Balloon Artist, Twister, or Decorator? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Balloon Artist, Twister, or Decorator?

If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole trying to plan a birthday party or special event, you’ve probably come across a few confusing terms: balloon artist, balloon twister, balloon decorator… and maybe even “balloon modeler” or “deco-twister.”

So what’s the difference? And more importantly—how do you know which one you actually need?

As a professional balloon twister and entertainer, I get this question a lot. And honestly, it’s a good one! The balloon world is more diverse than most people realize. So in this post, I’m going to break it all down for you in plain language—no confusing industry lingo, just helpful info.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly who does what, how balloon art has evolved over time, and what kind of balloon pro is the right fit for your event.

Let’s dive in.

What Is a Balloon Artist?

“Balloon artist” is an umbrella term. It can refer to anyone who creates artistic designs using balloons—whether that’s a sculptor twisting animals at a party, or a decorator building a massive balloon arch for a wedding.

Think of it like this: if someone uses balloons as their medium (kind of like paint or clay), they’re technically a balloon artist.

So whether you’re twisting a dog out of a single 260 or building a giant balloon wall with a dozen colors and shapes—you’re doing balloon art. That said, most professionals tend to specialize in one of two areas: twisting or decor.

That’s where the differences come in.

What Is a Balloon Twister?

Balloon twisters are what most people think of when they picture someone making balloon animals at a party. We show up with colorful balloons, make fun creations on the spot, and keep kids smiling and entertained the whole time.

Balloon twisting is all about live entertainment. It’s interactive, personal, and fast-paced. The goal is to keep the energy up, give each child a one-of-a-kind creation, and turn a simple balloon into a little piece of joy they can take home.

Some examples of what a twister might create at a party:

• Dogs, cats, and dinosaurs
• Princesses, pirates, superheroes
• Lightsabers and swords
• Custom hats, flowers, and wearable balloon designs

I specialize in balloon twisting, which means I focus on engaging, fast-moving entertainment where the balloons are just one part of the fun. I’m not just handing out balloons—I’m putting on a show that’s part of the party experience.

What Is a Balloon Decorator?

Balloon decorators focus more on transforming spaces with balloons. You’ll see their work at weddings, corporate events, quinceañeras, baby showers—you name it.

Decorators create things like:

• Balloon arches and garlands
• Centerpieces
• Balloon walls and columns
• Sculptures and backdrops

Balloon decor is about visual impact and aesthetics. It’s often designed to match a color scheme or theme and is installed before the party starts.

A twister works during the event to entertain guests, and a decorator works before the event to set the visual scene.

Where Do They Overlap?

Here’s where it gets interesting—there’s definitely some overlap between twisters and decorators.

Some twisters also learn large-scale decor, and some decorators learn simple twisting. There’s even a growing group of professionals known as “deco-twisters” who do both.

A deco-twister might design a balloon wall and columns to look like a huge outdoor scene and then add intricately twisted animals to it that might even make me a little envious. Another fun decor-twister blend is table centerpieces that look sort of like a mini-column and are topped with a twisted balloon, like a t-rex, for a Jurassic-themed party. It’s a fun fusion of two different styles.

But most professionals tend to lean one way or the other—either toward entertainment (twisting) or installation (decor).

What Tools and Balloons Are Used?

Balloon twisters usually use long, skinny balloons—typically called “260s” (they’re about 2 inches wide and 60 inches long when inflated) and a small variety of round balloons. Some designs use larger or smaller variations like 160s, 360s, or specialty shapes. Personally, I like to use a lot of these larger balloons–360s and 660s (6 inches wide!)–because they make for some pretty impressive creations, giving you that real WOW factor.

Twisters often carry:

• Balloon pumps
• Markers (for faces and details)
• Portable carts or kits to move quickly at events
• A huge variety of long twisting/entertainer balloons, and a smaller variety of round balloons
• Signs (I bring menu boards with me that show a variety of balloon options; this helps give kids ideas of what’s possible without them being overwhelmed and trying to think of something off the cuff)

Decorators use a wider variety of balloon types:

• Far more round latex balloons in different sizes
• Double-stuffed or custom-color combinations
• Foil balloons, orbs, and bubbles
• Framing and rigging for installations

They also use air inflators, garland tape, and professional tools for large builds. Decorators tend to plan ahead and know exactly which shapes, sizes, and colors of balloons they need, and don’t bring too much extra. Twisters, on the other hand, never know what they’ll be asked for and bring a little (or a lot) of everything!

A Quick History of Balloon Twisting

Ever wonder where balloon twisting actually came from? It goes back further than you’d think—like way back. Long before rubber balloons existed, ancient cultures were inflating animal bladders and intestines to twist into shapes for ceremonies. Fast forward to the 1800s, and a scientist named Michael Faraday created the first rubber balloon in 1824—for a lab experiment, not a birthday party. That invention kicked off the mass production of balloons we recognize today.

Balloon twisting, though, didn’t show up until the 1930s. A magician named H.J. Bonnert is widely believed to be the first to twist balloon animals, performing at a magic convention in 1938. Once “pencil” balloons became more widely available, other entertainers picked up the skill.

In the 1950s and ’60s, balloon animals became a staple at parties, fairs, and live shows. As balloon quality improved, so did the possibilities. Artists developed new twists and techniques, making it easier to go beyond simple dogs and swords.

By the 1980s and ’90s, balloon twisting had grown into a full art form. Artists began sharing ideas at conventions, teaching online, and even building huge sculptures and wearable balloon outfits. Today, balloon twisting is part entertainment, part performance, and part creative expression.

So yeah—it’s come a long way from animal parts and science labs. But the goal has always been the same: to turn a little balloon and a lot of imagination into something that makes people smile.

So Which One Do You Need?

If you’re planning an event, here’s a quick way to figure out which type of balloon pro you need:

Common Questions

“Can balloon twisters make balloon arches or decorations?”

Most can, but many don’t. Twisters specialize in on-the-spot, interactive creations. While some may offer basic decor options, decorators typically do elaborate installations like arches, columns, or garlands. Can I make a column or arch? I know how, yes. But it’s not “what brings me joy.”

If you’re hiring someone for entertainment, look for a twister. If you’re decorating your venue, hire a decorator—or ask your twister if they partner with someone who does decor.

“What’s the difference between a balloon twister and a balloon artist?”

A balloon artist is a broad term. A balloon twister is a specific type of artist who creates sculptures and characters by twisting balloons, usually live at events. All twisters are artists—but not all artists are twisters.

“Can I book a balloon twister and a decorator for the same event?”

Absolutely! In fact, a lot of people do. Twisting and decor serve different purposes—one adds to the atmosphere, and the other keeps guests actively entertained.

If you’re throwing a birthday party, for example, you might book a decorator to set the scene with an arch or backdrop, and then hire a balloon twister to entertain the kids once the party starts. It’s a great combo that makes the event feel extra special from start to finish.

Final Thoughts from a Balloon Twister

At the end of the day, there’s no one “better” between balloon twisters and balloon decorators—it all depends on your event.

• If you’re planning a kids’ birthday party, balloon twisting is almost always the way to go. It keeps the kids entertained, gives them something fun to take home, and brings life to the event.
• If you’re planning a wedding, baby shower, or corporate party, balloon decor might be the better fit—especially if you want to transform a space with color and shape.

Whatever you’re planning, I hope this helped you feel more confident about your options. And if you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to answer questions, point you in the right direction, or help bring your next celebration to life.

Want help making your child’s party one you won’t forget?

👉 Click here to book me now.

Let’s make some balloon magic happen.