Last Three Months Of The 2013 Year!

I guess it's true what they say. Time sure seems to fly by fast when you're working and having fun! I suppose if you're really having fun, then time flies by even faster, or at least it feels like it does anyway. Regardless, whatever type of work you are doing,you want it to be your very best, both for yourself and for your clients. Here at Creative Inflation, we always strive to do our very best work, and now we would like to be able to teach some of you, our loyal fans to do the same kind of balloon artistry that we do! We are proud to announce that Creative Inflation will begin teaching the fine art of both Balloon-Artistry as well as Face-Painting here in the Tampa Bay area. You can learn how to twist balloons and paint faces for either fun or ultimately for profit. Seminar hours and class times are to be announced, but the Tampa Public Library System is kind enough to offer to let Rick teach people how to do this very special kind of work. Its your opportunity to learn a new skill. I will keep you informed as we get closer to our start dates and hopefully we can get ready for the holliday season in 2013. =RICK=

WOW! This is my 4th year in Florida! This is literally my fourth year to operate Creative Inflation in the Sunshine State. It's been a blast and I have some of the best customers in the world! I just wanted to write an update real fast and let people know where I will be performing this year. If you have seen my shows before, then you know that it's usually a pretty sure thing to look for me at your local area shopping mall. This year I will be performing at the following locations......

-Citrus Park Mall inside Johnny Rockets Resturaunt at the Food Court inside the mall.

-Picture People Portrait Studio inside Brandon Town Center right in front of the Food Court.

-Pink Berry Yougurt Company inside Westshore Plaza next to Maggiano's and PF Changs.

-Gold Pro's Gold Buyers inside Citrus Park Mall on select Sunday's.

Whiskey Joes Bar and Grill on Ben T. Davis Beach Hwy 60 towards Clearwater in TAMPA.
(This is sure to be a new favorite! Great food, on the water, Drinks for all! Live Music every Friday and Saturday and Sunday nights, and the best waitstaff in the world. You don't want to miss this one!)

Look for more announcements coming soon. This is our year to SHINE and I am sure you are going to really love some of the big changes that are coming your way. We will be expanding this year, hiring artists, and doing training sessions throughout Florida to help develop some of the up and coming talent that is ready to hit the scene. If you see me somewhere and you want to get in the game, then holler at me, drop me a note, or just walk up and say what's on your mind. At
CREATIVE INFLATION we just want to work with the best and hang with the rest.
Let me know if you are ready to perform!

=RICK THE BALLOON GUY=

Glorified Cupcakes Now Available!

I just want to take a minute to update all you cool crazy kids! Creative Inflation is now offering custom baked, gourmet specialty, themed cupcakes with whipped butter cream icing and delicious filling in 25 fantastic flavors from Glorified Cupcakes Company in Tampa. Pedro is the owner and does a FANTASTIC job of making some of the best cupcakes in the world. Let me know if you need light catering for a party or special event because not only can we now offer the very best Cup Cakes on the planet, but we can also provide Cuban Sandwich Platters, Wraps, Salads and drinks as well as cookies too. Light catering for special Occasions is just one more thing we do to make your event the best event you've ever hosted.

Check out the website and call me for discount pricing
http://www.glorifiedcupcakes.com/
=RICK=

February 2012

Hi everyone! I know you are probably wondering what we are doing this time of year at Creative Inflation. Well I just wanted to post a quick note and let you know that I have partnered with Jonathan Fudge and the
Your Total Entertainment team to bring you the very best in Novelty Entertainment here in the Bay Area. We now provide entertainers for all types of special events. We offer Advanced Balloon-Artists, Face-Painters and Glitter-Artists, Magicians, Stilt-Walkers, Fire-Spinners, Mermaids, Caricature-Artists and much, much more! Stay tuned for more announcements about the partnership between Creative Inflation and Your Total Entertainment. Mean while in other news...

I would like to officially welcome Pink Berry Yogurt as a full time client. We have been invited to entertain at the Pink Berry Yogurt inside Westshore Plaza on days where we are not working special events. Look for myself or for Jonathan at the Westshore location most weekends and even some weeknights. Currently we are working with Johnny Rockets inside Citrus Park Mall too as well as Vallarta's Mexican Restaurants in several locations. We appreciate our clients and we are always willing to do whatever it takes to bring them business!

As usual, if you would like to book us for one of your parties or special events, just give me a call or send me an email. My phone number is (813) 817-3591 or you can call Jonathan Fudge at (813) 310-5900.

