Ready to Step it UP

[Fitzwilly]

Pickles - What resources are you using right now to learn? You have the balloons and a pump but my question really is: Are you trying to come up with new animals by yourself or are you using books, DVDs and the internet for instructions and inspiration? And if so which ones? Also, when you take out your supplies and start to play, how long do you practice? Do you practice items you already know and are comfortable with? If so, then I think you would be better off working on new items. As you get better by doing the new you will get faster and better at the old as a side benefit.

[Finito]

Pickles, get yourself Don Caldwell's DVD's... worth every penny!

I also own a Filbert pump - terrific gadget! Wouldn't be without it for parties!

Can't recommend these strongly enough.

[Pickles]

Fitz: To answer your questions:

Since I started this thread, I checked out 9 or 10 books on balloon sculpture from the library and went thru all of them, placing Post-it flags on creations I wanted to try. I've actually sat down once (I know, I know) for a couple hours and tried some new ones.

I understand this is what I need to do on a regular basis. Obviously, if I want to get better I need to make more of an effort. Realistically, I'm thinking maybe several ballloon sessions a week? That's what I'll try, and I'll let you know how it goes. Milo, I do like your idea of doing something every day.

If you don't hear from me, please nag!! I have the potential to be a lazy clown.

[milo]

The best thing you can do is to look on the internet and find a really good modeller in your area then contact him/her and offer to pay for a training session, also, try to get along to as many balloon conventions as you can. You really will learn lots of things fast and it will give you that push to spend more time practicing. I know it means spending out a little but you will get so much more from one to one rather than watching a DVD.

Remember, anything you make in practice that turns out well should be given away with a business card as it’s great for advertising.

[contrachapado]

What are Sempertex balloons like, and where do you buy them?

[milo]

Oh – I assumed they were a US brand and that Graham was the UK distributor, but it looks like he is THE distributor and ships worldwide!

www.sempertexballoons.co.uk


I guess it might be easier for you to stick with Qualitex, but if you do try Sempertex you will find they are longer and stronger.

[Rainbow D. Clown]

Hey Pickles! Haven't talked to you in a while, so, sorry about that. My best advice for getting better is to force yourself into a situation where you have to and/or get practice. The best way to do that is get a job! A regular one prefferably, like at a restaurant, a library, or some other regular gig. This will not only help you market yourself, but it will give you tons of practice time. Pick a few designs you wanted to work on, and execute them when you have the opportunity to "surprise" your guests with a cool balloon creation. Use the power of suggestion so you can work on new things. Once one has been made and is visual, you are sure to get more requests for it. Now you get to do it again, and you can work on your speed. If you volunteer, that's good, but, you might even get a paid gig out of it. This is one of the first steps into do this full time. If you want more help on finding the right placement for you, let me know and I'll help you with that too.

Well, I made it to Killeen, Texas today. Tomorrow I have a birthday party and TGI Friday's to work. I'm excited to be back! Sorry I missed the chat last night.

[Fitzwilly]

In the United States the Sempertex Company uses the name Betallatex. You can get them from many balloon retailers.

T. Myers Magic - Welcome
LaRocks Fun and Magic Outlet
Ballons To You

Those are just a sampling of options.

[Fitzwilly]

Pickles - If you do think about Don's DVDs then I would stick to the earlier ones. On the last couple he still has fantastic stuff but he is using more and more specialty balloons and he doesn't seem to be enjoying the taping theway he used to.
A fantastic DVD that is 3 or 4 hours (so long they used two disks) is by Gilbert Adams. I don't remember the name right now but it runs about $40 and it is packed with useful hats and other tidbits.

One thing to remember is that once you can create an effect store that knowledge in your mind. A three bubble roll through has all kinds of uses, as does the simple act of bending a balloon to add shape. This will help you as you try to create something new on the spot with 50 kids waiting in line behind the culprit.

[Finito]

I gotta agree with Fitzwilly regarding Caldwell's videos in that as time goes on, Don uses an incredible number of specialty balloons. Unless you've got a balloon warehouse somewhere in your house, it can be a real challenge to keep up with him.

Fitz, "The Work of Balloon Artist Gilbert Adams," is the title of the DVD. Creative guy, you'd think he'd come up with something with a little more flair! Hahahaha!