Blow, tie, twist. Blow, tie, twist. Blow, tie, twist, pop.

That’s the average routine of a balloon artist. Crafting the most intricate and detailed sculptures out there, balloon artistry requires lots of concentration and practice to master. Sophomore Maddie Emerson has had a passion for making balloon animals since a young age.

Emerson was fascinated as a child, watching her dad make animals, and because he never got any time to teacher her, she decided to pick up some spare balloons herself and give it a shot. Now, she has been making animals for a couple years, she said.

“I have been making balloon animals ever since I live in Florida, about four or five years ago,” Emerson said. “Publically, I have been making balloons for almost three years now.”

Although making balloon animals may not reflect the artist’s feelings or emotions, it is still a kind of art. Every artist has his or her own unique style, techniques and specific skill set to get the job done.

“So far, I have only made balloon animals for volunteering opportunities,” Emerson said, “although, I have plans to start a small business using my skills to earn money.”

Starting out small, Emerson’s first successful creation was a “Doodle Bug”; a design created by another artist.

“The first balloon animal I made, that did not pop or turn out really bad, was called a Doodle Bug,” Emerson said. “The Doodle Bug is another artist’s design; it has a very small body, meant to be worn as a bracelet, and very large eyes. As far as balloons go, this one is very simplistic and uses only very basic techniques.”

Throughout the years, Emerson has developed several skills and techniques to help her create more difficult creations using balloons, such as a ghost.

“The most difficult balloon I have made was probably a ghost. Ghosts require the use of round balloons which can be very difficult to twist without practice,” Emerson said. “Even now it will take me several extra minutes to complete a ghost.”

Even though she has been making balloon animals for the past four or five years now, Emerson still wishes to continue making balloons and expand upon her talent so that she can make even more challenging balloons.

“I would like to learn how to create large sculptures and decorations such as arches and table centers,” Emerson said. “After I learn how to create few different kinds, I will be able to incorporate my own styles.”

The creativity of balloon art can go a long way. For example, Emerson has used her talent to craft a balloon that was supposed to resemble one of her friends for her birthday.

“Once the balloon was perfect I was then extremely worried that it would pop on my way to my friend’s house,” Emerson said, “Luckily the balloon made it and surprisingly my friend told me it lasted a couple months before it deflated beyond recognition.”

Making balloon animals is a unique hobby that doesn’t pose many threats, except impatient kids, finger pain and working overtime. However, by eluding those dangers, Emerson wishes to continue and get better at making balloon animals and one day make balloon sculptures.