Check out WWW.YOURTOTALENTERTAINMENT.COM for more information. Thanks. Talk Soon!

=RICK=

THREE POINTS ON PRICING

It is once again time to celebrate the things we are thankful for during the 2011 Holiday Season. It's November and I have been working like a mad man, trying to bring advanced balloon-artistry to all the people who have requested entertainment services in the Tampa Bay Area. Normally this time of year I am very busy and this year is no exception. It's always nice to be invited to do a party, but it's particularly nice to be invited into somebody's home. I want to take a minute to comment on the phenomenon that is In-Home Balloon-Artistry Parties. When a client contacts me about doing an event in their home, I am always careful to ask three things. First, I have to know what their budget is. If they are way off in their assumptions of what I will do a party for, then I try to educate them on the reasons for my pricing. I also have to know what else they are expecting other than advanced balloon-artistry. If a client has unrealistic expectations of how much entertainment they can afford, it is my responsibility to educate them on what things cost. If they still don't get it, then I have to pass and move on. Not every party is my party and sometimes there is a better artist out there who is a better fit for the event at hand. I learned this after working in the industry for several years. Sometimes, it's just not right for me to accept an event. Understanding this, allows me to protect my time and only take the events that are right for me. In the beginning we think we need to say "yes" to every event that comes along. We don't. and we are better off in the long run, pacing ourselves so that we don't burn-out along the way. The holidays are particularly suspect in this regard because of the volume of calls we receive asking us to do parties for a hundred dollars. The average price Creative Inflation charges for appearing at an event is somewhere around $300.00, depending on how many kids are there and how far we have to travel. I do not charge by the hour, instead, opting to charge by the event. It's more work this way, and I work longer hours, but the customers are equally more satisfied and we end up with more repeat business this way. It's one thing if it's a charitable organization and you can fit it in your schedule, but it's another thing entirely if you are working for a private party that simply doesn't understand what your services cost. Be fair and educate your clients. It took you years, if not DECADES to master your art-form. Clients are paying you for the mastery of your skills, not for the balloons. As an artist, there is a standard which requires you be the master of your art-form. That's why we can command such high prices. When you are the best, you should be paid like you are the best. That's how the business works, and that's how I have come to understand it. Finally I always ask what theme the party should have. Then, I look at what they say and I create characters that fit the theme of that particular party. Do yourself a favor and learn the entire series of characters in each television show. That way you can do themed parties and people will expect to pay more. Why? because again, this is a business and when you are the only one in the area that can do this type of work, you are instantly elevated to expert level and experts get paid higher fees.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Creative Inflation, FLORIDA! We hope to see you at one of our events very soon!

=RICK=

Let's Review, What We Do

OK kids. It's come to my attention that its necessary to review what we do. Lately I've gotten some inquiries about why Creative Inflation has a blog in the first place and what I intended by creating in. First, let me comment that my blog is a bit of a work in progress. Sure, it's been up for years, but what great work is not a work in progress? It needs some things and I am well aware that much is to be done before this becomes the work that I envisioned. Next, if you are an artist and someone features your work, be proud. Somebody noticed and liked it enough to show someone else. It doesn't mean that you or your work has been compromised. In fact it should serve as a reminder that your are pretty good at what you do and should probably keep doing it. The Creative Inflation Blog is a non-profit blog about the joys and wonders of a fairly recent art-form known as balloon-artistry. I personally, have been involved with the industry since 1997. I can make just about anything, but I am also a photographer by trade. My work with balloons is primarily a hobby and I love the art-form so much that I created a blog about it. Now, being a blogger is an art-form unto itself, so I will apologize if anyone is featured here and feels they are not properly referenced. I'm learning and I sincerely hope that anyone who I deem creative enough to be here on my little space, will simply let me know how they would like to be referenced and I will redirect any traffic to their respective websites. Some artists are clearly featured, some I haven't had enough information to fully feature them yet and others for one reason or another remain a mystery to me. Still I like their art-work and I believe it needs to be seen. The Creative Commons License allows me to feature the pictures of balloon-artistry I enjoy and my intent was only to showcase the work. I have never been asked to make some of the things I have pictures of that are on my website and I think anyone who has watched me work realizes that I have a unique style that is all my own. I appreciate all inquiries and if you would like to be featured here on the Creative Inflation Blog, then write up a bio and send me some pictures and let's create some content that can get you some buzz! Traffic is always a good thing and lately I've been getting a fair share of my own. Keep the inquiries coming and I will talk again real soon.

