Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => The "Star" Interview => Topic started by: Graham Lee on April 06, 2008, 04:14:33 PM
Mark Byrne has kindly decided to put his head in the line of fire so that we can ask him some questions,
just sorting out a good time for him to join us. In the meantime his details are,
http://balloonguy.net/ (http://balloonguy.net/)
His DVD Bad to the Balloon vol 1 is excellent with loads of good & usuable models.
Graham Lee
Mark "the Balloon Guy" Byrne
Mark "the Balloon Guy" Byrne was named "Most Original Performer" by International Brotherhood of Magicians. See why 1500 of his peers gave him this honor! He is one of Florida's most award winning magician. Most recently placing 2nd at Diamond Jam 2008 in the International Stage Competition. Mark is also a world class balloon twister, not your ordinary poodle and sword guy, he is "The Balloon Guy". He has traveled as far as Shanghai, Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nassau, Seattle, Dallas, New York, & Miami with unique style of comedy, magic & balloons. Performing on comedy club stages, international clown festivals, numerous tradeshows, conventions, weekly restaurants and yes, even little Billy Tucker's 4th birthday party.
His best creations are Outrageous hats that bring out people's inner child. His DVDs, Bad to the Balloon series Issue #1 (Poolside Favorites) & #2 (Animal House) have sold all over the world from Singapore to New Zealand. Currently over 15,000 hits on youtube.com with the song parody of "Bad to the Balloon" and short Dark Comedy Melodrama "Dog Gone". Marks future plans are building his own restaurant chain and world domination.
Don't forget his 2nd dvd is not bad to
Hi Mark thank you for agreeing to take part, I love bad to the balloon 1 & 2 I use the monkey most times now.
How long have you been twisting & and what got you started?
Also what advice would you give to someone just starting out or wanting to increase their business?
Hi Mark.
What is your favourite model to make and why ?
Hi Mark - thanks for the interview.
Do you prefer making smaller or larger models and do you use weaving much?
What kind of work do you do mostly - parties? Corporate? etc
Hi Mark,
Welcome !
When are you coming over to Europe so I can buy you those beers?
When is BTTB3 coming out?
Thanks
danny the idiot (we have conversed through the Magic Cafe)
"Hi Mark thank you for agreeing to take part, I love bad to the balloon 1 & 2 I use the monkey most times now.
How long have you been twisting & and what got you started?
Also what advice would you give to someone just starting out or wanting to increase their business?"
Thank you to all for such a welcoming response! My kids thank you for buying Daddy's DVDs!!
Gosh it seems so foggy.... I think I was 28 years old before I picked up my first balloon. I was working as a bartender at a beach bar. I would go to the local magic store and buy tricks to entertain the clientele. The owner of the shop became my mentor. "Windy" Russell Douton and his wife Sunny (Windy & Sunny ... get it?) Windy held some of the first Guinness Book of records on balloon animals. Most in four hours, most in a minute and quickest balloon animal 3e second dog!
That would make 22 years of twisting for me!! For many years I pride myself on being able to make any animal out of one balloon. Then I went to a T Meyers lecture at Southeastern Clown Association was opened up the wonder of balloon hats. the hats opened a brand new world of possibilities. I have an art background. I went to Parson's School of Art & Design in New York City.
The best advice for increasing your business is to be seen. That is why I do restaurants. I have the opportunity to meet and demonstrate my ability at least 5 times per week.
If your just starting out, I would suggest going to a major event like Twist & Shout, Diamond Jam or Millennium Jam. there is nothing like emerging yourself into an art. I did the same thing when I was was in NYC. I went to every museum I could. If you can't afford that BalloonHQ or Balloonchat are awesome resources. View photos, chat with others. Then again I think my DVDs are quite the bargain too!!! : )
Quote from: "cashmagic"Don't forget his 2nd dvd is not bad to
Thank you Cashy!!
thank you Graham for such a warm welcome.
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"Hi Mark.
What is your favourite model to make and why ?
Wow I really got in trouble for answering this on on BalloonHQ!!!
My answer was my wife!!! Silly Americans all got into a huff about it. BTW if you all don't know it.... my parents are English born and I was made in England, but born in America.
Yes I have been there several times and have alot of family in the UK. I just haven't been there in 20 years.
Favorite model that was the real question wasn't it? My Dragon is simple yet has a very distinct look. I believe It is the first sculpture on a DVD to use the Lasso twist. Also I am pretty proud of the Dolphin hat too. Simple yet very dynamic sculpture.
funny thing about the dolphin hat ... an friend of mine Stevie Dee of Sarasota had the basic structure of the hat and didn't know what to do with it. He called it a Virgin Detector and had two poke thru balloons coming out the front. I suggested he turn it around and turn it into a fish instead. He said Nawww....
Quote from: "bickers"Hi Mark - thanks for the interview.
Do you prefer making smaller or larger models and do you use weaving much?
What kind of work do you do mostly - parties? Corporate? etc
I like to work fast a part of my entertainment factor. My hats are usually 2 minutes or less to create occasionally I will stretch it to 5 minutes, but it is rare.
I like to capture the essences of the sculpture, my inspirations comes from children's swim rings ... let me explain. In the States we have many character licenses for cartoons and figures often the cartoon du-jour is made into a child's swim ring.
Example my Elephant is only the nose, ears and eyes. The Horse is a head and tail only. The Motorcycle is the front wheel and handle bars... get it? :?
I do mostly hats ... my reasoning is this. I don't have to fix them often. A small sculpture will be torn apart by a child seconds after receiving it, however a hat is clothing and most of us are taught to respect our clothes. also if a balloon pops I will usually ask if it was on their head or not. Most times not. Well if you wore it it won't pop.
