Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Messer.
Hi Aaron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began at 13, when I went through clown training with an organization called the Smile Seekers Clown Ministry. It was there that I learned how to perform as a hobo clown and picked up my first basic balloon designs. I credit much of my success today to this wonderful group and the foundation they gave me.
My interest in balloon art grew quickly. I attended several conventions and eventually completed an apprenticeship with a professional balloon artist who taught me a tremendous amount about the craft. He remains an irreplaceable friend, mentor, and source of inspiration. Over the years, I continued to build experience in both balloon art and décor, which eventually led me to establish Balloons By Aaron.
I’ve been fortunate to twist balloons in many states—including Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, and New York—and to work with a number of recognizable companies such as IKEA, Monster Jam, Walmart, and Eli Lilly. These days I travel less, choosing to be more selective about the events and projects I take on.
In addition to being a balloon artist and entertainer, I am also an educator. I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. I spent several years teaching high school biology, then taught biology and special education at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, a prison for young males. Currently, I serve as a special education teacher at a high school in Indianapolis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a balloon artist comes with a surprising number of challenges that most people never see behind the bright colors and sculpted smiles. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was managing long lines. Balloon art is inherently time-consuming, and when crowds build up, each person waiting feels like a countdown clock behind me. I often felt a wave of anxiety from the people in line—some impatient, some excited, some hovering just close enough to make me work faster than my comfort zone allowed. Balancing the desire to create quality art with the pressure to keep the line moving was a constant mental juggling act.
Another challenge was building a recognizable brand. Balloon art isn’t just about twisting shapes; it’s about standing out in a field where many artists can technically do the same thing. I wanted people to see my work and instantly know it was mine. That meant developing a unique style, a certain flair, and a presence that people remembered and actively sought out. Crafting that identity—consistently, publicly, and authentically—took intention and perseverance.
The artistic side came with its own internal battles. There are so many small nuances to balloon work—proportions, color choices, symmetry, and those little design decisions that make a sculpture truly “pop.” I often became overly critical of my own creations, noticing imperfections no one else would ever see. That inner perfectionist can be both a motivator and a burden; it pushes the quality higher but can also make every performance feel like a high-stakes test.
Then there’s the challenge of pricing. Balloon art is temporary by nature—meant to delight, but not to last—and that makes it tricky to assign a value to something that will eventually deflate or pop. Deciding what my time, skill, creativity, and physical effort were worth took confidence. It took understanding that people weren’t just paying for latex; they were paying for an experience, a moment of joy, and years of practice behind each sculpture. But arriving at that mindset was not easy.
All of these challenges—crowds, pressure, branding, artistic self-criticism, and pricing—shaped my growth as a balloon artist. They helped me develop resilience, self-trust, and a sense of professional identity. And, ultimately, they’re part of what made the journey meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a balloon artist, entertainer, and educator, and I specialize in creating high-quality balloon sculptures and décor that elevate events and leave lasting impressions. My work blends technical skill, artistic creativity, and a strong sense of showmanship. Over the years, I’ve developed a signature style that focuses on clean lines, vibrant color palettes, and character designs that are instantly recognizable. Many clients tell me they can spot a “Balloons By Aaron” piece from across a room, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.
I started my journey at age 13 through the Smile Seekers Clown Ministry, where I learned the foundations of performance, character work, and basic balloon design. Since then, my passion for balloon art has led me to attend conventions, study under seasoned professionals, and continually refine my craft. I’ve twisted balloons across the country—from Indiana to Nevada to New York—and worked with major brands like IKEA, Monster Jam, Walmart, and Eli Lilly. Those experiences helped me grow not only as an artist but as a business owner.
What I’m most proud of is the reputation I’ve built: a brand known for reliability, creativity, and a personal touch. Whether I’m entertaining at a festival or designing large-scale décor for a corporate event, I approach every project with intention and care. I love watching people light up when they see something they’ve never imagined could be made out of balloons.
What sets me apart is the combination of artistry, experience, and educational background I bring to the table. As a special education teacher with degrees in elementary and special education, I understand how to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. That teaching experience has made me a more patient performer, a better communicator, and someone who knows how to create inclusive, memorable experiences for everyone I interact with.
Today, I’m more selective with the events I take on, choosing projects that allow me to push my creativity or make a meaningful impact. Whether I’m crafting a single sculpture or filling an entire venue with balloon décor, my goal is always the same: to create joy through art.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone just starting out in balloon art, my biggest piece of advice is to give yourself permission to grow slowly. When I began, I felt pressured to be fast, flawless, and innovative right away—but skill comes from repetition, patience, and a willingness to make a lot of wobbly, lopsided, slightly embarrassing sculptures along the way. Don’t rush that process. Every artist you admire went through the same phase.
I also wish I’d learned earlier how important it is to develop your own style. It’s easy to copy designs you see online or at conventions, but the work that really stands out—the work people remember and seek out—comes from experimenting and finding the artistic choices that feel natural to you. Your voice as an artist matters just as much as your technique.
Another piece of advice: invest in your tools. Good balloons, a reliable pump, and quality materials make a huge difference in both your experience and your final product. Cheap supplies will only frustrate you and make learning harder than it needs to be.
On the business side, learn to price your work confidently. Balloon art is temporary, but your time, talent, and physical energy are valuable. Don’t undervalue yourself just because someone else doesn’t understand what goes into your craft. I struggled with this for years, but once you set fair prices and stick to them, the right clients will respect your work.
Finally, remember that the human side of this job is just as important as the artistic side. You’ll deal with long lines, excited kids, anxious parents, impatient crowds, and moments where you feel rushed or overwhelmed. Breathe, smile, and be kind to yourself. The ability to stay calm and present—even when the line is ten families deep—is one of your most valuable skills.
If you stay curious, keep practicing, and find joy in the art itself, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balloonsbyaaron.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balloons_by_aaron/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalloonsByAaron/