=RICK=

CREATIVE INFLATION: Weekend 09/16

CREATIVE INFLATION: Weekend 09/16: As promised I am attempting to stay consistent with my posts on the Creative Inflation Blog. Once or twice a week I want to keep you guys up...

Weekend 09/16

As promised I am attempting to stay consistent with my posts on the Creative Inflation Blog. Once or twice a week I want to keep you guys updated on issues that pertain to my brand of "Bending" which is the word I have decided to use to describe the advanced balloon artistry I am known for. We Benders are an interesting bunch. Some of us end up in the balloon industry by accident. Some of us end up here by choice. One thing is for sure though, nobody stays in the balloon industry unless they have a reason. It's hard to learn how to make
"cartoon-balloons" (another description created expressly for describing the work I do at Creative Inflation) and unless someone is avid hobbyist who simply likes practicing their art-form and really appreciates being praised by family and friends, the truth is there has to be some type of financial reward for perfecting your skills as a balloon-artist and as an entertainer. It's not an easy way to make a living, and like any industry, there are slow times and financial struggles and periods of boredom and then finally that trade-show comes around and drops $2500.00 dollars in your lap for a days worth of work, and then you remember why you got into this weird career in the first place as you happily deposit what would be a month's salary for some people into your bank account. Of course big events like this also bring private party requests, usually for children's birthday parties, and those kinds of events can bring anywhere from $200.00-$500.00 dollars depending on how many kids are at the party, so as you have probably figured out, getting your name out there and actually being aware of what trade-shows, festivals and special events are going on around town is really the most important part of your business plan, right after becoming the world's best balloon-artist your neighborhood has ever known! The reality is, where yes, we are artists, entertainers and business owners, the most important part of our work day is searching for and planning out our schedule of events. You have to be diligent about finding new business each week. You have to do your research and find out what is going on in your community. What local organization is sponsoring what event? Who is putting together the local Fall festivals? What are the schools doing in honor of which holidays? How about churches and mosques? Some of the best events I have ever done, have been at an Islamic Mosque, who hired me twice to come out and entertain at their children's functions. I found every event I have ever worked by doing research on-line, making phone calls to groups I hoped would be interested and by answering inquiries from different types of people who had seen me or one of my benders, entertaining with advanced balloon artistry at some party or special event. The lesson here is that word of mouth advertising works, but that it's only part of a complex formula I use to constantly fill the sales funnel each week with new events to work all month long. There is a lot of planning that goes into running any type of business. I'd like to help shed some light on that planning process and help those of you who are interested in perhaps making money with your own balloon-company. This ain't rocket-science as they say! However, like anything worth doing, there are some
tips & tricks you might want to know about that have helped me become more successful along the way. I hope some of the things I plan to share in my next few posts will help you too. Stay tuned, because there's more to come!

Benders unite...    

=RICK=

CREATIVE INFLATION: The weekend of September 11, is always a date that...

CREATIVE INFLATION: The weekend of September 11, is always a date that...: The weekend of September 11, is always a date that comes and goes quietly, but will forever be recognized as one of the most tragic days in ...

The weekend of September 11, is always a date that comes and goes quietly, but will forever be recognized as one of the most tragic days in American History. In honor of the lives that were lost a decade ago, when 
New York's Twin Towers were destroyed by the now deceased leader of Al-Qaeda Osama Bin Laden, a memorial called, "Reflecting Absence" has been created to honor the men and women who died in that horrible event on 09/11/2001. http://gizmodo.com/5838844/how-reflecting-absence-became-americas-most-expensive-public-memorial I mention this here, because the Creative Inflation Blogspot is all about art, and how it exists all around us in the world. If you haven't seen the "Reflecting Absence" Memorial yet, take a look at the link I included with this post. It's impressive, and even it though it serves as a reminder of something terrible, it clearly illustrates once again, that art is life, and even in the arms of tragedy we can still cherish all that is beautiful. Art has great purpose in this life, and every opportunity to recognize the powerful impact art has on our lives should be recognized and respected. May the families and the victims of 9/11 find peace in the memorial that was created in their honor. May we never forget. 


I also want to mention this week that Creative Inflation was lucky enough to be part of the must see event, the annual, "I Like It Hot Festival" in Largo at Minnreg Hall Convention Center  


This was a spicy-food-fanatic's paradise on Saturday and Sunday last weekend, where everyone could sample some of Florida's best hot sauce, homemade salsas, and other spicy wares, complimented by live music, beer and of course the advanced balloon artistry of Creative Inflation! Good times were had by all, and we are really happy that we got to be part of such a cool event this year.