Hats make an event!!! nothing like going to an event and everyone is wearing silly hats. It adds color and motion to the festivities.
Recently I started doing more weaving. Mainly because of my trip to Shanghai, China. We put on the first Balloon Fashion Show in Shanghai.
You can see my recent dresses here: http://markbyrne.balloonhq.com/ (http://markbyrne.balloonhq.com/) :shock:
As to the type of work I do ... I have multiple disciplines, I am a magician specializing in Close-up and stage. I do Strolling and stage balloon shows. One program we created is a story show for schools called "Inflatable Fables" we tell Aesop fables (modified) and use the words of character the school system wants told. I do this with a comedian friend of mine, Lou Anglewolf. I did Stand-up comedy for over 9 years as a traveling comic.
I bill myself as a corporate and family entertainer.... I never call my self a children's entertainer .... it brings down your price :o i do many private parties, corporate events, festivals, and restaurants. Schools, daycares, old folk homes, grand openings, weddings and even a funeral and a Bris. I have a pretty tight set for Birthday parties.
http://web.mac.com/markballoonguy/Ballo ... Shows.html (http://web.mac.com/markballoonguy/Balloonguy.net/Family_Shows.html)
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Hi Mark,
Welcome !
When are you coming over to Europe so I can buy you those beers?
When is BTTB3 coming out?
Thanks
danny the idiot (we have conversed through the Magic Cafe)
Hello Danny!!
Still trying to figure a way to get over there..... maybe if someone would sponsor my tour????
So what has been your best and worst moments in twisting?
Hello mark nice to see you here will you be staying around after the 27th? we are a nice bunch
and who do you admire in ballooning
Mark,
After all these years of entertaining & twisting with balloons :lol:
What still excites you about our great world of latex :?:
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Dave"So what has been your best and worst moments in twisting?
Some of my best moments:
Working in China, Being part of the balloon Fashion show, teaching at Twist & Shout, winning 2nd place at Diamond Jam, seeing my daughters take and interest in what I do & them twisting their first balloons, having my daughter Sabrina show ME a new technique.
Worst moments:
Making a balloon motorcycle for a 10 year old boy who died of cancer ( I had to set it up at the funeral), Being threatened by jerks who don't understand the line is over, losing all my restaurants but one on 9/11, getting snapped in the eye with a balloon.
Quote from: "cashmagic"Hello mark nice to see you here will you be staying around after the 27th? we are a nice bunch
and who do you admire in ballooning
I may hang out for a bit..... I currently am a regular poster on BHQ, The Magic Cafe, now if I can just figure out how to get my avatar on here!!
Who do I admire?
Michael Gjerek, Niko Fric, Rie Hosokai, no idea who these people are but I love there work: http://balloon-rio.or.tv/baofan/bmltop/bmltop.html (http://balloon-rio.or.tv/baofan/bmltop/bmltop.html), There are many more, but I try to look at the creativity of each of these artists. I find these ones some of the most creative and unusual
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Mark,
After all these years of entertaining & twisting with balloons :lol:
What still excites you about our great world of latex :?:
Graham Lee
What excites me lately is the ability to teach. I have done fairly well for a guy with a great set of lungs and a handful of balloons. Now I can share my knowledge with others. I see there is a gap in the the hobbyist and the professional, I hope to be able to close that gap some.
This same gap is in the magic world too.
Some of the new products and colors are fun. I like the new 321's quite a bit. At World Clown Convention in Orlando I presented my new lecture on imprint balloons called "Impressive Imprints". Imprints are a neat way to speed your line along. By using them you cut the need to draw on balloons.
I am looking to incorporate more balloons into my magic show too. I really like the "alternate reality" angle with balloons, in other words making realistic objects out of balloons and putting them in ordinary situations.
IDEA: Imagine a milk in light-bulb types of trick except instead it is a Fluorescent light tube that is lit. you remove it and twist it into something.
Mark how a you getting on with BTTB3?
Is it going to be the same format as the other two?
Have you started filming?
Edited?
Launch date?
Can I buy one now?
Danny
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Mark how a you getting on with BTTB3?
Is it going to be the same format as the other two?
Have you started filming?
Edited?
Launch date?
Can I buy one now?
Danny
BTTB#3 (((Sigh)))
I am at a cross roads with this ... many have asked for it. However I am currently sitting on 400 units of #1. I really need to turn over. I am almost out of #2 stock because we self produced those units. We found it cheaper to buy a print and burn unit.
My producer is not happy with me lately. I over promised what I thought was going to be slam out of the park sales of DVDs. My first disappointment was T&S in Nashville. I expected to sell 300 we sold 35.
My main problem is funding. I need to pay off my producer and own the rights to my own DVD.
#3 is 75% done and ready, but my producer is not motivated to finish it. We have a days shooting left to do. The other problem I face is continuity..... I lost 40 lbs since I filmed the last time. How do I explain the incredible shrinking man?
I would like to keep the format the same. BTTB is my moniker. Unlike other DVDs I like to create a strong brand recognition. My goal is to have at least 5-6 DVDs with the Bad to the balloon name with subtitles "poolside favorites" "Animal house"
Working title for #3 is "Holiday edition"
I am wary of doing a presale till I have a better grip on financing. I actually called a movie company to see if they would bankroll me... no word yet.
I am also considering an other producer and doing "The Balloon Guy Reloaded" We will see...
I have a question for all of you!!!
What is your biggest challenges with ballooning?
Carrying your load?
Unusual requests?
Audience management?
