If you’re wondering what the big red balloons are about... Here’s the scoop.
Six years ago, I started a brand with a buddy. We called it LoveLife, our original goal was to sell tee shirts… turns out, we didn’t sell squat. But while I was in Chicago, I started an art project introducing myself and our brand to strangers on the streets. It was called The Red Balloon Project.
Because I genuinely enjoy putting happiness into the world, and mostly because I’m half-a-nut, I’d walk around the city with a giant three-foot red balloon and hand it out to approachable-looking people on the street. The balloons had messages attached to their strings saying positive things like, “Keep those hopes high!” or “Happiness! That’s what’s up!” or “Smile bright, bitch-ass!“ (That last one never happened.)
It was fun and interesting to see the reactions to what I was doing. Some people were a little skeptical I might be a purse-snatching pedophile, (that also loves drawing major attention to himself) but overall a balloon really is a lovely universal symbol of happiness and celebration. So many people would simply look up and smile... It’s round. It floats. It’s pretty magical.
And because of that, the project — by measures of general attention and affection — was more successful than the tee shirt brand. It won a grant from The Awesome Foundation, received a little write-up in the local paper, and because of it I began connecting my way into a community of really cool artists and smart, talented, inspiring (insert more positive adjectives here) people. Some of which, I’m still grateful to have friendships with today. But eventually, I needed a job. I couldn’t just keep bopping around town with my big balloons for a living. It’s rough out there for a balloon man.
Here and there I still find some free time and some inspiration to keep it going. Not too long ago, I organized and planned a charity balloon crawl called Balloon Hullabaloo in Detroit. Turned out to be a good time and mildly successful. And my heart was definitely in the right place, but if I were to keep doing things like this, I would become a charity case myself.
But that doesn’t mean it’s done, because I haven’t completely let go of the balloon thing... throughout my career as an advertising copywriter I’ve always had visions of how I could keep it floating on into the future. So, here are a few of my recent and brighter ideas:
The Wynwood Balloon Shop
If you’re not hip to Miami and ya’ don’t know, the city of Wynwood is an Instagram mecca. It’s a town covered — literally covered — in murals. Any day of the week, it’s bustling with tourists coming to snap selfies and pose in front of the famous art walls. With all these pictures being taken, I figure a good deal of these people would love to be accompanied by a spectacular balloon. In a city to be seen, this is one big way to do it. Therefore I propose unto to you... The Wynwood Balloon Shop, a retail store experience selling giant 3’ foot balloons. Why? So you and your friends can go out and make a joyful ruckus! It’s the best photo prop money can buy! You want a custom balloon too? You got it #instababe! Our friendly staff will guide you through your plethora of choices, simply select from an array of balloon decor to dazzle up your string and make a whimsical scene.
While I imagine one main retail store in Wynwood, Miami, we could also experiment with Pop-Up Balloon Shops at music festivals and large events around the world. Could be a fun way to find your friends in the big crowds! The shops would also be a great hub and way to promote our Ballooner Merch brand. Which brings me to the next idea...
Balloon Man Brand
A brand built around a little balloon man icon. Most brands just make up a story, this one is already real… I’m envisioning a simple balloon man applique featured on polo shirts, hats, etc… (think Vineyard Vines whale, Lacoste crocodile, Polo man playing polo, or the Brooks Brother’s lamb that’s being elevated to heaven via bed sheets...is that what it is?). Little Balloon Man, he’s always on the up and up, just like me and you! Along with clothing I’m open to developing and selling anything creative, clever and unique — so long as it’s built around the core icon of a balloon.
Balloon-O-Box
The company that allows you to send a giant balloon in a box, to anyone, anywhere in the world! Honestly, it should exist already! Sales could operate mainly online and out of the retail store. Delivering happiness in it’s true form! (eat it Zappos) Imagine your boo’s reaction when she opens up her giant box and a lovely balloon pops up out of it! Boo-yeah! A balloon in a box is wonderful gesture for a variety of occasions… Can’t make the birthday party? Balloon-O-Box! Friend needs a little uplifting? Balloon-O-Box! Something to send your bitches on Valentine’s day? Balloon-O-Box, bee-otch!! Seriously though, if people are air mailing potatoes to each other via the internets, I’ve got a big ‘ol hunch they’ll send balloons.
Got any inspiring ideas or want to help me champion one of these projects? Reach out!