CREATIVE INFLATION: Wow! It's been a minute since I created a new post...

CREATIVE INFLATION: Wow! It's been a minute since I created a new post...: Wow! It's been a minute since I created a new post for the Creative Inflation Blog! What can I say, life get's busy and I get more calls fro...

Wow! It's been a minute since I created a new post for the Creative Inflation Blog! What can I say, life get's busy and I get more calls from even more clients that want to add balloon-artistry to their next special event. Lately I've gotten calls from organizations like churches and mosques and businesses and people looking to entertain their guests at the up and coming birthday party for one of their three youngest kids! Heck! I've even been taking calls from the Girl Scouts who are excited about having me bring out our brand of advanced balloon-artistry to help them celebrate some particular miles stone in Girl Scout history that has a significant meaning and makes a  definite impact on the lives of all those girls and all their parents who work hard to maintain the positive force that keeps the Girl Scouts in motion all of the time. I am proud to be considered when large groups began planning events and looking for entertainment. It's an honor to be the go to guy for advanced balloon artistry and quality entertainment. Sure, there's other companies out there that will take what you pay them and try to raise the price as high as possible, while providing as little work as they can so as not to ever have to appear to be working very hard, but that's just not my style. Creative Inflation offers advanced balloon-artistry  that makes special events, fairs and festivals, as well as private parties and retail sales events MORE than memorable. We want the guests to be happy. We want the clients to be happy. Most of all, we want people to smile when they think of Creative Inflation. It's my belief that a fair price, brilliant work and a commitment to hard work and overall excellence is exactly the formula we should be using to become the best balloon-artistry and entertainment company we can be. Thanks to all those who have chosen to work with us this year. Please check back often, as I am about to launch a completely new program, designed to teach everyone who's interested how they can learn to do advance balloon-artistry too. I look forward to hearing comments on the things I am getting ready to teach. Who knows, some of you may even decide you would like to work with me. The more the merrier I always say! There is plenty of room here in the balloon industry. I will tell you more very soon.  =RICK=

CREATIVE INFLATION: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND STUFF

CREATIVE INFLATION:  OLD NAVY WESTSHORE "THANKS" : "It was a year and a half of great times with Old Navy in Westshore Mall. I feel like it was just yesterday that I first asked for permission..."

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND STUFF

It was a year and a half of great times with Old Navy at Westshore Mall. I feel like it was just yesterday that I first asked for permission to work inside the Old Navy Store at the Westshore Mall. I was shocked and surprised when the powers that be granted me access to a small 3 x 5 space where I could set my inflation-station up and twist balloons for tips. In the beginning I wasn't sure if people were even going to like what I was able to do. Predictably, people in the mall loved my balloon-artistry and I have nothing but good things to say about the people that allowed me to work in front of the Old Navy store for so long. As it is with all good things though, my time at Old Navy has come to an end. The store recently went through a massive remodel because it is one of the busiest stores in the USA. The entrance to the store has been changed and made smaller. There is no longer enough room for Creative Inflation to entertain the many customers that are curious and come in the store. Also, Old Navy often interacts with the local community and allows other organizations to come in and talk to their customers about their cause. It seems only fair now that Creative Inflation has become so popular that we move on, and allow other groups to come in and have the same opportunities that we had in the Old Navy store. I will forever be thankful that Old Navy worked with my company for so long. It was a great place to launch my business and I have grown very much as an artist in the time I spent there. Now I will move on to another store and continue my journey as the balloon-artist that helps retail stores get more traffic in their stores. Balloon-artistry get's people's attention, and I would like to think that in the time I was in Old Navy, that I brought great value to the store. Thank-you Old Navy for believing in me and what I do. I will always remember that it was you that gave me my start and helped me develop into the artist I have become today. I will be announcing my new locations in the up-coming weeks. I am still working at various retail stores in West Shore Mall. Just look for the balloon-characters that the kids are carrying around the mall on Saturday and Sunday each week. If you see kids with balloon-art, then I am probably somewhere in the mall. I look forward to seeing all of you very soon, and I will let you know about where Creative Inflation is going to be.

=RICK= 

THE UNPOPPABLES! AIR-ARTISTRY IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE POPULAR!