For me it's unusual requests - although as I gain experience I'm more willing to accept a challenge and usually I can turn the attempt into a bit of a mini-show... will he? won't he? which version looks the most like a Martian dolphin?
Marketing! and sometimes the unusual requests, ie: can I have my money back lol.
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"I have a question for all of you!!!
Ha Ha I see a cunning plan, you want to Interview us now :lol:
My biggest challenge which I dont take up is when I'm asked to make something that I've not made before.
Two things;
1, It slows you down if busy having to work it out.
2, I cant entertain & make something new all at once. Mind you I struggle to make something new at the best of times, let alone when the audiance are all eye's watching me.
The prototype always looks better when it's been made a few more times.
Mind you then it's not the prototype :)
Hopefully with all the choice they have I can keep them happy.
I always feel envious of those that come with a graphic design background as yourself into the modelling world.
On a side note what are your thoughts on Kevin Larson & the talk on Balloon hq.
Has he employed you for his event? Are you happy with him using your pictures.
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"I have a question for all of you!!!
What is your biggest challenges with ballooning?
Carrying your load?
Unusual requests?
Audience management?
Q1 = Finding new stuff and getting out there trying to get new work
Q2 = I carry my balloons in a case see pic this works well for me it can carry over 2000 balloons and last me all day on hot days i can put ice packs over it to keep them cool
Q3 = If i cant do it i say i havent got them balloons or if i have time i will give it a go but tell them its the first time making it
Q4 = I tell them to shut up get in line and smile :lol:
(//http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/cashmagicballoons/setup.jpg)
Quote from: "Smiggle"For me it's unusual requests - although as I gain experience I'm more willing to accept a challenge and usually I can turn the attempt into a bit of a mini-show... will he? won't he? which version looks the most like a Martian dolphin?
For me when challenged by unusual request I tackle it one of two ways. By Shape and humor.
The example of a martin dolphin ... that would be easy. Think Marvin the Martian's dog K-9, he is green. Hence a green dolphin... maybe a pair of antennas too. :mrgreen: There is a dolphin on Bad to the balloon number one. two balloons only!!
A humor example is this: Hedgehog!! I make a green square and insert a pink pig into the hole of the square, walla HEDGE-hog. Another popular weird request Eiffel tower .... I make the tower hat (BTTB#1) and add an eye ball print to the top EYEful tower!!
Humor can be broken down many ways. A malapropism is the incorrect use of a word by substituting a similar-sounding word with different meaning. say you have group of adults asking for balloons and someone asks for Betty Boop. (No kids around!) I'll make a pair of boobs on a hat. Oh I thought you said betty's boobs!
Using shapes ... think of what the object is and use your existing knowledge of shape to render the figure. Example if a kid asks for a snowman well it is three balls of varied sizes. Make three lootle style heads and stack them. run a stick up the middle to join them.
Quote from: "Dave"Marketing! and sometimes the unusual requests, ie: can I have my money back lol.
My greatest marketing tool is my restaurant work. I don't know the UK market and my cousin are constantly telling me no-one goes out to eat in England, because it is too expensive. then again my family might just be peasants!! (Monte Python type)
Here in the states the trend is that the average american family eats out 3-4 times a week. a more recent poll says it is more "green" to eat out rather than cook your own food. Well that is some spin.
Here I have a large tourist market, but I also do "regular local" restaurants too. Restaurants create a buzz for your work. Also people who can afford your services are usually too busy to cook. they have disposable income.
Restaurants are a great place to be bad. (Michael Ammar term) which means a way to work your material.
Currently I have 5 engagements per week... I have had as many as 11 per week. Before you ask 7 nights a week, a Saturday & sunday morning restaurant and two floater days that I would alternate with other twisters (my wife and friends). I really don't want to work that hard any more, but time wise it was only 27 hours per week.... where can you get a real job that pays that well. (about $30 - $70 per hour including tips)
In my lecture you want fries with that I use a powerpoint presentation to illustrate this concept. And NO, I GET PAID BY THE RESTAURANT AND DON'T DO IT FOR TIPS ONLY. Nor am I recruiting others to do this. that is that other guy!!
One last bit on marketing,many cry "If I am booked to work a restaurant how can I book the good money deals?" Network my friend. I feel single handedly I have raised the price of magic and ballooning in my area by being busy. For many a year the price for a twister or magician was $50-$75 per hour. By being in restaurants I give the impression I am busy. If someone asks if I do private parties, Sure this is my rate.
Wow you are higher than So & so why? Because I have to put a substitute in my other gig to come to you. I am not going to go work for less money, would you?
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"I have a question for all of you!!!
Ha Ha I see a cunning plan, you want to Interview us now :lol:
<<<SNIP>>
On a side note what are your thoughts on Kevin Larson & the talk on Balloon hq.
Has he employed you for his event? Are you happy with him using your pictures.
Graham Lee
Well if you don't stir the fire the ember die....
As for Kevin Larson I will not comment till after the event is over .... trust me I am working on it. There is a lot of people helping me on this. And you maybe surprised how it is handled. Nuf sed!
My biggest challenge would be requests.
I keep on being asked for chainsaws etc but thats what it makes it intresting as for me there has to be an element of excitment otherwise it gets dull pretty fast as for the U.K I feel the work is out there but you have to show restaurants etc how good you are.
A questions for you.
What style of apron do you use ? and whats the smallest balloon model you make?
and you mentioned magic do you perform any effect currently using balloons?
Dean
Quote from: "Dean Spruce"My biggest challenge would be requests.
I keep on being asked for chainsaws etc but thats what it makes it intresting as for me there has to be an element of excitment otherwise it gets dull pretty fast as for the U.K I feel the work is out there but you have to show restaurants etc how good you are.
