Most Frequently Asked Questions about Balloon Twisting.
Balloon Twisting FAQ
Q. What type of balloons are best to making balloon animals?
A. There are many types of balloons and name brands out there that you can purchase. However, as a professional balloon twister you really want to stay away from the cheap balloons that you would normally find at the supermarket or childrens store. You want to find yourself a good balloon twisting supplies store where you can purchase high quality balloons at wholesale value.
The most common balloons you can buy are the 260 and the 160. The 260 is 2 inches in diameter and 60 inches in length while the 160 is 1 inch in diameter and 60 in length. These come in all colors and designs and are the must have balloons of all professional twisters.
As for name brands, you want to stick to Qualatex and Betallic for they are the most popular and durable balloons in the market today. They have been used by balloon twisting artists for decades and are continually expanding their varieties.
Q. Should I invest in a balloon inflation device?
A. That is the question that plagues many people new to the world of balloon twisting. You see for decades, balloon artists of the past would look down on twisters who would use anything other than their lungs to inflate their balloons. It was thought as unprofessional and unethical for a person to consider him or herself a professional balloon twister if he had to use another source of air.
Luckily, times have changed. We live in a world where health and safety is of number one concern. There are many parents who will refuse to accept a balloon animal after the twister put all of his germs on it while inflating it. As a matter of fact, the twisters themselves do not feel comfortable handing kids a balloon that they had in their mouths. Not to mention all the germs that can spread if the balloon where to pop infront of a child's face. Speaking of popping balloons, I'm sure you wouldn't want your own balloon to explode in your face while blowing up would you? This could cause damage to your eyes mouth and ears. Therefore, the use of an alternate source of air is practiced more and more today.
Another reason why using an air compressor or air pump to inflate balloons is encouraged is because usually a child will want to inflate their own balloons after watching the twister do it for them. Us balloon artists do not want to encourage a child to stick a balloon in their mouth for safety precautions. Small balloons may cause a choking hazard amongs children and we'd rather keep our kids safely away from these situations.
Q. Can you learn how to make balloon animals from a book or video?
A. From my personal experience, I feel that the only way to learn how to make balloon animals is through a visual medium. I learned hands on from a professional balloon twister by coming to his booth and observing his techniques and trying them at home. He would also show me how personally if I had any questions or difficulty.
With a balloon animals book, you have to depend on the pictures and diagrams. This usually is not the best way to learn because drawings can be misinterpreted and since they are not amimated, you cannot completely notice the techniques involved.
The next best way to learn how to make balloon animals is by getting yourself a really good balloon twisting video where you can visually see the balloon artist making the balloons. With a video, you can pause and rewind the movie over and over again until you fully grasp the concept. Also in a balloon twisting video, the camera zooms into where you can get a closer look at the techniques involved in the procedure. I own a fantastic balloon twisting video that helped me elevate my creativity and skill in my career. You can learn more about this
balloon twisting video here.
Q. How difficult is it to learn how to make balloon models?
A. Making balloon animals and models can be quite difficult to the inexperienced practitioner. At first glimpse it looks easy but go ahead and try it at home. I guarantee that if you do not have the proper balloons to inflate, or the subtle technique required, you will end up with a blown up balloon in your face. As a matter of fact, I would advise you not to experiment at all if you do not have the proper balloon twisting supplies such as a 260 or 160 balloon from a respected company such as Qualatex or Betallic. It is also in your best interest to get yourself a really good balloon twisting video so that you can learn all the basic fundamental skills of balloon twisting and get the most out of your hobby or career in balloon artistry.