Check out Sydney on Social Media!

• Website: LuckyLotusNeedlepoint.com
• Instagram: @luckylotusneedlepoint
• TikTok: @luckylotusneedlepoint

Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into the needlepoint business?

I’m Sydney, the creative force behind all things Lucky Lotus Needlepoint! I picked up my first needlepoint project in August of 2023 and then quickly thereafter started designing and stitching my own needlepoint canvases!

I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, but now call the city of Raleigh, North Carolina home and graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Packaging and a minor in Graphic Design.

What inspires your artwork?

I draw inspiration for my artwork from my hobbies. When I’m not needlepointing, you can find me golfing, playing pickleball, or gardening. These hobbies keep me inspired and bring fresh ideas to my needlepoint designs!

Sydney’s favorite needlepoint kit and canvas on her website!

Lucky Lotus Needlepoint
Olives

Lucky Lotus Needlepoint
Aloha

Can you tell us about your decision to start a needlepoint business? What inspired you to start?

I have always loved art and explored many different forms during quarantine when I fell in love with fiber arts. Once I discovered needlepoint, I became addicted! I loved it so much and wanted to add more modern and colorful designs to the industry!

What advice would you share with someone considering starting their own needlepoint business?

The advice I would share is to be willing to seek and accept advice from others within the needlepoint industry! Needlepoint has a lot of small business owners within it since the canvases are hand-painted. Additionally, there is a learning curve to business operations and learning more about the industry’s ins and outs. I’d recommend listening to those out there with a lot of experience.

Do you have any tips for fellow artists looking to boost their social media presence?

Keep posting! Don’t think too much about the content, just be yourself and show your passion!

Can you share a memorable project you created as a beginner needlepoint artist?

This is a picture my future mother-in-law took of their front porch in Vermont. As a Christmas gift, I designed, hand-painted, needlepointed, and framed the work. It was one of my first projects and to this day one I am most proud of.

How did you discover Pro Tapes products like Pro Artist Tape?

I discovered Pro Artist Tape while searching for a way to bind my needlepoint canvas edges; I wanted to find a tape that would not come off but would also not leave a tacky residue on the canvas if removed. After months of research, this is the best tape I found! It is the perfect product for taping needlepoint edges!

How does Pro Artist Tape enhance your work as a needlepoint artist? What do you like most about it?

This was the only tape on the market that fit what I needed it for, and plus, it is very affordable! I have been so happy using Pro Tapes products for my art, and my customers have said the same!

The post Lucky Lotus Crafts Unique Needlepoint with Pro Tapes®! appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Follow Noeli Remiro Online!

• Instagram: @soprettyballoons

Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into the balloon business?

I’m a crafty and creative person who fell in love with balloon art! I started decorating for family and friends, then learned some basic techniques on YouTube and some in-person classes. In 2009, my husband and I decided to initiate a party rental business, but it became too much with our full-time jobs and family commitments. After almost three years we sold the business, but I continued decorating for loved ones. I honestly couldn’t get rid of the balloons!

Eventually, I took a 3-day class in 2018. I initially didn’t want to take this class. Since I was no longer in the business, I thought I didn’t need it. After my friend persisted, I ended up going. Guess what? I didn’t want to leave the place; I didn’t want the classes to end! I was amazed by all the balloon art that was out there.

This led me to start So Pretty Balloons, a balloon bouquet business alongside my full-time job. In 2019, I decided to pursue my passion for balloon decorations full-time as an entrepreneur! After getting enough experience and strengthening my abilities in the balloon world I decided to teach, educating other people who want to become Balloon Artists. Now I’m a proud Balloon Instructor, as well. 

What inspires your balloon artwork? What is your favorite type of balloon décor to design for parties or events? 

My balloon artwork is inspired by the joy and wonder of creating something beautiful and unique that brings happiness to others. I find inspiration in various sources such as nature, art, fashion, and from some very talented colleagues.  I love experimenting with different balloon sizes, shapes, colors, and textures to create intricate designs and patterns, especially flowers. 

My favorite type of balloon décor to design for parties or events is definitely balloon arches, garlands, and columns! There’s something majestic about creating a grand entrance that sets the tone for a celebration. I also enjoy designing custom balloon bouquets that reflect the theme or personality of the person receiving them. Whether it’s a vibrant and playful design for a child’s birthday or a sleek and elegant arrangement for corporate or other events, I love the challenge of bringing a client’s vision to life with balloons! 

How do you push the boundaries of traditional balloon art? What first sparked this idea to explore these new avenues for balloon artistry? 

To push the boundaries of traditional balloon art, I’m always willing to learn and experiment with new techniques, materials, and ideas, often drawing inspiration from other art forms like sculpture, painting, and of course from other balloon artists. 

The spark that ignited my desire to explore new avenues in balloon artistry was seeing the work of other artists who were already pushing the boundaries of the medium. I was inspired by their creativity and innovation, and I wanted to contribute my own unique style to the balloon world as well.  

We see you’re based in Miami! Does your location influence the types of balloon designs you create or the types of events you cater to? 