A questions for you.
What style of apron do you use ? and whats the smallest balloon model you make?
and you mentioned magic do you perform any effect currently using balloons?
Dean
The BDS (Balloon Delivery System) I use is of my own design. I wear a professional nailer's pouch on one hip and a Balloon pump holder on the other with a waiter's pouch too. I carry about 400-500 balloons at a time. To see my set up go here:
http://markbyrne.balloonhq.com/index.ph ... y=&page=11 (http://markbyrne.balloonhq.com/index.php?portid=9834&perpage=15&category=&page=11)
The smallest balloon I do is a ring. I do Twistina's 350 rose under glass ring.
My opening routine I do in all my magic shows is a variation of Phil Goldstein/Jeff McBride's Inflation. It is on one of Jeff's tapes. Recently I got to do this routine in front of Jeff McBride and the whole Twist & Shout convention. Jeff gave me quite a compliment saying I did the routine much better than he did.... in fact he asked me to stand up and teach it in his class.It was quite an honor.
Basic scenario of the routine: I tip my bowler hat and a balloon is now stuck in my hat. I cut it out of my hat and try to blow it up, too hard. with a touch of a finger a bubble of air appears in the center. It then turns into a ball manipulation act. Then it becomes balls from mouth. I eventually blow up the balloon and walk through the balloon. After some more bits of business I turn it into a flower for an audience member.
I have had a few inquiries about my DVDs and other products. I have several items in Stock. Shipping to UK is $15 up to a pound. So if your getting DVDs you may want to get both and save on shipping cost.
Funny Money Productions has come out with some fantastic new products for balloon twisters and magicians. go to http://WWW.BalloonGuy.NET (http://www.balloonguy.net) click on Store.
• Bad to the Balloon Issue #1 "Poolside favorites" DVD Retail $24.99
• Bad to the Balloon Issue #2 "Animal House" DVD Retail $24.99
• Pneumatic Anatomica poster prints Retail $24.99
• Twinkle...twinkle Sponge Magic Retail $24.99
• My Bunny Daryl Sponge Magic Retail $9.99
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bad to the Balloon DVD #1 & #2 Retail $24.99 each
First is the Bad to the Balloon instructional balloon hat making DVDs. Bad To The Balloon follows a renegade biker balloon artist (Mark Byrne) as he teaches how to make balloons cool. His goal in creating balloon hats is to make them fast and make them great. Most hats take 45 seconds to 2 minutes to create. There is a detailed twist menu for beginners.
BTTB#1 "Poolside Favorites" Includes instructions to make:
Shark • Dolphin • Mermaid • Surfer • Tiki • Duck • Gator • One-Eyed Monster • Pirate • Tower • Swan • Dragon
BTTB#2 "Animal House" Included is: Monkey in Tree • Moose • Butterfly • Dinosaur • Cow • Horse
Fishing pole • Fly • Elephant • Penguin • Flamingo • Dog • Cat
All are original designs or modified designs simplified for speed. It uses mostly 260 balloons, with some rounds, 350's and 160's too. About one hour of instructional fun!!
See the original Bad to the Balloon opening segment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNXzX4tM ... er&search= (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNXzX4tMBI4&mode=user&search=)
NOW WITH OVER 7,000+ hits!! Included on BTTB #1 & #2
See "Dog Gone" here on YouTube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiFHnsCwDmI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiFHnsCwDmI)
NOW WITH OVER 1,000+ hits!! Included on BTTB #2
What do other think.....
mbd2.com Forum
"First this is a professionally done DVD with pro video production and pro sound work. It is a first-class deal."
"Well done, nice designs, and quick! You nailed it Mark."
BalloonHQ.com Entertainer Forum
"It was the most professionally done DVD I've seen yet."
"The sculptures in the video are excellent. They are simple, yet impressive. These are things that can be done in your line work, or in your restaurants."
"The cost is probably one of the biggest advantages of this video. Its only $25, and you get A LOT of great balloon ideas from this video."
"I like Mark Byrne's style and acting"
TheMagicCafe.com
"The production level surprised me greatly. I enjoyed it, will be using all the designs"
"The DVD great quality, the man is fast.........am having..........to go into....warp drive to keep up. Some easy some harder. They are quick once you get the hang of them, which didn't take me long. I am a relative newbie. So thanks Mark! I am eagerly waiting for the next installment."
"The designs are simple and practical. The way Mark teaches without speaking is very unique and he does the job well. In the dvd, you also wouldn't hear the squeaking sounds of balloon being twisted. Some of the scenes are funny too. I highly recommend this dvd. "
"Marks DVD has designs that balloon twisters will USE and that is the difference."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pneumatic Anatomica poster prints Retail $24.99
Wow what a great poster for any twister. It is an anatomical poster of the inner workings or the beloved balloon dog. Bone structure, heart lungs and circulatory system all in this hilarious poster. A sample of poster is viewable in the attachments.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Twinkle...twinkle Sponge Magic Retail $24.99
Twinkle ... twinkle included are 10 Super Soft Goshman sponge stars and two pages of written instructions.
The magician talks about the stars in the sky while illustrating it with magic. This is a complete routine, which follows logical sequences of
events, leaving the magician clean. It also resets after each presentation.
Magical happenings are production, multiplication, and transposition. It is an interactive routine and almost all the magic happens in the spectator's hands.
What you get:
• 10 SUPER SOFT sponge stars in yellow.
• You supply the one pocket this routine works out of.
• Six phase routine that is less than 5 minutes long
An amazing series of magical transpositions that happen in the spectator's hand:
• Make a wish
• Blink,blink
• Shooting Star
• Constellations
• Billions & billions
• Sunrise finish
If you have ever done the bunny trick and had the audience gasp imagine their reaction to a table full of sponge stars.