I suppose it's official, once a subject is chosen for the basis of a reality television show, chances are there is about to be an explosion. I was flipping through the stations, doing a little remote-controlled channel surfing when I discovered there is a new show about large-scale balloon-art creations! WWW.NEWBALLOONART.COM
is the website that will reveal that the new show I am talking about is THE UNPOPPABLES on TLC Network. Many of you will remember that I featured Addi Somehk a while back when I told you about his
BALLOON HAT documentary about traveling around the world as a balloon artist with his friend and photographer Charlie Eckert. Addi is the leader of NEW BALLOON ART and works side by side with fellow artists, Brian and Katie doing brilliant balloon-art installations for customers in Los Angeles California. I am again ultra-impressed with Addi's work and I highly suggest you guys check out his show!
=RICK=

MARK VERGE

Occasionally, I come across a balloon-artist that I feel is worthy of mention. With so many wanna-be's out there, trying to convince the world that they are the best example of what balloon-art should be, it just makes sense that someone should really make the effort to get the really great guys noticed. One of the best balloon-artistry experts in the world  is MARK VERGE of Canada. He has been twisting balloons into magnificent creations since 1995. I met Mark at the 2009 Diamond Jam balloon conference in Las Vegas. I helped him carry his gigantic sculpture of Tom and Jerry across the room and I watched as he made one enormous work of art after another. He was surprisingly easy-going and willing to share information on the techniques he used to make his amazing balloon-dresses and larger than life air-sculptures. You see, Mark specializes in HUGE balloon-art that captures an audience's attetion and their imagination. Known by his stage name in Canada, "Jungle Jack" Mark has been entertaining children and adults alike for years, creating some of the largest sculptures from latex balloons ever seen! His website Xtreme Balloons can be found at http://www.junglejack.ca/ and is certainly worth a visit. MARK VERGE is one of the most innovative artists in the balloon industry and I highly recommend checking out his work. From life-sized motorcycles to realistic dinosaur-skeletons, Mark's work is both fascinating and inspirational. He deserves all of the awards he has won over the years along with MUCH respect from other balloon-artists all over the world.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND RECOVER FROM A CREATIVE BLOCK.

It's November 2010, and the year is drawing to an end. It's been a difficult year for me, having moved to Florida from Texas, along with many other changes in my life have made 2010 very challenging. However, I hope that you have had all your dreams come true this year, and that you  are winding down, planning your new adventures for 2011. As you know, balloon art is not always just about the money. Sure, we all need cash, but a career as an artist has many layers, and money is only one of the motivators that often drives artists forward. We are motivated differently in life, often relentlessly driven by the creative process itself. We live to see what we created. We get a profound sense of accomplishment when others view and are utterly amazed by our work.  The payoff is in the appreciation. We strive to be more creative with each new attempt but sometimes as artists, we are faced with what I can only assume is the same for writers. There is a condition where our creative senses become blocked and stagnant. This is called "Writer's Block" when you are an author. I call it "Creative Block" for artists. It's almost as if your mind becomes stuck, and nothing will help it get unglued! You can't come up with new ideas, and your absolutely not interested in creating anything. It seems to effect us creative types at the most inappropriate times. For those that make their livings doing anything other than being creative, it's probably difficult to understand just exactly what a creative block really is. I have come to recognize this temporary state of mental inability over the years as I have pursued one creative endeavor after another. It seems to affect me most often around the holidays, when I am busiest with clients and cranking out balloon sculptures like a Keebler Elf Cookie Factory! As a full time artist, entrepreneur and instructor, I find it almost impossible to maintain my creative edge 100% of the time. What does a creative block feel like? How do you know if you are experiencing one, and how can you fix it?
Well, for starters, your normal level of enthusiasm begins to decline. It's not FUN anymore. Suddenly, it feels a lot more like WORK! Your motivation to create anything seemingly disappears, and your general sense of well-being from all of your artistic pursuits don't seem to provide much fulfillment anymore. This is one of the dangers of maintaining a work/performance schedule that consists mainly of  line-work, which is what you are doing when you are working at a special event or in a store or restaurant, twisting balloons for tips for the purpose of  entertaining large crowds. Hours of endless repetition twisting balloons can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. If you find that your interest in balloon artistry is suddenly wavering and your experiencing a creative block, my first suggestion is to check your schedule. If you are working so much that you have become a one-man production factory, then you may want to consider switching things up so you don't become burned out. Where line-work can be financially rewarding, it can also drain your spirit and leave you emotionally flat. I believe it is very important to pace yourself, especially during the holiday season, and maintain strict guidelines when dealing with potential clients. For example, if you know that a client wants you to work 12 hours on a Saturday and your best work usually starts to look like a nuclear disaster after 4 hours of non-stop work, then don't be bad to yourself and agree to take on that job. We all have our limits, and nobody other than the balloon artists in our industry understands just how physically demanding this type of work can be. I don't ever book an event where I will be expected to work more than 6 hours. That's my limit, and if I want to stay fresh then I acknowledge this rule every time I take an assignment. The other thing I feel is important is that you take time to look at other artists work. Inspiration comes from admiring other artists in your field. If you want to get through your creative block, then I suggest you make it a point to look at what other artists are doing in your field. Sometimes, seeing our art forms from someone else's perspective is exactly what we need to take our work to the next level. Make it a habit to look for other artists that inspire you at least once a week. You may find that simply exposing yourself to their particular style of artwork may just be the thing you were missing. The point is that burnout is very high in this profession. Search for ways to remain inspired. It is just as important to learn to pace yourself as it is to practice new designs or develop your business skills. Balloon artistry relies heavily on repetition, so it's important that you run your business in a way that allows you to unplug from your assignments and relax your mind and body. You will find in this business that less is truly more. For me, taking a few days of down time and leaving the balloons in the corner usually renews me and leaves me feeling fresh and focused so that I can perform for my next set of clients. I am careful to not take on more than I can comfortably handle, and I make it a point to pay attention to things other than balloon art on my days off. Usually, after a few days of something different my creative block goes away and I am ready to begin again. If you have any ideas or comments that would help with creative block for balloon artists, please feel free to leave a comment. Any new information that helps the artists in the balloon industry better represent the industry itself would be greatly appreciated!