Yes, being based in Miami definitely influences my balloon designs and events! The city’s vibrant culture, tropical climate, and diverse community inspire me to create bold, colorful, and playful art. We have excellent balloon artists in Miami. Therefore, it’s very important to be different from others by having a unique style. 

What is your favorite aspect of working in the world of balloons?

My favorite aspect of working with balloons is the joy it brings to people’s faces! I love creating magical designs and installations that transform spaces and make people smile. It’s a privilege to be part of special moments and celebrations, and to see the happiness and excitement that balloons bring! 

How did you discover Pro Tapes tape products and/or UGlu^®?

I attended a ballooning class where they were using UGlu Dashes to add details to projects. It caught my attention because of how easy it was to work with. I immediately started doing research about it and discovered the UGlu 900 Contactor Pack which is my favorite: what a game-changer! Everything became easier and easier for me. Then I started to use the Pro J-Lar II, Pro Duct, and Pro Gaff for my projects, as well. 

How does UGlu enhance your work as a balloon artist? What do you like most about it?

UGlu is a game-changer for me as a balloon artist! It enhances my work in several ways:

1. Stronger bonds. UGlu creates an incredibly strong and durable bond between balloons, allowing me to create more complex and intricate designs without worrying about them popping or falling apart.
2. Increased creativity. UGlu gives me the freedom to experiment with new designs and techniques, knowing that my creations will hold up and look amazing, especially my backdrops and distortion/modeling flowers.

What I like most about UGlu is its versatility and reliability, and it’s super easy to use on the balloons and balloon’s projects. UGlu products are definitely must-have products in my tools bag. I’m always surprised when something to fix or to add comes up because there I come, with a certain UGlu adhesive to apply on it and then, it’s solved!

What advice would you share with someone who is just getting started in the balloon business?

If you’re just starting out in the balloon business, here’s my advice:

1. Educate yourself and make sure you like balloons, hands-on balloons.
2. Practice, practice, practice; mastering balloon art takes time and patience.
3. Learn from others. Follow experienced balloon artists, attend workshops, and learn from their techniques and experiences.
4. Invest in quality balloons. Use high-quality balloons that are less likely to pop or burst easily. There are plenty of good brands out there to learn with.
5. Important: Be creative and innovative. Don’t be afraid to try new designs and ideas. Stay up-to-date with trends and themes.
6. Provide excellent customer service. Build strong relationships with clients and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations.
7. Last but not least, Believe in Yourself. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s not impossible.

Please, don’t forget to use UGlu Dashes in your projects. Trust me, once you try UGlu, you’ll never go back!

The post Meet the Creative Behind the Art – Noeli Remiro, So Pretty Balloon. appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Do you have a website or any social media sites you’d like to share with our audience?

All of my work and content can be found on the following platforms.
Website: gardenplaceballoons.com

Tell us a bit about yourself! What inspired you to become a balloon artist, and how did you get started in this field?

My name is Jam Evangelista I am the owner and creative director Of Garden Place Balloons.

From a very young age, I’ve always gravitated towards more creative and artistic activities. In high school, I pursued an arts path and participated in school art showcases. When I went to college, I was just a few courses away from completing a fine arts minor. However, at that time, I understood that in a city like New York, pursuing a career in the arts might not lead to the lifestyle I desired (or so I thought). Coming from a lineage of crafters and DIY enthusiasts, I was regularly surrounded by colorful materials and prints used to create clothes, bed sheets, table centerpieces, souvenirs, and more. For a while, my mom created custom photo albums for family and friends.

I’ve always had a keen interest in full event styling, so when the event industry experienced a boom, I decided to launch a full event styling business for my 25th birthday. However, I realized that I didn’t enjoy the logistical aspects of full events but rather found joy in balloon decor. In January 2019, I launched “Garden Place Balloons,” a luxury balloon boutique, which has since grown into a large-scale balloon decor production company offering a wide range of services and products.

What inspired you to create such a unique event like the NYC Balloon Ball?

Several educational experiences inspired me to create the New York City Balloon Ball, but most importantly, I aimed to establish a place where people would respect organic balloon decor as an art form. It provided a space for organic balloon artists to showcase the potential of organic balloon decor, and I believe we succeeded in doing just that. I also really wanted to allow others to participate in being part of a large build from its inception with proper instruction.

What were some of the challenges with setting up the large-scale balloon installations seen at NYCBB? What skills and qualities did you find most valuable in yourself and your team?

With every balloon ball, I learned that a new subset of skills is required, but the most important skill is the ability to delegate. Being bothered with unnecessary questions, concerns, and inconveniences absorbs a lot of time and energy that needs to be poured into the actual event experience. In addition to that, assigning specific roles to each person and establishing a very clear chain of command are essential. Although it may sound cliche, the NYCBB has shown me you really are as strong as your weakest player.

What are some of the most memorable moments from your career so far?

I have been blessed with so many opportunities in such a short time in the industry! My top two have to be the following:

Education-wise: An invitation to Sempertex’s International Balloon Convention in Bogota, Colombia! ( and Mexico shortly after)

Decor-wise: Being able to decorate 50 Cent’s 45th Birthday Party.

