10 Tips All Balloon Artists Need for a Smooth Installation

Do you enjoy being a professional balloon artist? Are you struggling with making your installation look flawless and worrying about the safety of the people in attendance? Follow these tips for a smooth installation.

Check out the location first

Before taking any equipment or balloons to your job, show up early and check out the location.

Look at the ceiling to see if there are any beams or other spots that could be problematic for hanging the balloon structure. Ensure that there is plenty of access to an electrical outlet if that is necessary for your installation. Plan out where you want your balloons to go, and go as far as creating a digital mockup of your installation!

‍Make sure you have sufficient time for installation

If you're doing a party, talk to the person throwing it and determine how much time you'll have for installation. If they need balloons as early as possible, make sure that you've given yourself enough time to set up your entire piece with no rushing.

Also, remember that balloon twisting takes longer than inflating balloons with a machine. If you're having trouble getting the installation done on time, consider twisting some of them while waiting for the party to start. Don't let one balloon hold up the entire installation.

Check the weather and plan accordingly

Balloons and helium don't like extreme heat. If you're installing in a scorching location, make sure that there is air conditioning to keep your balloons from popping.

If not, consider having backup balloons filled with air, so they don't float away in the heat. If the event is being held outdoors, check the weather and make sure that you have backup balloons in case of rain. If you do get caught in a rainstorm, DO NOT inflate your balloons until they are indoors.

Make a supply checklist before you leave for the party

Bring everything YOU need to get the installation done. If you're doing an outdoor installation, bring a table, weights, balloon pump, and air inflator with you. If you have to borrow supplies from someone else or if it's a last-minute job, make sure that there is a designated person to help out with all your supplies.

Lastly, print out a supply checklist to fill out before you leave to make sure you have all of your supplies and can cross everything off a physical list.

Build some of the balloon structure before you arrive

Balloons by themselves look fantastic, but they need the proper structure to keep them in place. If you don't have time to create all of the balloon structure for your installation before you arrive, build some of it beforehand and bring it with you.

Come prepared with multiple adhesive methods

The surfaces you’re working with at installs can vary greatly. Depending on the surface you’re planning on attaching your structure to, it’s important to bring multiple adhesive methods in case one isn’t sticking. We recommend command hooks (indoor and outdoor) and glue dots.

Always bring extra supplies

Always bring a few extra balloons and a bit of air to reinflate your balloons with if needed. This will save you from being cornered by a request for an extra balloon, or worse - having one pop on you during installation. 

Check-in with the client periodically

You should make yourself available to the client during installation if they have questions or need help with something. It’s important to check in with the client a few times throughout the process in case they want something changed or added. Some clients will have a very specific vision, and it’s your responsibility to ensure that vision comes to life!

Designate one person to be in charge of photos

When working hard on an installation, it’s easy to forget to take photos at the end. Designating one person to be responsible for getting photos at the end of the installation ensures that you’ll have photos to use on your website and social media.

Encourage client feedback

This is a great way to get good feedback on your work and the development of your skills. Encourage your clients to leave reviews on the platforms you use and ask them to tag your business’s account in any social media posts.