=RICK=

Addi Somekh Charlie Eckert "The Varieties Of The Balloon Hat Experience"

Every once in awhile something happens in the world that is of significant social value for society. The mainstream media, specifically the American Associated Press, and other world-wide news agencies may not recognize immediately the importance of such an event when it occurs, so sometimes it begins and concludes without much circumstance. That doesn't reduce the impact an event like this has on the people in the world that witness it. Such an event occurred in 2008, when a documentary was done about a couple of fellow artists named Addi Somekh and Charlie Eckert. That documentary was called "The Varieties Of The Balloon Hat Experience." 

http://www.balloonhat.com/diggy/#

It was produced by Andy Wermouth (pronounced vermouth) email: vermouth@zebrameat.com

and was the story of how happiness is a universal language, represented by balloons in all cultures across the globe. "Smiles" are always the common reaction from both children and grown-ups whenever a balloon artist takes the time to make an air-sculpture or a balloon hat, even when given to someone in a third-world country or in a place where war has ravaged the land and spirits of all the people that live there. The simple truth is that balloon art makes people happy all over the world. 

"The Varieties Of The Balloon Hat Experience" 

http://www.balloonhat.com/diggy/#

is a documentary film that chronicles the life and travels of two guys with a vision. Addi Somekh is a gifted balloon artist and Charlie Eckert is a photographer and together they set out on a trip around the world to take pictures of people laughing and having fun with balloons and show that no matter what the situation may be, people have the capacity to experience joy. People are wired to be naturally happy, even if just for a moment, under the worst conditions, people, when given the choice will find a way to show happiness and love. This film is about BALLOON ARTISTRY and PHOTOGRAPHY (Those that know me know these are two very important topics for me) The film is also about people, and how we are wired to  experience joy from our surroundings as well as love for each other. The link I have included will give you a preview of the experience. There are many pictures with captions that show and tell the story. As soon as I locate the movie, I will post instructions for viewing it. I am setting up a date in Tampa so that everyone can see the movie and help us raise money for a purpose which is to be announced. Please let me know what you think, I appreciate your comments and I hope learning about this documentary has  brought YOU a whole lot of joy!

              CREATIVE INFLATION
ART FOR A CAUSE - REASON FOR APPLAUSE

LIVE RICH!
=RICK=

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP

I get that many of the folks that follow my blog are interested in the business of balloon artistry. They want to know Who I am, What I do, Where I'll be, and How I do it. Of course, there's always the "What does it cost?" question too, to which I usually respond,  "Price will vary" and then quickly begin answering the other more important questions that actually have to do with the ART form itself. It's not about the money, really. For me it's about the ART. It always has been. Artists have to make a living too, but the primary focus for us is in the creative processes that make the ART possible. Our "message" trumps our "money" for lack of a better way to explain it. This isn't a job. It's passion for a purpose. I call it ART FOR A CAUSE and I enjoy the pursuit of artistic excellence as much as I do the ART itself, even if we are just talking about some silly balloon animals! I expect people's natural curiosity to bring them here. If for nothing else than to just see what all the buzz is about. The pictures alone make this site something of interest for people who stop by. Thanks again for your interest in CREATIVE INFLATION. We wouldn't be what we are if it were not for our fans.