How did you discover Pro Tapes® tape products and/or UGlu®?

During the pandemic, balloon bouquets were my number one seller, and there were many issues with standard adhesives. Once I used UGlu Strips, it was an instant game-changer. I was able to complete my bouquets in half the time—truly the best tool in my toolkit

How does UGlu enhance your work as a balloon artist? What do you like most about it?

I can honestly say UGlu has been my cheat code to add layers to my decor without having to spend time creating points of attachment. UGlu Strips are a key component of many of my kids’ parties, where we have to add additional details to the decor to help bring the theme to life. Some examples of these events are ice cream-themed parties, trolls, and safaris.

What advice would you give to aspiring balloon artists who are starting their creative journey?

I think my biggest piece of advice is not to forget that this is a business. Ultimately, we all get into this business because we are creatives. Unfortunately, that comes with the downside of wanting to follow our passion or emotions to create endlessly. However, it’s essential to understand that ultimately, we have to make money. Our creativity will only get us so far, and ensuring that you maintain a business mindset will help you create and sustain a business in the long run.

The post Immersive Balloon Experiences with Jam Evangelista appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Her secret weapon? Pro Tapes® products! Jexsy trusts their quality and durability to keep her balloon creations looking their best, from birthday parties to grand openings. Check out our interview with Jexsy below.

Do you have a website or any social media sites you’d like to share with our audience?

My Linktree contains all of my social media and website links, but here is our main site for Jexsy Balloons.

Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into the balloon business?

I am Jexsy Armstrong, the CEO and Founder of Jexsy Balloons LLC. Along with my passion for balloon design, I am an accomplished accountant, a seasoned event planner, and a Certified Project Manager. My expertise and diverse skill set enables me to coach many other business owners in achieving success.

My company has grown our social media presence to a level of success that exceeds 350 million views across all of our platforms. Our content, online classes, and mentorship sessions are reaching and inspiring balloon artists and entrepreneurs worldwide. One of our inventions, the JB Telescoping Stand (a free-standing demi arch stand that’s perfect for attaching garlands without damaging walls) has become a game-changer in the industry.

During the pandemic, we offered discounted prices so that families could have celebrations at home, as well as no-contact deliveries to nursing homes. Our Love Bouquets became super popular during that time and continue to be a hit today!

At a young age, my amazing mentor, my mother Olga Ogando (a high school math teacher!), introduced me to the fascinating world of balloon art. Under her guidance, I learned to build and design frames, organic garlands, and rig balloons in unique ways. It all started at “D’Jexsy Sports & Balloons,” the balloon storefront business she owned. We’ve been creating organic designs since 1993, and I have been enchanted by the magic of balloons ever since!

What is your favorite type of balloon décor to design for parties or events?

Although I was trained on classic balloon décor, I specialize in creating fresh and stunning organic balloon designs that my clients adore!

Demi arches are one of our most popular and requested designs, and for good reason. These versatile free-standing structures are curated to seamlessly complement any theme, from chic and fresh to more elegant designs. They instantly become the center of attention in any celebration.

So, yes, it is safe to say that my favorite style is organic!

How do you come up with new and creative ideas for your balloon art, and what inspires you?

I am always brainstorming new ideas and seeking inspiration from the world around me for my designs. My mind is constantly filled with colors, patterns, and whimsical shapes. Nature is my biggest muse and I find peace and inspiration in its beauty.

Any tips for fellow artists looking to boost their social media presence?

Every social media platform has a unique audience, and each audience responds differently to different types of content. So it’s really helpful to be consistent with your posting and take the time to observe and learn the patterns of each platform – it’ll definitely help you succeed!

Do you host specialty classes or workshops focused on specific aspects of balloon art?

Yes. My personalized private classes are designed to cater to the specific needs of each student.

Additionally, I provide pre-recorded sessions on various subjects, such as cluster building, organic garland designs, pricing, and marketing.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be hosting my first in-person workshop in New York City on March 16th! The class participants will learn balloon design and installation, pricing and business numbers, where to buy inventory, and how to increase online sales, and more!

What’s even better is that we have Pro Tapes as one of our sponsors for this class. Pro Tapes is kindly providing product samples to our students, so they’ll get to experience the best of the best!

How did you discover Pro Tapes tape products, such as UGlu?

I was on the hunt for a more efficient technique to attach foil numbers to latex balloons than using 260Q balloons. My search led me to the UGlu 200 Strips Family Pack, which was just the beginning of my journey with Pro Tapes products. From there, I discovered the UGlu 900 Contractor Pack, and it has completely revolutionized the way I work. UGlu has become an essential tool in my kit.

Can you tell a little more about how UGlu enhances your work as a balloon artist?

With UGlu, you can attach any decorative elements to your balloons, such as ribbons, lights, flowers, and more, without leaving any residue. Trust me, you won’t find anything else like it on the market!

