My Biggest Influences

A couple weeks ago, I was meeting with a potential client discussing their event over lunch. I learned everything about the event and the client's expectations for balloon entertainment. He then asked me about my balloon business. Why did I start? Who were my influences? That go me to thinking about the people and events that have shaped my balloon career.

I started making balloons about ten years ago when I wanted to be the "cool uncle" to my nephew, Cody. I was in a book store when I found "Captain Visual's Big Book of Balloons". This book taught me how to inflate a balloon, how much to inflate, how to tie a knot, how to twist and fold and pinch. It turns out that buying the Big Book of Balloons was the first of many very important events in my first decade of balloon entertainment.

The single most important and longest lasting influence has been Balloon HQ. This website was launch by Larry Moss, (more on him later), as a way to bring together balloon artists from around the world using a relatively new invention: the Internet. I read BHQ multiple times every day. I enjoy the pictures and the comments and the articles. Visit the website to be blown away! Through Balloon HQ, I discovered many people and events that have continued to inspire me over the years.

Ken Stillman - The first famous balloon twister I ever met. He is the nicest person in the world and has invented some of the greatest balloon techniques ever, not the least of which is the Hitchhiker Hat. Ken's original works include the 7-Stem Balloon Bouquet, Hitchhiker Hats, Cartoon Balloon Encyclopedia, Super Heroes and Fantasy Princesses. Ken's work is not about a single creation but rather a system that incorporates a base design that can be adapted to dozens of possibilities. Ken has always opened my eyes to the possibilities of balloons and entertainment.

Mark Verge - Even though he is Canadian, Mark has influenced the way I see balloon sculptures. He was one of the first artists to use larger balloons. While we were playing with 260's, Mark was building bigger stuff out of 350's. When many people began experimenting with three-inch balloons, Mark was already a master with 646 and 660 sizes. His unique view of the art has inspired me to re-think, re-examine and re-build.

Twist & Shout - My introduction to balloon conventions was the first Twist & Shout in 2000. A couple hundred balloon twisters from around the world crammed into a hotel north of Boston, MA. I don't think I was able to breath for the three days I was there. I attend Twist & Shout every year and I'm never disappointed. I learn about balloons, business, marketing, showmanship, entertaining and I get to reacquaint with some really great friends.

Larry Moss - I am proud to know Larry. One of the most innovative, creative, entertaining, intelligent and awe-inspiring members of the balloon community. If you have inflated a balloon, you owe something to Larry. You can see Larry's skill in the world's largest balloon sculpture, the first piloted flying latex sculpture and the all-balloon larger-than-life Balloon Manor. I am honored and thrilled to be a member of the Balloon Manor crew.

Balloon Manor - Speaking of Balloon Manor; I was a crew member on the very first Balloon Manor in 2004. This experience was the greatest single balloon adventure of my life. We were young! We were inspired! We created from our imaginations! We were wild and crazy! The subsequent Balloon Manors have been fantastic and awesome. The future Balloon Manors will continue to grow and be bigger than previous versions. Of everything I have done and will do with this art form, the first balloon haunted house will always hold a special place in my heart.

John & Johnna Perry - They invited me to my first balloon jam and talked me into entering my first balloon sculpture contest. I WON! (I still have the balloon-print coffee mug.) John and I once worked an event together, side-by-side. It was at that moment that I realized the definition of symbioses. John & Johnna have been fantastic friends, wonderful inspirations, great information sources, excellent roommates, conduits to the famous and owners of cool cars.


Over the years, I have met and worked with many talented artists; Ralph D, David G, Jill S, Randy J, Royal, Pat D, Stretch, Don C, Laura D/C, Suzanne L, Donna W, Bob K, Suzanne H, Brian A, Connie I-M and too many others to list. I have been to conventions, balloon jams, classes and seminars. I have twisted balloons side-by-side with hundreds of twisters. I can safely say that each encounter has added something to my life's repertoire. I appreciate every opportunity to interact with other balloon-mind folk. This community is the most sharing, caring group I can imagine. If I've ever met you: Thanks, you have touched and influenced me. If not, we should get together and twist!



Thad James
SAMMY J Balloon Creations