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I wanted to take a minute and let you guys know that there is a movie you need to see.
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is a movie that should be seen by both artists and non-artists alike. It is the unlikely story of how a French shop keeper named Terry Guetta in LA who sells vintage clothing to the Los Angeles, Bohemian Art-Crowd develops an obsession with "STREET ART", better known as graffiti, and decides to make a documentary about the experience. Armed with nothing more than a video camera, VERY little film making skills, and a passion for the art scene, Terry records thousands of hours of footage detailing the underground life and meaning of the artists from L.A. to England who risk arrest and prosecution for vandalism in their mission to use art to make statements that often flare with political unrest and poke fun at the establishment. Many of you will recognize the iconic images in the film and probably remember seeing them recently, somewhere in the real "DIRT" world before. Perhaps the most recognizable image is the Obama HOPE poster done for the Presidential campaign that got President Barack Obama elected as our first black president.This image was done by SHEPARD FAIREY who is a prolific street artist who is also responsible for the GIANT OBEY stickers that were mysteriously seen posted  throughout the world a few years ago on the sides of buildings and in cities on other surfaces of other structures where they seemed to appear overnight (which they did) and ultimately communicated a message that seemed authoritative, yet unclear. If you have seen these images and wondered what they meant, especially the image of the giant that commands you to "OBEY" then you can go to Shepard's website and hang out there for a while. Buy some of his art. It's way cool and I highly recommend it!

http://obeygiant.com/archives/page/3

The film features art by a variety of street artist, but none is probably more famous or INFAMOUS than the artist known as BANKSY. His identity is unknown, being kept a secret by those closest to him and even in the film he made his face is constantly obscured and his voice is digitally enhanced to prevent identifying him. BANKSY has done street art all over the world and though his true identity remains a mystery, his art has become so famous that it sells to some of the richest people in the world. Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Christina Aguillera, are just a few of the wealthiest buyers who recognize that ART FOR A CAUSE, the very theme of the CREATIVE INFLATION blog, is worth whatever price is asked if it means furthering the mission. BANKSY ART commands prices that are thousands and thousands of dollars, and if you are fortunate enough that he Tagged one of your buildings you are trying to sell, then chances are that the art will be worth more than the real estate itself! The statements made by manipulating iconic images found in popular culture has a powerful effect on the minds of the masses. We are so used to seeing images, designed by slick agencies who are hired to sell services and products, that when we are faced with an image with a message, designed for no other purpose than to just be ART, our minds are temporarily shaken and our reactions can be totally unpredictable. That's precisely what ART should be. It needs to stir in us a response that reminds us to stay conscious of what the advertising guerrillas are really attempting to do. They wish to control our minds. Street Art attempts to liberate your mind and help you unplug from the temple of hyper-consumerism that seems to be sucking us in to what I imagine to be a vortex, constantly spinning and pulling us down.  I could go on but instead I just ask that you see the movie, "EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP." You will be glad you did. Also, I want it to be known that I am made humble every time someone appreciates my balloon artistry. I never expected it to move anyone. It does, however, and that's how art should be. A force that moves the world to think and to feel, even if just for a moment. If balloon artistry is what you do, then your chosen art-form should be no exception. Presented in interesting ways, intelligently conceived, and thoughtfully presented, the right art, be it street art or even balloon art, may just change the world.

ART IS LIFE! 
=RICK=

ART FOR A CAUSE HALLOWEEN 2010 LARRY MOSS, ARTIST AND FRIEND

Hi Guys! (and Girls) It's October 2010, which is Halloween time, a particularly busy time for those of us who make a living entertaining, marketing and fund-raising with  balloons. Fall festivals and Halloween carnivals are big this time of year. SO if any of my students would like to know the best approach to getting invited to one of these family-friendly events as a FEE PAID entertainer, then leave a comment or shoot me an email creativeinflation@gmail.com and I will do my very best to answer your questions as accurately as I can. We like suggestions here too, so if anybody would like to suggest anything of value on the subject of working in October in the balloon industry, your comments are also welcome. In fact, comments are the life-line of any good blog, so please, comment away!