The best part? UGlu offers an exceptional level of strength and durability, making sure your balloons stay put for as long as you need them to. And the cherry on top? UGlu is highly portable, so you can always have some UGlu dashes in your pocket ready to tackle any decorating emergency!

What advice would you share with someone who is just getting started in the balloon business?

Starting a new business is an exciting and ambitious endeavor, but building a successful balloon company takes more than just passion. It requires hard work, dedication, and creativity. A clear business plan and an unwavering determination to succeed are also crucial. The balloon industry is highly competitive, but with a realistic approach and a willingness to learn, you can overcome any obstacles and build a thriving business.

Also, every balloon decorator needs to know about UGlu – my secret weapon for creating balloon arrangements!

The post How Jexsy Balloons Built A Thriving Balloon Business appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Website & Social Links:

Listen to The Bright Balloon Podcast at thebrightballoon.com and keep up on the latest via @thebrightballoon on Instagram.

Find Sara’s balloon décor business, Wisconsin Balloon Decor, wisconsinballoondecor.com or @wisconsinballoondecor on Instagram.

Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into the balloon business?

My first career was working as an art teacher. I had weekends and summers totally free – which wasn’t actually that fun as a 22 year old. I was bored out of my mind! So I started a side hustle as a face painter.

One day, I went to a face painting convention and discovered there were also beginner balloon classes there. I had no idea that was a thing!

The second I saw the instructor tie two balloons together into a duplet to make a quad, I was hooked. From there I quickly stopped taking face painting clients and started going after corporate balloon events instead. 

What inspired you to start The Bright Balloon podcast?

The podcast launched during the pandemic, a little bit out of boredom. I was in my car waiting at a stop sign and I just had a moment of clarity. I said, “I’m going to start a podcast and it’s going to be called The Bright Balloon”. It was weird- like a lighting bolt idea.

But from the beginning it’s been a really good fit for me. It feels easy and fun and I’ve learned so much from it! It really is a labor of love. I think I produced the podcast for more than a year without ever making a dollar from it.

Now I’m so happy it’s grown into a mini brand and has helped out a lot of balloon professionals. We all – balloon professionals- are out on the road so much, and I like to think I keep people company as they deliver and listen  

What is your favorite aspect of working in the world of balloons?

I think it’s the most sharing and fun industry I’ve ever worked in. Going back to that very first convention I attended, I didn’t know anything and wanted to just sit in the back of the class and watch. But the balloon twisters wouldn’t let me! They literally gave me their own supplies and made me twist along.

It’s a group of people who want to see their friends succeed and can’t help but share breakthroughs and ideas that they have discovered.

I also love the conventions. Some of my best friends are balloon artists all around the world. Getting to see them in person and learn together or work on huge creative projects is always a highlight.

How did you discover Pro Tapes products, like UGlu?

I sound like a broken record, but at my very first balloon class, the instructor was showing a twisted embellishment. She said, “You could make it more complicated than it needs to be, or you could just stick it on with a UGlu dash.”

So from the very beginning, UGlu was something I’ve always had in my kit. I started with the best and whenever I tried cheap substitutes, I realized nothing was as reliable.

How does UGlu enhance your work as a balloon artist?

I like that it’s a reliable shortcut. The easiest way to put a balloon exactly where you want it to go in an arrangement is to add a UGlu dash and stick it exactly where you want it to go.

I am also constantly lending them out. Florists and party planners are always asking if I have any of those “sticky squares” (the famous “dashes”) because they inevitably have a sign that won’t stay up or tape that won’t stick.

Since launching the UGlu Hotline, what has been your favorite tip or question?

I love answering advice and giving tips, but I really love when people call in with their own advice; because for me it’s always those tiny hacks that totally change how I do things and save me time.

Just like UGlu is such a simple solution, I love any time people share simple, obvious suggestions that I would have never thought of. For example:

• keeping UGlu dashes in your pocket to warm them up in the Winter
• putting a piece of tape on a tape measure so you can write your measurements directly on it
• or using a floral tape to cover the cap of your hi-float container

What is a key business strategy or tips that you have uncovered during your podcast interviews?

I think it’s the idea that customer service and the business side of balloons is the most important thing. We have hundreds of hours of podcast content, and none of it is about how to do balloons. Skill is important, but there are a lot of very talented, but broke, artists out there.

On the other hand, there are a lot of profitable businesses that rely on the same foundational work over and over again.

I have yet to interview an artist who is making money purely based on skill. It’s all about the networking, great communication, interesting partnerships, growing a team, and continuing to pivot and try new things.

What advice would you share with someone who is just getting started in the balloon business?

I mentioned that I stumbled on UGlu early, only to learn later that it was the best and that cheap substitutes weren’t an option.

I would say the same was true in many areas of my business. Because I learned at a convention, I started with good quality balloons. I purchased a high end inflator. I learned how to make sturdy and long lasting frameworks. I spent money to attend expensive workshops and learned from artists making tons of money. And after my first year, I was where a lot of people are after five years. Yes, you can learn on YouTube or use dollar store balloons with a $15 pump- but it will take so much longer to get to the place you want to be.

