August topic of the month - Set up

Started by Danny the Idiot, July 24, 2008, 01:54:03 PM

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YvonneH

#15
Quote from: "Graham Lee"I can see it while typing this but it has no year but does say Sat 31st Oct so if someone fancies playing detective that may narrow down the year.......

So that'll be 1992 then Graham unless of course it was 1987  ;)

The stand thing you have your busking bag on what exactly is that?  I am looking at getting a busking bag but would like something to attach it to that I can have freestanding (and mobile without carrying it about  ;) ) but retracts to go in the car and will still allow me access to the pockets on the outside.  I was thinking about getting a cheap suitcase and ripping the guts out of it ... do you think this would work?
Yx
<a href=\"mailto:yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk\">yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk</a>
http://www.loonyballoony.co.uk

Fuzzy

#16
For a stand for your Busking bag check out Playtime Balloons.

Fuzz

Fuzzy

#17
what do you pack in your bag?

Water-Fags (Good Excuse for a break....Just point to No Smoking signs and leave)-Mobile, Towel, £1 coins & £5 notes (float), Balloon kits, BUSINESS CARDS + Holder, Posters, Balloon Sticks, Fish Cutter, Pens, Lables

What balloons?

160s, 260s, 350s, Hearts, Smillies & Rounds, Printed Balloons ( Poo, Happy Feet, Pirate etc.)

How many colours?  
20 ish

What do you pack them in?
Plastic role on boxes (Bulk), Display Drawer box, Busking bag (large for workshops)

How often? What???

What pump?
Electric Home made.

Do you have a spare?
Yes

Do you have a balloon list of stuff you can do?
I make 2 of each of what I am selling and display them on my set up.

What else do you pack?
See first question.

How long to set up?
½ hour

Are you strolling or static?
Static

What other balloon equipment do you have?
Roll in table, stands

Whats the most useful bit'o kit?

Coin bags for putting the bounty in at the end.

Fuzz

Danny the Idiot

#18
what do you pack in your bag?

What balloons?
 260 160 360 640, rounds two sizes, alien heads, hearts

How many colours?
20

What do you pack them in?
double busking bag - but I'm getting a single one for less strain on my shoulder

How often?
every couple of weeks and I'm rearranging stuff to suit me.

What pump?
qualatex single action

Do you have a spare?
yes thanks

Do you have a balloon list of stuff you can do?
yes

What else do you pack?
retractable sharpies -four colours and white but its rubbish. Looking for new one. Sun cream, water, biz cards if appropriate,hand cream and a hand towel. Plus Costume.

How long to set up?
ready to go when I've changed into my costume

are you strolling or static?
both, but not at the same time!

What other balloon equipment do you have?
scissors, balloon cutter

Whats the most useful bit'o kit?
my smile and performance skill
Danny Schlesinger
Balloon Excellence Award Winner
https://dannytheidiot.com
https://www.CircoRidiculoso.com
Follow me on Twitter at @danny_the_idiot

Patrick

#19
What balloons?
Light setup for semi-movable gigs:  apron & toolbox
regular apron - 160's, 260's, selection of 350's & 646's, waterballoons, 5" rounds, larger rounds, hearts in White, Ivory White, Pink, Red, Blush, Mocha, chenille sticks and a few alien heads,

Toolbox – waterballoons, alienheads, more rounds, imprinted rounds, feathers, some gluedots, business cards, stickers of butterflies (that I put on balloonflowers)

Heavy setup for fixed gigs:
A suitcase I put up on a stand, combined with my toolbox (described above)

Suitcase with 3 aprons inside
regular apron: see above
2nd apron:  lots of 160's, unusual colours (like Magenta etc)
3rd apron: stuffed with 350's and 646's


How many colours?
The regular apron (see photo)
Row 1: ''Water'' and ''Girly''
Periwinkle 160/260/360, Blue, Robin's Egg, Pale Blue, Clear, 16o roll (White, Pale Blue, Blue)
160 roll (Pink, Rose, Lilac, Violet, Quartz Purple) with a few Magenta & Amethyst, Purples (Lilac, Quartz, Violet), Rose (with a few Fuchsia), Pink, White 350/646, White
Row 2: ''Technical'' and ''Fire''
Black, Grey, Silver, Black/Grey 350/646, Black/Grey 16o,
Yellow/Gold.Rod/Red 350, Red, Orange, Golden Rod, Yellow, Ivory Silk (with a few Satin Pearls)
Row 3: ''Floral'' and ''Earth''
Forest Green 160/260/360/660, Wintergreen/Tropical Teal, Green/Lime 160, Green 260/350, Lime Green 260/350, Gold/Burnt Sienna, Gold/Mocha646/Blush 646, Chocolate/Mocha/Blush 160, Chocolate Brown 260/350, Mocha 260, Blush 260, Blush/Mocha 646
[attachment=0:tdhvqq5x][/attachment]apron-sm.jpg[/attachment:tdhvqq5x]

This is my recent organized apron. I feel it needs a bit of clearing out again, but you'll get the idea.
You may note that I put the paint markers upside down in the apron, and write the colour (if that isn't obviously showing) on the bottom of the pen.