-----------------------------------------------------------
My Bunny Daryl Sponge Magic Retail $9.99
Meet Daryl and his other brother Daryl and Daryl Hanna. These bunnies are fast!! Jumping from magician's hand to spectator's. Finishing with Giant Momma Rabbit. A complete routine with Special cut Soft Goshman bunnies, Patter, Jokes and Moves. This will become one of your favorite family friendly routine!
• Wanna meet my Bunny?
• His Other Brother
• The Race
• Where is the sister?
• The Momma Bunny
Mark Byrne AKA Mark the Balloon Guy:
"I love the sponge bunnies, it might be one of the most powerful tricks in magic. However for years the ending has not been family friendly. The rabbits they well ... do you know what, in someone's hand. The ending of
this routine ends in a most pleasing way. It is a trick you can show Grandma and she will approve. "
Cody Fisher :
"Finally a sponge bunny routine I can show the whole family. Every where I
have gone magicians went nuts over the quality of this prop. Definitely an all round winner "
Thank you Mark for answering my questions.
Anyone who has not seend Marks DVD's I suggest you buy them ASAP as the dolphin Hat is worth the price of the DVD oni ts own.
Dean
Quote from: "Dean Spruce"Thank you Mark for answering my questions.
Anyone who has not seend Marks DVD's I suggest you buy them ASAP as the dolphin Hat is worth the price of the DVD oni ts own.
Dean
Your welcome Dean!!!
Hey don't I have 4 more days of this! Come on folks throw me a bone will ya!
Well I'll tell you about my last week...
Short of the discussions I have had about the Denver "Thingy" goings on. Can't probably talk about it till after the weekend or so.
The exciting thing is I am now a commissioned artist!!! I was hired by a school to create a art installation that is artistic, interactive and a permanent fixture at the school.
An artist from Washington DC was originally commissioned to do an art piece for the school; the school only raised half the money. My secretary's daughter goes to the school and asked if I could help.
Below is a picture of the form we had made by a custom foam manufacturer. It was then Hardcoated to withstand the elements.
The children were instructed to bring in broken or unwanted toys and objects. For the last 3 days we have been gluing on the toys and objects to form a mosaic.
We did an Art Auction night to promote the proposed sculpture. Below are the 4 dresses I made for the event.
Seems I need more text to post pictures!
Lobster hat from last weekend. Uses 321s
hi mark do you sit at home trying to come up with new stuff or do you do it out working?
I see that you use 321s you should make a hat dvd with just them I know you do the beer bottle and now the lobster what else do you use them for?
Would you ever do a book?
Who would you like to work with dead or alive?
whats your fave color balloon to work with?
Mark,
What is it about latex that excites you so much :)
The eagle is looking very colourful; did it start out as polystyrene with an outer protective layer then put over?
Greetings Mark
I love the dresses they are so impressive.
Where can I find out more information about weaving?
Well done on the art project it looks wonderfull.
My question is what is your personal goal when you set off to work ? is it money or to entertain etc?
Dean
Hi Mark,
I too know little about weaving - where's the the best place to start learning about it? In your new DVD?
What irritates you most at a gig?
where do you get your inspiration from for a life with latex?
why don't you talk on BTTB DVD's?
Do you want more questions?
Danny
Cashy: hi mark do you sit at home trying to come up with new stuff or do you do it out working?
Mark: I am asked this question all the time... my pat answer is "No I come here and do it!" the reality is I usually if I have an idea work it out where ever. I have broken balloons out at the doctors office and started twisting.
Cashy: I see that you use 321s you should make a hat dvd with just them I know you do the beer bottle and now the lobster what else do you use them for?
MArk: 321's are so spanking new!! I try to use them any where I see I can save a balloon. Many times I need the variation of 3" vs 2", and I hate wasting the other half of a balloon. I use my scrape pocket alot.
Beer Bottle • Lobster • Baseball bat • club • faces are a few designs.
Cashy: Would you ever do a book?
Mark: as a graphic artist I hate to say this ... print is dead. I love books, but the reality hard costs I can put out a DVD for about $2 a piece and books base cost is on the low end $5 each. Also the amount of work to make a book is sooo much more than shooting DVD. Problem with DVD you need at least 2 people.
Cashy: Who would you like to work with dead or alive?
Mark: there are several people I would like .... Oops that isn't the question.
• Dead: Merlin, Leonardo Da Vinci (I think I could relate), Rene Magritte, Doug Henning, Bob MacAllister (childhood hero).
• Alive: Larry Moss, Guido, Suzanne Haring, All the So. Callifornia people, Michael Gjerek, wow I really think I want to work with everyone except Ben Alexander (mainly because he doesn't pay anything)
Cashy: what's your fave color balloon to work with?
Favorite colors? Black, red and Purple even though Black isn't a color. Colors I use the most? Red, green & blush. Color I use the least and I don't know why? Blue and I carry 4 hues of it.
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Mark,
What is it about latex that excites you so much :)
The eagle is looking very colourful; did it start out as polystyrene with an outer protective layer then put over?
Instant gratification ... I can make a work of art in less than 2 minutes and get paid for it. Average tip $5 multiple that by 25 that is $125 per hour working for tips ... far more than I ever made sweating over an oil painting or working on a computer designing art.
the benefits suck but that is what wives are for :o
The Eagle project is cut buy a computer, glued by hand, hand sanded and then spray coated with a hard urethane coating. this is the first endeavor of this kind for me. I came about this by desperation.