My advice is don’t cut corners and learn the right way to do things from the beginning and upgrade your tools as soon as you are able.

The post Meet The Bright Balloon Podcast host, Sara Meyer appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Check Michael out on social media:

Website: ww.michaelwinklerart.com

How did you begin working as a contemporary artist?

I never had any plans to be an artist! I was a composer of electronic music.

One night in December of 1980, I was in my room at the Savoy Hotel in Seattle working on an experimental music score involving the alphabet. I discovered a surprising patterning hidden in the letter-sequencing of the words that seemed to reflect their meaning.

The next morning, I had a chance meeting with an art curator, which resulted in my being invited to present a solo exhibition of what I’d discovered.

The exhibition got great reviews and the work sold–I literally became an artist overnight. I’ve been creating art that explores the imagery, as well as the implications, of that discovery ever since. 

How did you discover Pro Tapes products?

I began using Pro® 795 in the mid 80’s to create paintings. Creating hard-edge paintings using the tape allowed me to show the overlay of the lines and the dimensionality of the forms.

Pearl Paint was the major art supply store in New York City for many years. Hence, the masking tape I bought there was labeled “Pearl Paint 795.” I didn’t know it was actually a Pro Tapes product until Pearl Paint closed years later!

When I bought masking tape at some other stores, I had all sorts of problems with their tape products that I’d never encountered. Eventually, I was looking at one of my leftover rolls of the Pearl Paint 795 and saw that the inside of the roll actually said “Pro Tapes.”

I went searching through all of the art supply stores in New York City for masking tape that had “Pro Tapes” inside the roll.

Finally, I found it at a store next to the School of Visual Arts. Even though it was labeled “Chelsea Tapes 795,” I recognized it as the same high-quality tape I had purchased at Pearl Paint because “Pro Tapes” was printed inside the larger width rolls. I started using it, and it solved all the problems I had been experiencing!

Wow, that’s dedication! Is Pro 795 still your go-to masking tape product? What do you like about it?

Pro Tapes 795 Masking Tape is the only tape I’ve ever found that has all the features necessary to create my hard edge paintings.

My paintings mostly consist of lines of various widths, sometimes as small as 1/8th inch. Conveniently, Pro 795 is available in 1/8″, 1/4″ , 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/2″, 2″, and 3″ widths.

Pro 795 has the perfect amount of adhesion and stretch resistance. Its width is consistent and its edges are never ragged. It never soaks through– and I sometimes apply 4 coats of fluid acrylic paint over it!

With the right painting technique, it produces very clean edges. And when you pull it off, the paint on the back of the tape doesn’t flake off onto your freshly painted work as it does with many other masking tapes. 

Tell us about any fun projects you’ve completed recently. What inspired you?

The inspiration for my hard-edge painting technique originally came from looking at the 70’s and 80’s paintings of Al Held (a second generation abstract expressionist who passed away a few years ago).

Subsequently, my art is process-based and originates from a conceptual standpoint. I’ve been practicing it for 43 years. Working in the studio feels much like going to a job I genuinely enjoy.

However, there is one thrilling moment in the creation of each painting: It occurs after I’ve painted the background color, and the taped canvas seems to be uniformly colored.

I then peel off the tape and the image gradually emerges line by line from underneath the paint. This reveals the mysterious form that was initially concealed within the language sign patterns, now illuminated in vibrant contrasting colors. 

When my daughter was little, she always wanted to be around to watch the magic of the reveal!  

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or long-term plans?

I’m in my 70’s now. So, I’m primarily focused on trying to ensure that my overall project remains accessible in the future. Examples of my project and documentation are already archived in major museums and universities. Unfortunately, some of my major works were mixed-media installations that don’t lend themselves to being exhibited again in the future.

I began producing paintings early in the project, but they were not my primary focus until recently. The switch in focus was originally motivated by discovering a method of using the signs of language to generate colors. Presently I believe my paintings are the most likely works to be exhibited again when I’m gone (if I can make some really good ones).

Do you have any advice for people that are interested in making art using tape?

To create hard-edge acrylic paintings, make sure the painting’s surface isn’t too rough. It doesn’t have to be extremely smooth–my paintings are normally on #12 canvas (medium smooth).

• I prepare my canvas with 3 coats of slightly thinned acrylic gesso. Let the area of paint you plan to tape over dry overnight first.
• When it’s dry, you can begin placing your tape.
• After you have positioned the tape, seal its edges with either a thin coat of the color under the tape, or a thin coat of matte medium if there are multiple colors under the tape. The paint for this sealing coat should not be watery–I use fluid acrylics with no water added. Brush the sealing coat into the edges of the tape and entirely over it.

• Allow the sealing coat to dry completely to the touch. But don’t let it dry for too long -definitely avoid letting it dry overnight- because the paint/medium will adhere the tape to the painting.
• Apply multiple coats when the previous one is just dry enough for painting over. Remove the tape as soon as the paint becomes tacky on the final coat.
• To avoid touching the tacky surface of the painting when removing your tape, use a pointed razor knife to lift the end of the tape if it’s covered in paint. Finally, pull the tape off at a 45 degree angle from the painting’s surface.
• If any inconsistencies in the canvas surface have created spots where the paint has leaked past the sealing coat on the edges, it’s actually quite easy to touch up. The pulled tape leaves a raised edge, which you can just drag a small brush against until it looks fixed.

