FAQ about the balloon twisting . . .
Q.How long have you been doing this? (balloon twisting)
I started back in the spring of 1995 practicing and learning, and in the summer of 1995 I got my first restaurant, Aurelio's Pizza in Oakbrook Terrace.
Q.What got you started?
Back in 1994 I was real sick. (My biography page will give you the long story.) As I worked at a Casino in 1995 getting my strength back, a balloon guy would come in every week and I would get a teddy bear from him. Finally got him to teach me the basics and learned from books, video tapes and watching other people.
Q.What's your favorite one to make?
I like to make a lot of different things! There really isn't one favorite. It's like children, they are all my favorites for one reason or other. Most of the time, my newest creation is my favorite!
Q.What's the HARDEST one to make?
I would have to say that the sculptures are the hardest because of the time involved and the hundreds of balloons involved. But, for the immediate answer, it's whatever they want! All of the creations are pretty much the same. The bigger difference is that I like to put locks into my designs.
Q.What do you mean by putting locks in the designs?
A lock is usually an extra twist or move to either slow down or keep the design from coming apart. It takes a little bit longer to make, but in the long run it's faster because I don't have to stop and put them back together again!
Q.Do you dress up like a clown?
NO! I have found that the make-up usually scares the kids. The closest I get is the picture at the top of the page or as the formal look with the vest and bowtie as in the banner.
Q.How many designs do you make?
Because we mentioned clowns, most clowns offer just a few designs = poodles and swords and the like. They work solely on performance not on balloon quality and variety. I work on having a quality product and I have over 300 different designs, but the number is ever growing. But it becomes exponentially over a 1000.
Q.How come so many designs?
I don't want to be and I don't want my customers to be bored by seeing the same design time and again! I have that age gone by ideal: Pride In My Work! My Product (balloons) are seen by all around them and if they are just run of the mill I won't get jobs out of it. I want only the best for my customers! That's why I have focused on having the best design possible. Let's face it, my balloons are my advertisement. "The better the product, the more the work!"
Q.What about working for Charities?
I like to make a point of working for charities, schools, communities and churches. But as you can imagine, I get requests to work for them all the time. Unfortunately, this is my business-my income and I can't give it away. Another problem is who do I choose, which one is more important than the other? I can't choose one over the other, so I decided that the only fair way is to give a $25.00 per hour discount to them. This way I can still work for as many as I can!
Q.What organizations do you belong to?
I belong to the QUALATEX Balloon Network (QBN)! The network is made up of Professional Balloon Artists. They are decorators and entertainers. The QBN has a website at www.Qualatex.com where you can consult them for decorators, sculptors, deliveries and entertainer balloon professionals to name a few.
Q.What a great design! Are you an artist?
I was a graphic artist for a trade association for almost 5 years. And I have been a closet cartoonist for a long time. I have had a comic strip published, I have designed greeting cards and have designed logos for several companies including my own!
Q.Do you draw on the balloons?
Not very often. I will add very little art to the balloon because if I did it right, you should be able to tell what it is without relying on the artwork. I do add eyes or some lines to some things because it makes it cuter. I strive to have the cutest designs that have the "awww factor".
Q.What is the "awww factor" ?
The "awe factor" is the result of the way I twist the balloon together that makes the people go "awe"! Some designs are just normal and some designs go the extra step like my designs!
Q.How many places have you worked?
I don't know an exact count, but, I have worked in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana for corporate and private parties and events. I have also been at the International Balloon Arts Convention at the Hyatt O'Hare Rosemont for 8 years since 1995. (Here in Chicagoland and taught for them in Las Vegas in 2000!) I have also taught in Belgium for Millennium Jam in 2000 and in 2001 as well as for the T.W.I.S.T.E.R. Club in the Netherlands! And in January 2005-2008 I taught for the Diamond Jam in Arizona! Even Twist and Shout in Massachussettes! One of the unique places was the VENThaven ConVENTion, where I was the FIRST Balloon artist ever to teach at the once a year exclusively Ventrloquist Convention in 2007!
Q.How can I get you for my party or event?
I would like to say that it is very easy! All you have to do is to e-mail me at mohrfun1@yahoo.com or phone me at 1-224-305-2200!
Q.Do you teach?
Yes! I have taught around the US, in Europe in the Netherlands, France and Belgium! The lessons can be private one on one or a group seminar teaching something simple or intricate, your choice. Learn the basics or learn how to make it a business.
You make the call. 224-305-2200!