Mickey Balloonman: The Art of Balloonary
 | About MickeyHey yo, everybody! Welcome to my website. I, Mickey Balloonman, your host, will tell something about myself. I have been twisting balloons since 1997, beginning with the basic animals, before I took the knowledge of twisting to a higher level a few years later and in years since then. In September 24, 2004, I started creating, producing, and hosting an instructional series from RVTV Public Access, better known today as "The Mickey Balloonman Show" where I teach how to make balloon figures. This show is still running to this day. I also made several guest appearances on RVTV (Val Lure Show, Half Hour of Power, Passion, etc.). Also, my series is a five-time Community Access Televsion award winner, for Instructional Series of the Year. Aside from being the star/host, I also entertain people in the community (in the Southern Oregon region), especially for "the young and the young at heart" at community events, birthday parties, etc. I even do farmer's markets (both in Ashland and Medford) on Tuesdays and Thursday during market season (mid-March through November). |
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):
#1. Did you go to school to twist balloons?
No, I'm actually self-taught, beginning with a VHS tape, followed by books and DVDs, plus the Internet among other sources. Also, I watched a balloon guy in Medford doing multiple-balloon sculptures and learned to do them on my own.
#2. Where do you get your balloons?
I order them from a webiste called tmyers.com. They come from "T. Myers Magic."
#3. How many balloon figures can you do?
Not a specific number comes to mind, after creating tons of things with balloons. But as a twister/artist, I can do hundreds of different figures, including holiday sculptures.
#4. How did the interest in balloon twisting come about?
I was introduced to it in a magic shop in Hollywood (by my dad) and was asked if I'd be interested in balloon twisting, and I replied, "Sure, I'll give it a try." So we got the VHS tape, a bag of balloons, and a hand pump, we went home, I played the tape and I first learned how to do the basic dog. When I did it for the first time, I was ecstatic, and I continued twisting 'til this day.
#5. How long have you done balloon twisting?
I have been twisting since 1997.
#6. Do you do birthday parties and stuff?
Yes, I am available for those, as am I for community events, children's fests, farmer's markets, and stuff.
#7. What is the most difficult balloon figure you can make?
Nothing comes to mind when it comes to making difficult figures, but one thing I cannot do is the super advanced sculpting (i.e. balloon dresses). Unless I was assisted by someone, this is beyond my level.
#8. What is your favorite balloon figure you can make?
One of my two top favorites I can make are the octopus and monkey on a palm tree (both which are on my menu that I use for my farmer's market gigs).
Testimonials
"On the Brain Labor Report for July 22, 2009 we talk with Michael D. Fox, AKA Mickey Balloonman about his work with Rogue Valley Community Television and the art of balloon animals" -from Audioport.org under "Brain Labor Report"
"For more information, go to www.roguetv.org." -Michael D. Fox