These suggestions are all based on using Pro Tapes 795 masking tape – I hope they help!

The post Contemporary Artist Michael Winkler uses Pro Tapes for Hard Edges appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Check Flekz out on social media:

• Website: www.flekz.art
• Instagram: @_flekz_

Tell us a little about yourself!

I have been making art for the last 15 years of my life and I have been creating tape art for the last 12 years.

I discovered tape art in high school while creating a stencil for a graffiti project I was working on. I realized that I could also use masking tape to create sharp and clean edges. After discovering this, I found myself creating murals as well as art pieces with tape only. I also experimented with inverting designs and creating a more permanent art piece with spray paint.

At that time, I didn’t even know that creating tape art was something I wanted to chase as a career. But people started commissioning me for murals and art pieces and I stuck to it. I haven’t looked back ever since.

How did you discover Pro Tapes® tape products?

I discovered Pro Tapes back in 2018. I was working on a big project for Ford in Las Vegas. I was in dire need of some tape. I found some Pro Gaff® tape at a local art supply store, and it changed my life. It was the first time I worked with gaffers tape, and it blew me away!

What are your favorite Pro Tapes® products now, and what do you like about them? How do you use them? 

Still to this day my favorite product from Pro Tapes is the Pro Gaff® tape. I use this tape when creating tape art murals for my clients. It has a strong hold but it is easy to work with. It does not damage the walls I apply it to. (*Editor’s note: always test your tape in an inconspicuous spot first!)

Tell us about any fun projects you’ve completed recently. What inspired you?

I have fun with all of my projects! But recently I finished creating a small but very intricate art piece that made me realize how far I’ve come with my designs.

Throughout my whole career, my motto has been to continuously one up the last art piece I’ve made. I constantly try to create something original that no one has ever seen before.

The inspiration for this art piece was to create something simple. Instead, it ended up being more complex with a lot of detail.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or long-term plans? 

Currently, I am working on the biggest project I have ever worked on, with the biggest company I have ever worked with. I wish I could disclose information about this project but it’s a secret until everything is released to the public. Expect information on this project soon! 

My long-term plan is to continuously work hard on my art career as well as myself to create the best art pieces I could possibly make. My tape art is everything to me.

Do you have any advice for people that are interested in making tape art?

My advice to anyone who is interested in making tape art is to have fun with the process. It’s an amazing medium to use and it’s a great tool to discover your own art style. 

The post Making Murals with Tape Artist Flekz appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

TAPE OVER is one of the largest artist collectives dedicated to tape art. This international crew of artists has created countless mind-blowing indoor and outdoor tape installations and murals, with an incredibly wide range of styles and approaches.

TAPE OVER has created artwork for big brands like Adidas, Converse, Mercedes, Absolut Vodka, and more.

Dive in and get to know TAPE OVER, and how they use Pro Tapes® products in their incredible tape art installations.

Check our TapeOver’s website and social media:

• Website: www.tapeover.berlin
• Instagram: @tapeoverberlin
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/tapeoverberlin
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TAPEOVER

Tell us about yourself (and LaMia!) How long have you been making art, and tape art specifically?

TAPE OVER was founded in 2010-2011 by LaMia Michna and myself (Robert König.) LaMia was studying communication design at the time, and I was doing creative marketing and conceptual art.

LaMia started doing tape art as one of her study projects. She did tape art directly on the streets of Berlin. I fell in love with her and with the aesthetics of this art form. To be honest, it was one of those rare and magical encounters in life where you meet someone very special and decide to be together and create together.

At that time, the term “tape art” didn’t exist…. There was only one graffiti artist called BUFF DISS who lived in Berlin at that time who started using tape instead of spray paint. He was our inspiration. It took about 10 years for this new art form to establish itself, although it has to be said that tape art is still a niche art form.

How did the TAPE OVER artist collective get started?

LaMia and I started TAPE OVER as an artist duo making tape art in Berlin’s subcultural techno clubs. It was just a fun project that made us happy. It was also nice to contribute something to this creative and lively club scene.

After about 1.5 years, we were recommended by a friend to Mercedes Benz to do a tape art concept for the presentation of their new concept car in Berlin’s abandoned Tempelhof airport.

About 3 months later, we did another big project with Telekom at the IFA trade fair. After that, LaMia and I decided to dedicate ourselves fully to this project and started building the TAPE OVER brand.

It took another 2-3 years until we could actually make a living from tape art, mainly doing commissioned work and creative concepts.

As our projects got bigger, we asked others to help us execute our concepts (Editor’s Note: like Fabio de Saldanha, who we’ve also interviewed.) This was the starting point for the creation of a crew under the brand TAPE OVER.

How did you discover Pro Tapes®?