As many of you know, I am now offering private lessons in the Tampa Bay Area, to anyone who would like to learn how to twist balloons either for fun or profit. Just email me at: creativeinflationinstructions@gmail.com if you would like more info. on prices for group classes or for private lessons.

As CREATIVE INFLATION embarks on a new journey towards educating artists to entertain with balloons, I felt it was entirely appropriate to give credit where credit is due. There was a beginning for me once. Years before I grew to become a professional balloon artist, or developed a passionate interest in the photographic arts, I was inspired by a man who is perhaps the most talented balloon artist on this planet. His large-scale installations have drawn scores of people from around the world, who have gazed upon his creations with awe and wonder. From life-sized-orange-flying-balloon-octopuses, to a 10,000 square-foot haunted mansion, constructed entirely out of latex balloons, his creations are as magnificent as his talents are awesome. I was fortunate enough to meet Larry Moss in person at the Diamond Jam Balloon Festival in 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was one of the designers in the Balloon Dress Fashion Show, which will be the subject of one of my next posts. When I talk about my "Beginning" in the Balloon Industry, I am most certainly referring to Larry Moss and his company in New York known as  

AIRIGAMI...The Fine Art of Folding Air  www.airigami.com/blog

Larry is the kind of artist I appreciate most. With 25 years experience as an artist, beginning as a street performer in New York, he is one of the most recognized balloon artist in the world. Projects that bring communities together are of particular interest to him, according to his website. He has an advanced degree in applied mathematics and computer science, and a masters in elementary education. He's a brilliant small business owner and gifted entrepreneur too. He's published many books on creating advanced, balloon sculptures and he is particularly well known for his generous donations to non-profit organizations, going to benefit causes such as cancer treatment and research. His Haunted Balloon Manor, done in 2004, 

http://www.balloonhq.com/column/lmoss/dec04/

was a 10,000 square foot haunted house installation made completely from balloons, and is credited to have raised more than $34,000.00 in cash from ticket sales which was all given to the cancer center at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. This kind of thing is rare and respectable to say the least and since there aren't many guys like Larry Moss out there, I thought it would be best to introduce you guys to the artist who first inspired me.

http://www.balloonfunhouse.com/ 

                         photograph of Martha Stewart & Larry Moss courtesy of www.balloonfunhouse.com www.airigami.com                         

His art-work opened my eyes to what was possible with balloons, and more importantly, showed me how to get involved with the community and be a part of things bigger than myself. Larry's work has made a huge impression on me. It took 5 days, 240 community volunteers, 60 artists from 13 states and 2 provinces in Canada, 60,000 balloons and over 2000 hours to create Balloon Manor in 2004! This project is a perfect example of what people can do when they share a vision and commit to a goal. Projects like this are truly amazing! They illustrate for us the power of the human spirit, and reveal to us the depths of creativity locked away in the human mind. What I am most impressed by however, is the generosity shown by Larry Moss and all those who helped create Balloon Manor. These artists donated their time and talent along with $34,000.00 dollars generated from the event that could have made them richer, but instead went towards making people with cancer better. That's a story which must be shared with every aspiring artist from now on, whether they choose balloons as their medium or not. Let's take Larry's idea of 

"ART FOR A CAUSE" and do more extraordinary things for the communities where we live. Air-artistry certainly gets peoples attention. The "Balloon-Man" makes new friends every day. That's my whole point with this!  Is there a chance as a group of artists, we can identify special causes and use our unique art-form to raise money and make a difference and see things change? It has always been my vision to run CREATIVE INFLATION as a For-Profit company, benefiting Non-Profit organizations. As I continue to work out the fuzzy details, perhaps you can help with the logic.  I challenge all the members of my tribe, all the people that read my blog posts, everyone I encounter every day, I challenge you guys to come up with this kind of  "Larger-Than-Life" art project that can be used to spearhead a campaign and raise serious money for a serious cause. I am willing to listen to you, no matter how out of this world it may seem to anyone else, I am totally on-board and ready to assist with this type of project! I believe that when people put their minds together and decide to do something great, there is a magical force which assists them and makes all things possible! So what do you want to do? Who needs help out there? Let's show the world again what a bunch of visionary artists can do with a few balloons! 

I think, with some strong leadership, a common goal, a whole lot of heart and a little bit of talent, we should be able to use air-artistry to REPEATEDLY raise money for good causes and bring hope to people all over the world!  Please submit your proposals and fund-raising ideas by email.  No suggestion is too big or too small. How can we use balloon artistry to make a difference in the world?

creativeinflation@gmail.com

Peace, Life & LIGHT
=RICK=