and preservable, but the results are seldom good. The drawing should not be folded, rolled or transported on the roof of a car or back of truck – all these activities lead to its rapid deterioration. If your group ends up with a drawing, please know that we disclaim all responsibility for its welfare and maintenance. Ben will not be able to stop by and fix it for you. 
As an alternative, shortly we will be offering huge prints on nylon canvas. They will be reasonably priced and offer years of longevity.
Q. We are working with a limited budget, what are our options?
A. You can collaborate with other schools or educator groups in your community and split my fee or you can book me when I’m already in your area (ie. within 60 miles if flying and enroute if driving) and receive a discount. Your group can also apply for a grant or fundraise. If you have additional funds to purchase education materials, bulk buying some of my materials can also help pay for him to come out and speak.
Q. Where are you based?
A. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana
Q. Will you come and perform at my birthday party?
A. I do not do any private functions like birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc. I’m flattered you though of me, but no.
Q. Can we video/audio record your presentation and sell it afterwards?
A. My presentation can be recorded with written permission from our office, but only for non-commercial/non-distributory purposes. You cannot sell or make multiple copies of the recording and give them out. If a recording is done, you will need to provide our office with a copy for our records.
Q. Can you teach me how to do Chalk Art?
A. I’ve taught some seminars in the past, but unfortunately the demands of my busy schedule do not allow for it at this time.
Q. I want to order an original chalk painting or have a mural painted, do you ever do commissions?
A. Yes! Click HERE for more information.