I discovered Pro Tapes® when I was looking for fluorescent neon tapes. We’ve come to believe that Pro Tapes® adhesive tape products are the best on the market.

What are your favorite Pro Tapes® products? What do you like about them?

My favorite products from Pro Tapes® are both the Pro® Artist Tape and the Pro® Pocket Spike Stack Fluorescent.

What I like about the Pro® Artist Tape is the texture and the very beautiful colors. It is easy to tear off, which makes it very easy and smooth to work with. But it’s also a very strong paper tape and very durable,
which is really great. Other crepe tapes just don’t have this high quality look and feel.

I also love the Pro® Pocket Spike Stack in fluorescent colors because you can carry it around in your pocket and make quick little pieces of tape art anywhere. For me, it’s the perfect street art tape because it has 5 bright and bold colors.

Tell us about the artwork you created for UpFest 2022. What inspired you?

For UpFest 2022 – Europe’s biggest street art festival – I created a tape art portrait of Andy Warhol. He and Jean-Michel Basquiat are two of my artistic idols.

Andy Warhol is so inspiring to me because he was both a designer and an artist. He was the first to put everyday objects into an artistic context. Also, his conceptual way of thinking and creating is something quite unique.

Watch the UpFest 2022 recap:

In my eyes, Andy Warhol was a pioneer because he tried to bring street art or urban art into the rather conservative art world. Also, he was not only an artist, but also a supporter and patron of other artists…. such as Jean-Michel Basquiat!

What’s next for you and TAPE OVER? Any upcoming projects or long-term plans?

At the moment, LaMia is on sabbatical and traveling around South America, while I am doing some very interesting projects in Paris and Stockholm. During the summer, me and some of my team members will participate in different street art festivals all over Europe.

Do you have any advice for people that are interested in making tape art for the first time?

My advice is to just try it!

There is really no better material than tape to start with a blank canvas or a blank wall, because if you don’t like what you’ve just done, you just take the piece of tape off and put it in another place.

You don’t have to worry at all because you can always change it back. So it’s rather about the process than doing it right. It’s really encouraging and fun.

The post Tape Art with TAPE OVER Co-Founder Robert König appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

Today we’ll take a closer look at what they do and see how Pro Tapes® UGlu® products help them with their amazing balloon work!

Do you have a website or social media you would like to share with our audience?

www.globosmanas.com

Instagram: @globosmanas

Pinterest: @globosmanasca

Facebook: @globosmanas

Tell us about you two! What sparked your interest in balloon art?

We are two sisters who started working together in the balloon industry back in May 2008. We started out as distributors of Anagram and Kaleidoscope foil balloons nationwide in Venezuela.

As we visited our clients who used these balloons in their amazing work, our interest in working with balloons ourselves quickly grew.

In 2009, we began to work with latex balloons. In the following years, we attended many balloon workshops and classes offered all around this wonderful world, where we met incredible people with impressive talent.

Little by little, we began to specialize in our own techniques, which led us to venture into hosting workshops ourselves during the pandemic. We continue to offer classes now, while balancing the needs of our clients who request daily balloon arrangements and decorations.

What do you like most about being balloon artists?

There’s a lot of things we like about being balloon artists! The main thing is seeing the final result of our work and the emotions that we inspire in our clients. Each arrangement and decoration is unique and personalized to them.

Each workshop we carry out is a unique experience, too! We don’t just teach; we also learn from our class participants. 1000% effort goes into each workshop. We thank God for each experience and the great friendships that we have made.

It’s a wonderful world, where day by day we continue to learn and work hard so we can offer the best. Our slogan is why we like what we do: We are LAS MANAS (the sisters, in Spanish.) We’re in it together!

How did you discover UGlu® products?

We discovered UGlu® through Planet Balloons Venezuela.

How does UGlu® improve your work as a balloon artist? What do you like about it?

UGlu® helps us so much in our work! We are known for our impeccable compositions. We pay attention to every fine detail of our work. UGlu® makes it so easy to create this highly-detailed level of work.

UGlu® is easy to use, it’s practical, it’s portable, and it comes in many different shapes and sizes to match any type of project.

Tell us more about the Floral Mural you created this year! It has gained a lot of attention.

We were preparing for an online master class back in April 2022 (one of the many online courses that we offer worldwide.) To help market the class, we did several live shows, showing some techniques to demonstrate our knowledge and ability to train future entrepreneurs in the world of balloons.

During one of these live shows, we just happened to create something different! Something really artistic that shows more than just balloons. This mural is really tall, too! It’s about 7-8 feet tall.

What inspired you to create this mural?

We were inspired by the natural beauty of women and what their hair represents. A woman’s hair speaks for itself, it indicates personality and moods.

How did UGlu® help you create this mural?

It was actually our first experience using UGlu®! We needed a glue that would provide us with a super strong and long-lasting hold that would not be noticeable in the final balloon arrangement.

We found that the UGlu® Dashes fit all of our requirements: it performed impeccably. UGlu® did not leave residues or damage the walls, and it was easy to remove.

