Meet David Warner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Warner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

As any artist will tell you, it is very easy to be extremely critical of our own work and wish it was “better”. The easiest way I’ve found to overcome Impostor Syndrome is to not compare myself or my art to others. Sure, I try to stay abreast of what others are doing and the latest trends and techniques that are out there, but I’ve learned to be content with the work that I produce.

It’s easy to look at another persons sculpture and wish that I had thought of it/done it first, but I’d much rather focus on what I can create in my own style. Many of my favorite pieces, such as the Abominable Snowman are “one-offs”- truly original, one of a kind sculptures that I created for the first time with no instructions, or “blueprint”- just 100% creativity and originality.

There’s no one out there that can do what I do exactly the way that I do it and I don’t want to copy someone else’s style verbatim, either. That’s what makes being an artist in this industry so special and unique: everyone has their own distinct approach to a sculpture and does what works for them. So, in a way, I’m no different from anyone else, although my work is different, if that makes sense?

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I provide Balloon Art Entertainment and Decor for private and corporate events. My clients include Fortune 500 companies, to families for small birthday parties- if balloons are involved, I’m there. I do it all!

My primary focus as an artist is creating larger-than-life giant sculpture installations, such as the Mexican Red Knee tarantula I recently created for Great Wolf Lodge’s “Howl-O-Ween” celebration. These are my favorite type of projects, as oftentimes, the client gives me complete creative control and artistic license to do what I want to do. Over the years, I’ve built up a portfolio of a wide variety of sculptures matching any theme you can probably think of and that speaks volumes to a potential client: they want to SEE what you’ve done in the past to make sure that you can create what you are requesting.

Oftentimes, giant sculptures have to be created on-site as transporting such a large piece isn’t economically feasible or physically practical. I call these my Live Installations: I build the sculpture on site in a designated area, so that the clients guests can watch as it comes to life over the course of several hours or days, even.

Another one of my favorite type of events is working in restaurants for Kids/Family Nights. I get to walk around to the tables vs. setting up in one spot and having a line form which not only takes the pressure off of me to perform, but also lets me focus on one small group at a time, so I can take my time and make something truly amazing for each guest.

My services include:

Hourly Entertainment (Strolling or Stationary)

Classic Decorations (such as arches and columns)

Commissioned Sculptures (caricatures, characters, life-size sculptures, etc.)

Live Installations (building a balloon sculpture on-site) for the public to watch as it comes together, then admire the finished piece.

Balloon Art Workshops (Beginner to advanced)

Restaurants (Strolling or Stationary)

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One of the most important qualities you can possess as an artist in this field is honesty and transparency. If you do not feel confident in your skill set to take on a project, be upfront with the customer and let them know that it isn’t something you feel like you are capable of creating at this time, but also, let them know what you can do for them where you know you can create a top notch product. Play to your strengths and be realistic about the projected outcome of a project if it is to be created or displayed in poor conditions, such as the outdoors. It is better to ward off disappointment early on and let the client know what is feasible, than it is to get in over your head and promise something that you cannot deliver.

In my experience, I have rarely had to turn down a clients request, but, usually when I do it is due to something outside of my control, such as weather conditions, or budget restraints. If a clients budget wont allow for the biggest and best option that you offer, or they want something outside when that is a bad idea, for example, let them know what you CAN do for them, vs. focusing on what you can’t.

My most valued skill that I possess is adaptability. For the majority of my projects, I arrive on-site and “wing it”. I do not need instructions or a “recipe” as they’re known in the industry to create a sculpture. Rather, I take what the client has expressed to me that they want, along with a mental picture of what I’m going to make, as well as the various techniques, shapes and sizes of balloons I will need to make it and get to work. This unorthodox method has helped set me and my work apart in the industry and kept clients coming back for more, over the years.

Each project is a learning experience. The knowledge that I have has come from a lot of literal blood, sweat and tears over the years. There will always be unforeseen obstacles and challenges, that pop up unexpectedly no matter how carefully you plan or try to think ahead. That being said, be as prepared as possible. Order extra balloons in case of pops, or if you need more that you thought and bring along any and all tools that you may need, even if you don’t think you do or end up using them: it’s always better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. Take what you learned from the last project and apply it to the next.

If I had to give advice to anyone, whether they’re just starting out or have been making Balloon Art for years, is something my mentor told me years ago and that is to always under promise and over deliver. Take the extra time to add those small details that really bring a sculpture to life, or make it slightly larger than you told the clients it would be, for example. It’s the little things in this field that will make you stand out above and beyond the rest.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I’d say that I face right now is an over-saturated market. During and after COVID, with many people being put out of work and looking for ways to supplement or replace their income, there has been an influx of people to the balloon community starting a business, so there is more “competition”.

The good news is that the majority of these people are focused on/doing the same thing, such as simple classic or “organic” decor- neither one of which are my preferred type of work, or what I focus on. It has, however, caused an issue particularly in the area of pricing. Many of these “green” balloon artists literally do not know how to price their work and inadvertently end up charging well below the market rate. Most of the time this is due to simple ignorance- rarely in my experience has it been a deliberate attempt to undercut someone else or “corner the market”.

I am an artist, first and foremost. I do not have the head for numbers, so to speak and I struggle with the business aspect of the job, such as paperwork/accounting, marketing, etc. I prefer to let my work speak for itself and thankfully, it does the talking for me and I have not had a shortage of work. I’ve also found over the years that by simply taking a few extra minutes to explain to clients why I charge what I do such as my 20+ years of experience, numerous awards and Guinness World Record certifications, I am able to book more events, vs. having a hard line “my price is my price” approach. People respond better and are more accepting of the cost once you can break down in laymen’s terms exactly why you are the right choice for them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

David Warner

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