The world of balloon entertainment, by Dale Obrochta
Holly Nagel 
Many folks know that Dale Obrochta, aka Magical Balloon-dude Dale, has been educating the world with balloons for years as an entertainer and as host and principal writer of several online sites like the MBD2 site, which includes a Forum, Store, Dale’s Blog, the MBD2 Article Section, and the Balloon Animal Database; a MySpace directory; … Read more
Barry Friedman, aka Barry Raspyni and one half of the entertainment duo the Raspyni Brothers, has been performing since the early 80’s. The Raspyni Brothers have appeared on national television more than 200 times, have toured as an opening act for dozens of celebrities like Tony Bennett, Robin Williams, Dennis Miller and Billy Crystal and … Read more
Canadian makeup artist and face and body painter Shannon Fennell has been quite prolific with the publication of her second book. “We’ve just released my book “The Business of Face Painting” and sales are brisk! I am working on the companion book right now “The Art of Face Painting” which we hope to release in … Read more
William Beatty started out as a teacher that took a clown hiatus for a few years only to come full circle and teach once again. After learning some basics from a clown back in 1982, he went out and bought some balloons and Jimmy Davis’ One Balloon Zoo. “I love twisting balloons. I learned magic, … Read more
“If you want to be treated like a high end business, you have to act like a high end business. When I am talking with a client, I talk about the results, not the ‘how we get there‘,” said Jolene Jang, meeting impact consultant and owner of Meeting Maximizer, aka Fun Specialist. “Many entertainers are … Read more
I like things to look like what they are supposed to be, so detail designs are where I am at,” said balloon sculptor Rick Mohr. “That is why I don‘t do a lot of speed twisting designs. Some, not a lot.” (see www.mohrfun.com ) He attributes his desire for detail in balloon work to his … Read more
James “Bizzaro” Robinson is not unfamiliar with the unusual. As an optical illusionist, based in Las Vegas, he pulls roses through his hand, gets attacked by snack foods and shoots fire out of his zipper. And he’s been making a living performing since he was 13, he said. (see his site at www.smappdooda.com ) Originally … Read more
Bunnell not only makes many hats, but she also wears many, as well. She is a balloon twister, clown, face painter, henna and airbrush tattoo artist, and producer of DVDs with her company, My Friend and I Productions. (www.myfriendandiproductions.com ) “I got started in balloon twisting when I saw someone at the Seattle Center twisting … Read more
Jason Vaughn, an owner of Higher Hope Entertainment in St. Louis, began entertaining as a balloon artist before he was 20. That was over six years ago. His entertainment services include not only balloons but storytelling and musical shows for children, as well. (See www.higherhopeentertainment.com ) His interest in balloons began when he was on … Read more
Having trained over 300 individuals to make full-time money with balloon art, Jonathan Fudge, aka “Mr. Fudge, Your Balloon Man,” said one of the things that motivate him is “being able to inspire others to start making a living doing something they truly love rather than the mundane and boring jobs that most people get … Read more