Here in the states (or the lost colonies) we have several city art projects called Tour of Turtles, Cows on Parade, guitars on Go .... well I think you get the idea. A charity foundation will have a theme base sculpture that all the artist use. and then they go wild on it.
See here: http://outdoorartsfoundation.com/totartists.html (http://outdoorartsfoundation.com/totartists.html)
I looked into getting an Eagle fiberglass model. Plain they are around $700 .... shipping was $600!!!! So I researched other options. (I love the internet!!) Found a company within 100 miles of me that could make anything out of styrofoam and they were cost effective. $382 I got a 6 foot tall structure.
The commission for the project was generous ... depending on how much time I have into it. Since it is during the day it really doesn't take away from my day to day activity, heck it gets me in the sun!
The Eagle is not finished!! It is colorful because we are using junk to make it. Once all the stuff is on it we will be Priming it white and then I will spray it Eagle colors. Finished project will take about 2.5 weeks to complete.
Dean: I love the dresses they are so impressive.
Mark: thank you
Dean: Where can I find out more information about weaving?
Mark: Larry Moss has some basics on Balloon HQ.
http://www.balloonhq.com/faq/weave/ (http://www.balloonhq.com/faq/weave/)
I also think Larry has a DVD on it to.
This is going to sound stupid ... I don't own any balloon DVDs. everything I learn about balloons is strictly from observation. I am glad people buy DVDs (especially mine!) occasionally I will watch a twister and pick up a technique. I have an innate ability to mentally tear things apart and put them back together. When the MATRIX movies came out, I told people "that is how I think!"
Dean: Well done on the art project it looks wonderfull.
Mark: Thank you again!!
My question is what is your personal goal when you set off to work ? is it money or to entertain etc?
Mark: "Time to feed the kids ... again" Yes I do have those moments. "Gawd I don't want to make another f******g mermaid!!" Usually when I reach for my balloon case just before a restaurant. I stop and think of everything else I have done for money in my life....
Often I am asked "Is this your REAL Job?" sick as I am of the question the line that gets me through the day is : "Yes ... isn't this enough?" I also use the mantra "Beats getting a real job ... had one of those it sucks"
My goal in life is to be creative or be perceived as such. Also I really don't know what else I could do that makes this much money and is this much fun. (Well I do but that is illegal here)
Danny: I too know little about weaving - where's the the best place to start learning about it? In your new DVD?
MArk: See above post :geek: there are people who weave much better than I. Rie I hear is goingto put out a DVD ... she is a goddess of latex "Izanagi anf Izanami".
Danny: What irritates you most at a gig?
Mark: Adults.... They treat their kids like idiots that can't have a conversation without their help. They will also change a kid's mind right after I start working on it. (Hey Lady Shut up!!!)
I had a paradigm shift in performing many years ago. I started to hate my audience. More specifically the adults. You would go to a party and you would be marginalized as being the nanny or just for the kids.
I decided to aim my show at the FAMILY market. Disney, Universal and All the G-rated movies now appeal to the adults as much as the kids. They use aside techniques or a phrase I coined "Bi-Level Humor" What this means is the Jokes are for the adults and the situational comedy is for the kids.
Danny: where do you get your inspiration from for a life with latex?
Mark: I don't like status quo for anything in life. That is why I refuse to do swords and poodles.
Danny: why don't you talk on BTTB DVD's?
Mark: I really don't want anyone stealing my shtick :twisted: Often I have seen magic DVDs done where a performer uses his performance to show the trick ... next convention you see 18 people doing his act word for word. You see the same thing with people at balloon conventions. I call them the "Cauldwellians". I wanted to teach, but I didn't want to give up my character. So I made up a character I thought nobody would want to steal.
the contrast of a Lorenzo Lamas, biker, renegade making balloons tickles me to no end. I think it is the ultimate parody. What two things could be more diametrically opposed?
Also I find it annoying, the very few Balloon DVDs, I have seen how the same jokes are told over and over again. Yes I know that is an ear twist... I can see that.... endless banter tires my ears.
Lastly people learn better when music is used, I relate it to dancing your mind creates action to relate to the music. BTW all the music is original on my DVDs or Copyfree. The Song Parody is just that a parody, which is considered a new work and copyright by me!!!! Replications of that song is illegal, unless with my consent.
Danny: Do you want more questions?
Mark: Yes Please!!!!
How has things changed in the entertainment world out there with this recession?
If you were entertaining at a 6yr old girls party what would you make the birthday child?
Would you make balloon's for the under 3s?
Hi Mark, thanks for answer the questions so far...
here are some more!
I decided to stop performing for kids parties a couple of years ago - I drew my line.
Where do you draw your line for performing? Is there one? Who won't you perform to?
and on the other side...What's your ideal dream gig?
Who's the most famous person you have made a balloon creation for?
Are you coming to TMJ 2008? (Did I ask you that already?).
What's your favourite beer? ;)
Danny
Mark,
You'd never have got away with this quote on balloonHQ
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"the benefits suck but that is what wives are for :o
[/quote]
But then again us Europeans do have a sense of humour :lol:
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Dave"How has things changed in the entertainment world out there with this recession?
If you were entertaining at a 6yr old girls party what would you make the birthday child?
Would you make balloon's for the under 3s?
I really don't like false media bravado. Recession, Depression, congress-ion, impression. It is all hoop dee do. The economy flexes and bend on a regular basis. I find it happens every 5-8 years.
Now you want to talk devastating times .... 911. that was a shift!!! Lost all but 2 days worth of restaurants, nobody going out to eat, parties were on hold.
-------------
I would make the kid the same thing I make every other kid ... a birthday hat. I make a cake with candles. If it is a repeat performance they may ask for something special.
