Jake Koetsier is a man of many names, but if you aren’t familiar with his given nomenclature, you probably know him as “Balloon Man.” A Marine Biology major, Jake has traveled campus this semester handing out balloon animals and whimsical balloon hats during sporting events, birthday parties, and Kappa festivities. Jake is willing to tackle any challenge he is given in the way of balloon creations, and if he has enough time, he will look up a design on the internet if he isn’t able to create it from memory. Some major accomplishments of his include a larger-than-life-sized pug for a friend’s birthday and a shark over four feet long.
Why did you start making balloon creations?
My parents always told me they wanted me to learn how to do balloons. I started in January; I already knew how to do dogs and deer and giraffes. I had tons of time at home for Winter Term, so I watched videos on YouTube and learned how to do it. I came back a couple days early from Winter Break and had some time to work on it. That’s when I made my first big thing, a basketball hoop, and when I learned how to weave balloons. I practice about four hours a week now.
Is ballooning easy?
It’s really easy to do, you just have to practice and get a feel for the balloon, like how much you can twist before it pops. It’s tough to know how much air to put in it, but the hardest part is blowing them up by mouth. You have to have a strong diaphragm.
Why do you do ballooning?
For me it’s something fun to do, it’s art, and it makes people smile. I like to make people happy. Some people might say, “Oh, balloons are stupid,” and I get that. Balloons aren’t for everybody, but I like it.
What is the hardest balloon creation you’ve ever had to make?
The hardest thing I’ve had to make is probably the pug. I look at pictures [of the balloon animals] online when I make stuff, but I had to look at an actual picture of a pug.
What was your first gig?
My first gig was at an elementary school fair at the end of January. I had been making balloons for less than one month, and could only do 37 one-balloon patterns, no multi-balloon things yet.
Are you available for gigs?
I am available for gigs. I have negotiable rates, and I do decorations, big pieces, or I can show up and do animals. I also do special requests, like if the person asks for structures I can do things like mermaids or hats.
What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite thing to make is penguins because they’re so adorable.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever been asked to make?
Someone asked for an ostrich once, it took about five balloons.
You brought balloons to the orphanage on your trip to the Domincan Republic this spring break. How did that go?
A lot of kids had never seen anything like it, they all rushed to get one. They had regular balloons in the nursery, so I thought I’d make some balloon animals for them. I gave out dogs and teddy bears, I think they liked them because of the bright colors. Some of the employees even took some balloons out of my bag and put it in their pocket to keep for later.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
The back of Gailbraith, because the view is awesome.
If you could be stranded on an aquaglide in Frenchman’s creek with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably Abraham Lincoln because he’s the man. I liked the things he did and I would be interested in his opinions for some of today’s issues.