What pump?
Hand pump 260;s
Hand pump 160's
Floor pump

Do you have a spare?
Yes, an extra 260 pump and a 160 pump

Do you have a balloon list of stuff you can do?
Sometimes I make a short list of things I want to make. Most of the times I let it come out of the situation itself (ie t-shirt imprints and colours kids are wearing)

What else do you pack?
A suitcase with a small portable amplifier & headset. It also contains a towell and some quick snacks, extra box of business cards.

How long to set up?
From arriving at the gig 10-20 minutes, depending on the situation.

Are you strolling or static?
Both, I prefer static though.

Whats the most useful bit'o kit?
My comfortable trust in creativity on the spot.

Pam Pearce

#20
what do you pack in your bag?

What balloons? How many colours?
160's, 260's,350's, 5" rounds - all assorted colours - 5" aliens, spider webs, pirate skull, football print, (spiderman face if we have any left), 6" hearts (love mix & carnival mix), 6" geo's and everts caterpillar & rocket balloons

What do you pack them in? How often?
Got a busking bag from Graham and always have a box of spares in the van (never like to run out) top up for every gig

What pump? Do you have a spare?
Tom Myers hand pumps (bought them years ago and they just keep working) off course at least 3 more with me.  Paul prefers to use the IBS black ones

Do you have a balloon list of stuff you can do?
Yes I just real off the list and finish by saying or anything else?

What else do you pack?
Sharpies, fish cutter, qualatex insider tube for putting things in 260's, business cards, stickers, hand cream, baby wipes, water - and like Roger anti bacterial gel (I have noticed not just with kids & illnesses but even women dont seem to wash their hands anymore in the ladies.

How long to set up? Are you strolling or static?
Depends what we are doing - We do both mix & mingle and Childrens & Corporate parties with the disco - so set up can take no time ready on arrival for m/m as we travel in costume or about 15 minutes with the disco

What other balloon equipment do you have?
For twisting we also have bum bag battery pump - but I find it too heavy for m/m so only tend to use it at parties.
We also do decorating adn large sculptures so we have conwin duplicator 2 and Split second sizers (x2) and heidi's (x2) great if creating larger models to take with you or competition pieces and most other kit (more than often at least 2 of each item)associated with balloon decor and room dressing


Whats the most useful bit'o kit?
probably my hand pumps - when I get asked why I dont mouth inflate, my usual answer is """ and stop talking!!"" on the decor side my split second sizer with my yellow box of holes in second place

Graham Lee

#21
I was working with Crofty today,Coffee on the forum in High Wycombe & we decided to take pictures of us both set up for work. David first;
"Lets Improve Our Art"
Balloon Excellence 2012 Award Winner
For Services to the Balloon Community.
https://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk

Graham Lee

#22
And this is mine;
"Lets Improve Our Art"
Balloon Excellence 2012 Award Winner
For Services to the Balloon Community.
https://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk

Pam Pearce

#23
what ballons?

Forgot to add 5" smiley faces and google faces

Pam

Roger

#24
I must admit Graham even though your roll on table has had some stick, I would defiantly have some sort of table as bending down all day to get balloons out of a busking bag, like Crofty had to would do my back in. I have a light weight camping table that bakes down into a little bag that I would use in this sort of situation.

Perhaps it is I am just getting old  :cry:
When it comes to the day I arive at the pearly gates I hope to slide in sideways saying to st Peter WOW!!! what a ride.
http://www.iglobo.co.uk
http://www.twitter.com/@iglobouk

YvonneH

#25
Well I am planning on using my old face paint kit box.  It is a B&Q upright rolling job that I think I can plonk my busking bag (when I get it) on top and have all my spares and my apron still in the box.  I can also then keep all my possessions with me where I can see them too.
Yx
<a href=\"mailto:yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk\">yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk</a>
http://www.loonyballoony.co.uk

Graham Lee

#26
We were generally set up next to a seat so that David's balloon bags were resting on them so they were nice & handy. David's just moved two weeks ago & is hoping to get the internet connected shortly.

Yvonne,
The busking bag is sitting in a stand that is made by Nico Fric from Slovenia. I got it at The Millennium Jam a few years back.
Thanks for being the detective, 92! how the years go, sound a bit like my grand parents now :lol:
"Lets Improve Our Art"
Balloon Excellence 2012 Award Winner
For Services to the Balloon Community.
https://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk

Danny the Idiot

#27
More Questions!

Ok, so a good response for the original questions - here are some more to ponder.....

When to you pack your stuff for a gig?

When do you work out your route? How?

Do you check the weather? By what means?

Do you take a camera with you?

Do you assess how your gig went? By what means?

How often to re-order balloons?

Have you got PLI (Public Liability Insurance)?
Are you CRB checked?