-------------
I make 3 and under balloons all the time. I really don't believe the myth of children choking on balloons. Specifically there are no incidents of a modeling balloon incident as a medical record. If a parent is really worried about their child they wouldn't have hot dogs in the house.
My fav is the fish on the fishing pole. You get the right kid it is 20 minutes of material.
BTW I really don't want to hear my cousins brothers friends baby die from a balloon. I want to see actual reports of the incident and what product it happened with. I actually have the CPS 60 page document of all balloon related deaths. Funny how there is only large rounds and balloon like toys in the report. Biggest offender .... plastic bubbles gel and mylars.
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"I decided to stop performing for kids parties a couple of years ago - I drew my line.
Where do you draw your line for performing? Is there one? Who won't you perform to?
I don't have a line it is more of a squiggle. My pricing usually scares off the ignorant and stupid people. If the price is higher it is a lot easier to deal with brats. Did a "Religious group" the other day. Never heard of this group before. I am not going to name them because I am sure I will offend someone. Any way what a bunch of brats!! With adults there!! I would look at the adult and they would do nothing about it. One guy after the show said "you have remarkable patients" I said "I can be nice to anyone for an hour and a fee" we laughed.
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"and on the other side...What's your ideal dream gig?
China trip would be close IF I could bring my family (paid expenses), and double the pay (Okay triple). Closest REAL gig was a 4 day cruise to Bahamas with the family on a private cruise ship (yes I got paid).
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Who's the most famous person you have made a balloon creation for?
I have met over the years : Bruce Willis, Jay Leno, Carrottop, Soupy Sales, Jim Bruer, General Norman Swartzkoff, and many more I have forgotten. Did not balloons for any of them.
I have made balloons for Hulk Hogan, Jose Cansaco (Baseball Player), Macho Man Randy Savage, Molly Ringwald, Lead Singer for Cheaptrick and his family, Frank Gorshan (Batman's the Riddler), I think Stephen King (damn he really looked like him), several congressman and senators, Three or four mayors, and I know I am missing some oh wows I'll ask my wife later and get back to you on it.
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Are you coming to TMJ 2008? (Did I ask you that already?).
What's your favourite beer? ;)
Danny
I would love to come!!! Who is paying??? Kidding .... but not really. I would really like to be sponsored to go. I am trying to raise some capitol to re-do my business plan. Teaching and world travel is a big part of it. I have been asked to lecture in France, England, Scotland, and Italy. I have lectures on Balloons, Marketing, Magic and balloon magic.
Cold ones...... sorry can't drink it like you blokes.
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Mark,
You'd never have got away with this quote on balloonHQ
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"the benefits suck but that is what wives are for :o
But then again us Europeans do have a sense of humour :lol:
Graham Lee[/quote]
Clarification the wife is for the benefits not ....
BTW I kinda want to heard how your conversation with my Uncle Chen went. I'll tell you what I heard after you tell your side!
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"[BTW I kinda want to heard how your conversation with my Uncle Chen went. I'll tell you what I heard after you tell your side!
Well as I remember it's not much of a story really.
After doing a showcase in Torquay about six months ago for about 350 agents I was on the way out of the venue loading the car ready to go and someone asked if I was the balloon man, I said yes. Then he started to tell me that his best friend had a son that had gone to America & was twisting, at this point I think I butted in and said your name & he was very surprised that I knew of you. I carried on saying how good you were with DVD's out etc & that I had them & used some of your work.
I said to tell you that I said hello and went.
So nothing that exciting, so what did you hear!!!!!!!!
Graham Lee
I would love to hear your favorite joke? :D
if you couldn't do balloon's/magic what would you do?
Mark,
What makes you laugh?
What are your balloon goals for the future?
How would you like the future of balloon modeling to develop?
Danny
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"[BTW I kinda want to heard how your conversation with my Uncle Chen went. I'll tell you what I heard after you tell your side!
Well as I remember it's not much of a story really.
After doing a showcase in Torquay about six months ago for about 350 agents I was on the way out of the venue loading the car ready to go and someone asked if I was the balloon man, I said yes. Then he started to tell me that his best friend had a son that had gone to America & was twisting, at this point I think I butted in and said your name & he was very surprised that I knew of you. I carried on saying how good you were with DVD's out etc & that I had them & used some of your work.
I said to tell you that I said hello and went.
So nothing that exciting, so what did you hear!!!!!!!!
Graham Lee
I heard it two ways: one was my Dad the other my Uncle Chen. I just saw him today he is here on holiday and I asked him without my Dad around. Actually he tells it just like you said. My Dad's well ....just a bit inflated to say the least.
Thank you for the kind words from across the pond.
Quote from: "Dave"I would love to hear your favorite joke? :D
if you couldn't do balloon's/magic what would you do?
When I make a mermaid and I get to the bikini top part I twirl it in my fingers and say: "Mermaids gone Wild!" Hmmm it might be an American thing.
Wow what would I be doing... probably working in a bar and doing oil paintings on weekend at Art shows. Or I would be in Iraq.
Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"My Dad's well ....just a bit inflated to say the least.
So Mark, How did your dad tell it?
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"Mark,
What makes you laugh?
Large bald men with leaky pens!!!!
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"What are your balloon goals for the future?
My balloon goals are to double my current income. Did 25% better than last year. Teach more. Sell lots. Create ... create ..create..
My Business goal are different, I want to open a chain of magic theme restaurants.
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"How would you like the future of balloon modeling to develop?
Danny
I would like to see people get paid, I would like to see people who do it better get paid more. Funny you never see a guy doing stick figures gobbling up all the gigs from the caricature artist.