We used exactly five hundred and fifty UGlu® Dashes to hold together all 270 flowers and 20 leaves that you see in this balloon mural.

It lasted a long time, too! We kept the artwork up for 8 days and we think it could’ve held even longer than that, but we had to clean the wall off for new projects.

We always tell our students to work with quality and responsibility, to take good care of the infrastructures to be decorated (thus guaranteeing a new contract in the future.) UGlu® Dashes are essential to meet these goals.

Tell us about the special feature this floral mural got from Qualatex!

It is an honor that our work has been recognized and appreciated by Qualatex, being that they are currently the #1 balloon company in the world! Their recognition meant that the photos of this mural got shared all around the world, and we are thankful for that.

Do you have any other favorite projects you’d like to talk about?

We’ll show you a whole gallery of balloon art that was created with the help of UGlu®! The red hearts, the wearable wings, the different holiday decorations – ALL of them are held together using UGlu®! That is why, in our workshops and classes, UGlu® is the first tool we put on everyone’s tables.

If someone has never used UGlu® for their balloon arrangements before, what advice would you give them?

Again, we would emphasize the importance of working with top quality materials, like UGlu®.

In our workshops, we talk about all the materials we work with, and we show every presentation of UGlu® that we have available. Our workshop participants always want to work with UGlu® after they’ve seen how easy and practical it is!

Planet Balloons Venezuela has also talked to us about Pro Gaff® and how we could incorporate this product in our decorations. They mentioned that Pro Gaff® can be used to cover tubes and bases. We haven’t had the opportunity to try this tape yet, however… Hey Pro Tapes®, can we get a sample kit?

The post Balloon Artists and Sisters?! See how Globos Manas use UGlu®! appeared first on Pro Tapes®.

First, check out Fabio’s artwork for UpFest 2022, “BIG FISH:”

Do you have a website or any social media sites you’d like to share with our audience?

Instagram: @fabio.de.saldanha

Tell us a little about yourself; how long have you been working in film and art?

I started filming my friends skateboarding when I was 11 years old. When I finished high school, I moved to Berlin to study film & motion design.

Berlin broadened my horizon, showing me that film is just one subcategory of audiovisual art. I began visiting many “new media” art installations and was confronted with new vocabulary such as: immersive, generative, procedural, real-time, kinetic, and interactive.

During the covid lockdown, I assembled a PC with my brother and got myself into 3D animation. I loved it, and I still do, but I felt like I was spending too much time sitting at my computer.

Then, I discovered tape art through a YouTube recommended video. Who would have thought? On the same day, I went to the local shop, bought some tape, and started taping my apartment.

So, you got involved with the Tape Over artist collective for UpFest 2022. We’ve known Tape Over for awhile; they’ve even visited our headquarters in New Jersey! How did you end up working with them?

After doing a couple of projects on my own, I reached out to all of the main tape art collectives and artists based in Berlin to find a group to collaborate with. Tape Over was the group that wrote back. Since then, I have been working with them on many different projects.

Tell us about the artwork you created for UpFest 2022. What inspired you to try combining tape art with projection?

Choosing tape as your medium comes with many unique features: you can draw perfectly straight lines, fill surfaces with uniform color, remove it, and put it back on. In addition to that, you are directly in contact with your canvas/wall.

On the other side, projection mapping is just purely magical for me. You work with light, space, and movement. It’s intangible; you can’t touch it, while the tape really sticks to you. Combining these two very different workflows and mediums is just extremely rewarding to me. I found the perfect balance: Part of the time I work with my computer, and part of the time I work with my body!

Which Pro Tapes® products do you use now? What are your favorite qualities about them?

I really like the paper tapes, like Pro® Artist Tape. The fact that you can easily tear it by hand makes you loosen up your body and your mind. You free yourself from perfectionism. You think less and work more intuitively.

If someone is interested in combining tape, digital art, and projections to create art pieces like yours, what advice would you have for them?

Just buy a cheap projector or borrow one from a friend. Get the trial license of MadMapper and start mapping objects in your apartment (chair, washing machine, kitchen cabinets, etc..) 

Or, go straight to walls and tape some lines up with Pro® Artist Tape or Pro Gaff® and try projection mapping on those! Abstract polygon shapes work great for this. If you are still feeling intimidated, use your projector to project a photo on the wall, and tape the outlines and shapes you see. There’s no shame in doing that!

It’s much less complicated than you think and much more rewarding than you would expect!

Start simple and move on to more complex tape mapping ideas. The sky is the limit. You can project simple 2D keyframe animations or heavy particle simulations. You can project on the tape (line), between the tape (surface), or continue the taped lines with projected lines. There are many things I still want to explore, personally…

Do you have any upcoming projects our audience should keep an eye out for?

In a few days, rehearsals will start for a dance theater show that I will be involved with. It’s quite a technical challenge, because alongside the dancer there will be 3 high-power drones, each carrying one projector! I’m super excited as it’s the first time I’m creating visuals for flying projectors, hahaha. 

The post Tape Art & Projection Mapping with Artist Fabio de Saldanha appeared first on Pro Tapes®.