Any questions I've missed or others you wish to ask?

best wishes
Danny
Danny Schlesinger
Balloon Excellence Award Winner
https://dannytheidiot.com
https://www.CircoRidiculoso.com
Follow me on Twitter at @danny_the_idiot

Billy Wiz

#28
When to you pack your stuff for a gig?
My bag / magic box is always packed and ready. I rarely take it out of the van.

When do you work out your route? How?
I only work out the route if it's long distance using either RAC.co.uk or just the SatNav


Do you check the weather? By what means?
Never.


Do you take a camera with you?
Sometimes, although I rarely use it, I keep meaning too but never do. :(

Do you assess how your gig went? By what means?

How often to re-order balloons?
About every three months, approx 10,000 at a time, although my last order was a real biggie.


Have you got PLI (Public Liability Insurance)?
YES!! I think anyone performing should have it. I use Equity


Are you CRB checked?
Yes, but not for the work we do, I'm police checked because we host children from Belarus and the charity which bring the children insist everyone has it

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
How do you finish a queue?
I have a bag of balloons nearby and when it's time to go, I give them to everyone in the queue and explain I have to be somewhere else for another show.


Do you use any music while performing?
I don't at the moment but would be interested to hear what others use. I'm thinking of having a very small speaker nearby with background music playing low which I think will also attract the crowds.


If performing for a long period, how often do you take a break and for how long?
I never take a break when it's busy, I find it difficult to stop, but if it's quite, I'll nip away to wash my hands or buy a coffee and take it back to my working area.


Do you have any advertising stand/banners next to you?
Not at the moment, but it's been on my list for ages and I keep forgeting about it. When I finish this post I'm going to start designing it and then buy one. :)


What do you wear when performing?
I wear smart balck trousers, white shirt with my logo embroidered on my arm with a bright red spotty waistcoat.


Do you take requests for balloons, or do you decide what youo're going to give the child?
It depends what mood I'm in, sometimes I'll ask what they want but most of the time, if it's not too busy, I decide and make something really eye catching to get the WOW factor.

seanmcd51

#29
what do you pack in your bag?
160, 260, 350, 646, 5" rounds, 6" hearts, 321's, princess faces, pirate skulls, Agates, Raffia, Scents, Bouncy balls, feathers, wooden dice, pre-stuffed alien heads, small asst of 16" rounds, flint flasher, flash cotton.
Lots of markers.

What balloons? How many colours?
I carry Qualatex and I have most of their 260 line and I think all of their 160/350/646 line. In my balloon case, I put a full bag of each color (to start with) then I replenish as needed.
5" Rounds: Red, Orange, Yellow, lime Green, dark green, light blue, dark blue, White, Black, Burnt Sienna, Gold, Stars-a-round, Clear, alien heads.
6" Hearts: Red, Orange, Yellow, lime Green, dark green, light blue, dark blue, White, Black, Blush, Ivory Silk, Mocha Brown, chocolate brown, Purple, Rose

Here's my checklist if it helps anyone: (excel's better if you have it, otherwise I have uploaded the PDF)
  http://www.imnotaclown.com/balloon_checklist.xls
  http://www.imnotaclown.com/balloon_checklist.pdf

What do you pack them in? How often?
I have an apron that I use for walk around stuff - twist-em-up
I have a scrap booking case that I use whenever I can: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/xxltotfromcr.html

What pump? Do you have a spare?
Qualatex pink and purple hand pump. no spare. It's only for the 160's. If it goes, oh well.

Do you have a balloon list of stuff you can do?
No.

What else do you pack?
scissors, Ipod, Ipod speakers, colapsable trash can (12" tall, 8" diameter), Scrap bag, TV table (two of them - one to put my case on, one to put my music and business cards on - and sometimes tip jar).
Color changing scarf, pack of cards, change bag, color changing coloring book.

How long to set up? Are you strolling or static?
1 minute. static if possible.

What other balloon equipment do you have?
I don't think any.

Whats the most useful bit'o kit?
scissors for clean up.

Here are the additional question answers:

When do you pack your stuff for a gig?
I go through my stuff the night before, I pack the car before I leave

When do you work out your route? How?
The night before, Google Maps.

Do you check the weather? By what means?
Yes, Weather.com

Do you take a camera with you?
Yes, I use it the best I can. I'm usually too busy to take photos.

How often to re-order balloons?
I'd say every month.

Have you got PLI (Public Liability Insurance)?
Yes

Are you CRB checked?
No.

How do you finish a queue?
I estimate how long the lines going to take and put out a Line-Ending vest I got from Uncle Curt from Virginia. It's safety yellow and says "LINE CLOSED" in english and spanish.

Do you use any music while performing?
Yes. Ipod on a doc with speakers. I have a twisting playlist. It's got a bunch of different music. Some kids stuff. But mostly just music I like. Not all upbeat either. I have some Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra on there as well as some faster tempo stuff.

If performing for a long period, how often do you take a break and for how long?
No Breaks.

Do you have any advertising stand/banners next to you?
I have a banner that I put out sometimes.

What do you wear when performing?
Business Casual. dress slacks, button down shirt - or a golf shirt.

Do you take requests for balloons, or do you decide what you're going to give the child?
Requests.