I like the group projects and conventions it is a very eclectic energy. very few egos, most problems or perceived snuffs are based on miscommunication and not negativity. As a whole we all stay together.
believe it or not I would like to see balloon become more mainstream, that way people can recognize talent when they see it. My friend Todd Nuefeld will be on the David Letterman show tonight, watch it if you can.
the opportunity is out there, look how much impact was created with the shanghai fashion show pictures. My daughter school librarian came over to tell me about it and I said yes I was the monkey there in the middle.
what upsets me is the copycat syndrome. why can't people thing of something else to make themselves special? I started doing hats light years before anyone else in my area, now everyone does them. You got to find the thing that makes you special, and do it.
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Quote from: "Bad to the Balloon"My Dad's well ....just a bit inflated to say the least.
So Mark, How did your dad tell it?
Graham Lee
Dad has always had a flare for the dramatic, and facts don't matter. He told me Chen say a guy doing my balloon stuff in England and asked him if he created those figures or did he learn them. (you) said there all my creations (Which could be taken many ways depending on pause and inflection) Chen then said oh cause I have friends son in Florida .....
Then you said this one is one of Mark's creations and I have all his DVDs.... yada yada
I am not upset in the least and like I said, Dad will do anything to make a story sound better. I am kina glad Chen came into town the same time this Chat was set up. Kismet?
Oh yeah Chen also said that we were in China together but different cities. Did we run into each out in Old Shanghai Shopping area?
What is the worst thing that has happened to you during a ballooning session ?
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"What is the worst thing that has happened to you during a ballooning session ?
Quite a few things, worst for me or for the audience?
Audience:
• 50th Anniversary Party and the husband had a heart attack. :roll:
• Picked up a little girl to move her (she had no underwear and a dress). :o
• Hit a ceiling fan with a balloon and black rain came down. :oops:
• Had balloons land in food, Drinks, hit people in the eye, etc ... :twisted:
Me:
• Punched in the knonkers by a 4 year old. :shock:
• Snapped in the eye while blowing a balloon. Eye was tearing so bad yet I kept working. :cry:
• Had people say really rude and disgusting things in front of children. :x
• Had some one complain about me making a joke about evolution :roll:
(little too christian right for me)
• Brian Asman spilt a beer in my magic case ;)
• Almost got into a fight with a Redneck because my line was done and he decided I am going to stay. BTW I left with out incident and DID NOT make balloons for the jerks.
• Similar situation different guy. He didn't think I was nice to his girl. Kid kept walking up and standing in my twisting space ask several for her to step back and to get into line, asked where the parents were didn't respond. On the last time, I said hey you really need to stand back or your going to get hit with my balloons. Guy started shouting. Funny thing the crowd, turned on the guy and told him to watch his kid.
Mark,
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer all the questions that came your way, much appreciated.
Looking forward to meeting up one day, the plan is to come over for twist & shout next year.
Anyway wishing you all the best & I hope that the latex is good to you.
Graham Lee
]Quote from: "Graham Lee"Mark,
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer all the questions that came your way, much appreciated.
Looking forward to meeting up one day, the plan is to come over for twist & shout next year.
Anyway wishing you all the best & I hope that the latex is good to you.
Graham Lee
What that's it?? I thought I still had 2.5 more hours to go!!
I hope I can put together a lecture tour either this winter or next summer through Europe. I can lecture on either balloons, magic or both. If the Gods of Frequent Flyer miles smile on me I might be at Millennium Jam, even better would be a teaching slot!!! (hint)
If anyone has info on opportunities for lecturing contact me directly. Also if you have any other questions at all I am always willing to lend my advice.
thank you all for the thought provoking questions, I hope my answers either inspired you or at least made you chuckle....
I know this is beyond yur interview time scale, but are you going to stick around in this forum?
Also thank you very much for participating it was greatto rea dyour answers, most inspirational
Mark is loitering and asking me questions on the interview a Balloon Chat member bit.
Quote from: "Professor T Wist"I know this is beyond yur interview time scale, but are you going to stick around in this forum?
Also thank you very much for participating it was greatto rea dyour answers, most inspirational
Yessss..... for a bit .... I like harassing Danny!!!
FYI.... I have a Fundraiser to relaunch the Bad to the Balloon Series,
June 1st is the end of the Campaign!!!
There is strength in Numbers..... Please Blog, Post, Tweet, Vine, or smoke signal about this.
The more money raised the better the production value!!
Tease.... Add Features I want to do, Twisted Dead (Walking Dead Parody), Wanted at Table Number Five (Bon Jovi Parody), History of the Weeny Dog (old World War I footage) and many more ideas.... I have some great special effects people and camera people too. People that want to act and create killer makeup.
Help me to cause a revolution in the Balloon World!! No more Basement tapes!!!! Quality viewing and superb balloons done fast and easy.... (start marching music....)
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bad-t ... 713?c=home (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bad-to-the-balloon-dvd-series/x/2874713?c=home)
BTW I'll be in England Lecturing on June 13th on Table Magic (of course I will have balloon DVDs and other stuff with me!)
For the Bristol Magic Club
Michael's Church Hall,
St Michael's Court,
Kingswood,
Bristol, BS15 8B
Then Again on June 27th Bad to the Balloon/You want fries with that?
For the Exonian Magic Society
CVS Watt Tyler House
King William Street
Exeter
EX4 6PD
Danny has plugged this already for you Mark and I donated $100 new-dvds-from-bad-the-balloon-mark-byrne-t7082.html?hilit=mark (http://balloonchat.co.uk/new-dvds-from-bad-the-balloon-mark-byrne-t7082.html?hilit=mark) byrne