My career in Balloons started in 1995. I was a Supermarket Manager at the time and I was looking for a new outlet for my talents. I was interested in Magic and had done some face painting and balloon modelling. In 1995 I gave up my job and became a full time entertainer.

The real turning point for me was the 1996 Christmas and Party Show at Olympia in London. This was my first visit to a trade show and I was totally thrilled by the exhibits in the Balloon Competitions, thrilled and inspired to learn more. I went home and practiced all I could. I had no formal training but I was convinced I could be at the top level in Balloon Artistry.

Me and Pudsey Bear

One of my many workshops, this one in Japan

In 1997 I entered the competitions at the Party Show held at the NEC, Birmingham. I was awarded two Firsts in the Non-Round and the Logo categories and a Second in the Giant Sculpture. I was awarded Balloon Decorator of the Year in my first year of serious competition.

This had enormous impact on my Balloon career. My confidence increased and I received a lot of exposure in the press and local TV. I also obtained a lot more corporate commissions and other work.

My first experience with teaching was at 1998 Party Show where I ran a Beginners Workshop in Balloon Twisting. I really enjoyed the teaching side of the job and I felt I had a flair for it. I set out to develop my teaching skills mainly through the Magic Societies and the Magic Circle in London.

In 1999 I won Decorator of the Year again at the Party Show. After this success I was asked to join the committee of NABAS.

I was very busy with corporate work and teaching and I was always being asked where people could get more books or other help with their Twisting. This led me to produce my range of video’s. There are now 9 titles in all.

In 2000 I was asked to run courses for Pioneer Balloons. I obtained my Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) that year and became a Qualatex approved instructor. I entered the competitions in IBAC in 2001 held at Chicago, USA. I won 3 first places and one third place and was named Entertainer of the Year. This made my name internationally and brought in work and teaching opportunities all over the world.

An X-Wing Starship

In 2002 at the Millennium Jam in Belgium I was named European Entertainer of the Year. All this exposure was good for sales of my video’s and all 9 titles were translated into Japanese in 2003. They have since been updated and are now available on DVD.

I have really enjoyed my career in Balloons and I hope I have inspired you to do more. All you need to get started, or to further your Twisting skills, is available from my shop on this site.