Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 12:39:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: Larry Moss <moss@balloonhq.com>
To: Balloon Twister List <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: advice? -Long.

On Mon, 14 Aug 2000, Shansu Ellwood wrote:

> OK, fellow twisters, I need some advice!

It was recently pointed out to me how quiet I've been here recently, so
I'll give it a shot.

> So- the problems.  How do I get my "kid" to quit looking for a "bigger,
> better deal?"

From everything you've said, the thing he's lacking is maturity.  I'm not
saying that to be insulting.  He's 16.  That's to be expected, and
honestly, probably a good thing.  There are several "kids" on this list
that are quite successful at what they do.  I have "kids" in quotes since
some of them have been around here long enough that they probably aren't
actually kids any more.  They went through the early stages and developed
as performers, business people, and artists.  That's just a growing phase.
So how do you get him to act differently?  Wait a few years.

But, to put things in perspective for him, point out that if he played a
guitar, he probably wouldn't make any more sitting in a mall than he does
right now twisting balloons.  From movies and TV we're used to the idea
that a musician has to have many years of struggling behind him to be
successful.  People have the idea in mind that they can go out and twist
balloons and make money.  It doesn't work that way.  It sounds to me like
you understand that.  You have to stand around and practice.  As you get
better, the money you make will increase.  That's the thing you should be
teaching the "kid".  It's about practice and experience. You'll even find
that you'll develop a following that will return looking for you.  They'll
tip you every time they see you.  Every business knows the importance of
return customers.  You can't have return business until you're around for a
while.

Now, to be clear, when I say practice and experience, I'm not suggesting
that you aren't a good twister.  I've seen amazing twisters that have no
idea how to make money from a crowd.  Learning to draw crowds and make
money from them is just as difficult a skill as learning advanced twisting.

If he doesn't have the discipline to practice and not make money for a
while, this probably isn't the business for him.  It sounds like he isn't
interested in twisting for the fun of it.

> So- What if I want to figure out how he made his Taz?  Should I ask him
> first (tracking him down if I need to?)  He said he created it himself, and
> can do over 2000 things, including ten or twelve different motorcycles.  I
> would love to learn from this guy!  But he seemed kind of lukewarm to the
> idea.  I THINK I know how to do it- but would it be wrong to do his creation
> without asking him first?

If he isn't comfortable teaching you, try this.  Don't take the sculpture
he made (such as Taz) and walk away with it to study later.  Look it over.
Think about it, and try to remember his style and the kinds of twists he
uses.  Dont' think about step by step reproduction, just try to get a feel
for the lines in the sculpture.  Later, without it in your hands, try to
reproduce the look of it.  As you try things, you probably wont' end up
making something that's the same as his.  You'll actually create your own.
After all, that's what he did.  He copied it from a cartoon. 

If he doesn't want to give you permission to do his creations, respect that
and don't do it.  It's more work to create your own, but it's so much more
satisfying when you're successful.  If you do copy his, go back when he's
there and give him a big tip.  Or make sure you show him something that
you've created on your own.

Larry Moss
BalloonHQ.com