Glen the Balloon Guy makes something 'out of pretty much nothing'

Glen LaValley traded in his pinstripe suit and a beige cubicle for a Technicolor coat and a bag of balloons.

The Edmonton man has quit his lifelong career as a business analyst in IT and project management to make balloon animals full time.

"Over the last number of years I felt that my art has grown well enough and I enjoy it so much that it was time for me to make the change."

LaValley started twisting balloons into fanciful shapes 15 years ago as a way to entertain his daughter, niece and nephews.

"I started with magic tricks but there is no way to leave a lasting impression with magic, and I discovered the amazement of balloon art where you can make something in front of someone just out of pretty much nothing,

"And when you're done you have a lasting memory that you can send with your audience. It was a really powerful experience."

Something in the air 

And although it started as an amusing pastime, the draw of the balloons became too much for the 54-year-old.

Last year he left his cubicle behind and began working on his business, Glen the Balloon Guy, full time.

While some around the water cooler may have thought his plan was full of hot air,  LaValley says his family has faith in his new venture.

"My wife is extremely supportive and she said to me, 'Glen become a full time balloon artist' so it was sort of a sign to me.

"Any big change like this is scary but I really enjoy doing it so much, and the fact that I had history of success made me comfortable with this transition."

Has since worked dozens of birthday parties, graduations and galas, twisting hundreds of colourful creations into shape.

Although unicorns and cats are among his most common requests, his corporate clients often call for more ornate designs.

He's created flailing monsters, a hulking Santa sleigh, even wearable super-hero costumes.

 His latest commission is a "steampunk" balloon rhino still on display inside Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel.

Constructing the futuristic beast, clad in chrome, required 400 balloons and more than 20 hours of labour.

"It had a fly wheel and a combustion engine portion, and then I built the rib cage around that, and then I built the stomach, backbone and legs, and put the gears in," LaValley said.

"I had some taken reference material off the internet so I had an idea of the proportion ... but the rest of it, I just winged.

"It looks great."

And now instead of climbing the corporate ladder, LaValley is mentoring the next generation of balloon artists. Each month, he hosts balloon "jam sessions" to share his expertise with fellow twisters.

"There is a nice collection of us and we get together have some dinner and some pizza and bring out our balloons and chat and play.

"We have a great time."