Nicholas Connell
Nicholas Connell

Nicholas Connell

$175
starting price


Scheduling
Balloon art type

Responds in about 3 hours

Introduction: People and organizations hire me to foster a dynamic vibe with balloons. If you are planning a small or large gathering of any sort, with some need for unique pizzazz, I could be a great addition to your party. I could either decorate your space with large-scale designs, arches, centerpieces and the like, or I could entertain your attendees of all ages with fast-pace balloon sculpturing in face-to-face encounters (read: not a stage performance). Being dubbed as "a normal person who can dazzle with balloons", I have a passion for engaging with people (yes, children to adults) and creating fun moments together with wit, humor and creativity. I make every attempt to be prompt, professional, relaxed, and flexible. I wear the most natural smile which my parents put on me. I've entertained at a wide array of events: bar mitzvahs, wedding receptions, large fundraisers, birthday parties, block parties, festivals, carnivals, christenings, grand re-openings, bring-your-kids-to-work day, and the like. People typically hire me as the lead entertainer, and also as a part of a larger mix of events and entertainment. The typical amount of time is 1.5 to 2 hours, but I've been known to entertain for an entire day, without losing much luster. You will have fun!
Overview

Hired 378 times

154 similar jobs done near you

Background checked

1 employee

27 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2022

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2017

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2016

Featured Projects

152 photos

  • Balloon Twisting - Chicago 2021

    Balloon Twisting

Specialties
Event type

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Age of guests

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

233 reviews

5
98%
4
1%
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0%
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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Joanne K.
Apr 30, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Nicholas did an amazing job at our son's birthday! He helped bring a smile to all of the kiddos and adults in attendance. His balloon designs were very impressive!! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for an amazing balloon twisting artist!!!!

Details: Birthday party • 11 - 20 guests • Younger than 4 years old • 4 - 6 years old • 7 - 10 years old • 11 - 14 years old • Detailed balloon art (uses several balloons) • Simple balloon twisting (e.g., one-balloon dog) • Face painting is not needed

Nicholas Connell's reply
In it for the smiles. Thank you Joanne.
Balloon Twisting
pro avatar
Alana B.
May 15, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

We had my son's 3rd birthday party this past weekend and all of the parents keep telling me that their kids won't let their new balloon creature leave their side! Nick did absolutely fantastic entertaining 15+ 3 year olds and the adults could not get enough either. He is highly skilled and also very personable. Don't think twice and hire Nick for your next party!!!!!

Details: Birthday party • 21 - 40 guests • Younger than 4 years old • 18 or older • Detailed balloon art (uses several balloons) • Face painting is not needed

Nicholas Connell's reply
Now if only the balloons would last for months! Thank you for the review. Your party was a blast.
Balloon Twisting
pro avatar
Miranda P.
May 4, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Honestly I have to make sure I schedule Nick months and months in advance to make sure I get him. Everyone at our parties are beyond impressed with his professionalism, his balloons are truly artwork. Don’t settle for anyone else when it comes to balloons. He is the best of the best.

Details: Birthday party • 41 - 70 guests • 4 - 6 years old • 7 - 10 years old • 11 - 14 years old • Simple balloon twisting (e.g., one-balloon dog) • Detailed balloon art (uses several balloons) • Face painting is not needed

Nicholas Connell's reply
My head expanded so much none of my hats will fit. Thank you for the huge compliment.
Balloon Twisting
pro avatar
Kate L.
Mar 14, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

We hired Nicholas for our childs birthday party and he was great. He was very professional leading up to and during our event. The kids at our party loved his balloon creations. He made sure each guest got a unique balloon they were happy with. Nicholas was also very fun, nice, and personable with our party guests. It was a wonderful experience having him at our party and we would hire him again.

Details: Birthday party • 11 - 20 guests • Younger than 4 years old • Simple balloon twisting (e.g., one-balloon dog) • Detailed balloon art (uses several balloons) • Face painting is not needed

Nicholas Connell's reply
Thank you Kate! Love your feedback. Let's run it back one day.
Balloon Twisting
pro avatar
Diana d.
Jan 27, 2023
·

Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Nicholas is amazing! I like to call him the Balloon Magician. He tirelessly entertained a group of 20 kids, 3 to 10 years old, for my son's 8th birthday party. He is so good with kids of all ages, they all loved him and his balloon creations! Nicholas had something for everyone: dinosaurs and unicorns for the little ones, working bows with shooting arrows for the older ones, even pokemons for the birthday boy who loves them. The adults were fascinated by how good and how fast he is. He is so thoughtful, he even made a special flower bouquet for Grandma, and he was so kind to entertain my last minute special request for a Minnie Mouse with a pink bow. My son was so happy ! Nicholas made his birtday party memorable, it would not have been the same without him. We really hope Nichoas will be available for our other future events. Thanks again Nicholas!

Details: Birthday party • 11 - 20 guests • 7 - 10 years old • Detailed balloon art (uses several balloons) • Face painting is not needed

Nicholas Connell's reply
Thank you Diana. What an enthusiastic group you had at the party. I’m happy it all worked so well. Best to you and your family.
Balloon Twisting
Credentials
Background Check

Jon Connell

FAQs

  • How did you get started doing this type of work?

    I met a guy in college. :) Also, I was near Disney World.

  • What types of customers have you worked with?

    What a pleasure it has been to work for a wide variety of customers and at a beautiful array of meaningful celebrations. I think over 2 decades, I've worked in almost every kind of scenario. You might have seen me or my work on a Marshall's commercial, at a Cards Against Humanity event, Threadless' family reunion, Northwestern University, Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival, Southport Art Festival, Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival, McGaw YMCA, Daley Center, or at any number of park districts, public libraries, elementary schools, block parties, wedding receptions, or you-name-it-party. You may be so lucky as to join me at Midwest Potter Fest in Waukesha, WI, this September (2018)! I'll twist for 8 hours a day, and also make a custom sculpture of some magical creature for you to take your photo with.

  • What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

    How much would I spend to have a balloon twister or decorator make people of all ages at my party say, "wow!" and talk about my party for months and years? For my party, do I want to have an entry-level entertainer, seasoned entertainer who primarily makes simplistic balloons, or someone whose balloon creations cause people to gasp, laugh, smile wide and long, and elbow their way in front of kids just to get one? Balloon artists receive countless asks for donations of their time and work for all manner of worthy benefits and fundraisers. And we say yes when we are able. However, "you'll get great exposure" is rarely the hook that works. I choose events or relationships that fit within my values, as well as ones that work well with my current schedule and location availability.