Chic Spotlight: Balloon Artist Vicky Kimble
Cincy Chic: What’s your official “title”?
Vicky Kimble: C.B.A. (Certified Balloon Artist), and I am also the owner of IncrediBalloons By Vicky Kimble, C.B.A.
Cincy Chic: How did you get into your industry?
Kimble: I began a Christian children’s ministry in 1997. It had nothing to do with balloons when I started. But, after a while, I thought balloon sculpting would be a cool thing to add to the repertoire. I got a book from the library along with a bag of balloons that was in a markdown cart at Kroger and I played around with them. I immediately fell in love with the art.
Cincy Chic: How long have you been in this industry?
Kimble: I have been working with balloons professionally since 1998.
Cincy Chic: Did you ever imagine that you’d be doing such an eclectic job for a living?
Kimble: I didn’t even know the occupation of “Balloon Artist” existed! I have always been an artist of sorts, though. Growing up in L.A., before my husband and I moved to Ohio to raise a family, I was a professional makeup artist. I also have dabbled in sculpting. This is just using a different medium.
Cincy Chic: You’re now to the point in your career where you’re teaching others your special craft. Tell us about that.
Kimble: I began attending (and competing at) balloon conventions in 2002. In 2004, I was honored with my first international award. In 2006, I was very blessed to become a world champion. These conventions allowed me to network with the best balloon artists in the world and the most prominent people in the industry. In 2006, I was invited to be an instructor at a convention and now I either teach or compete at several conventions a year. I also have three instructional DVDs on the market produced by Aeradeco Video.
Cincy Chic: What’s the best thing about your job?
Kimble: Each and every job is different. Whether it is entertainment, décor, a delivery piece or an educational program, each specific job is customized to suit the clients’ individual needs. It is such a blessing to be able to create something unique and it is truly a joy to make people smile.
Cincy Chic: Who are some of your customers?
Kimble: I cater to private events, corporations, small businesses, restaurants, car dealerships, cities…whoever is in need of balloons!
Cincy Chic: Tell us about the wide variety of balloon creations you’re capable of.
Kimble: I try to compare it to asking an artist what they can draw. If I can visualize it, I can twist it.
Cincy Chic: What’s been your favorite balloon creation to date?
Kimble: I have this crazy reputation for creating balloon food! I created this sculpture called, “Bon Appetit.” It is a spaghetti dinner created out of what I call my BALLOOSION technique. It used un-inflated balloons and other materials to create a lasting balloon sculpture. It was part of the reason I received the world championship award in 2006. The really cool thing is that the sculpture looks the same today as the day I made it.
Cincy Chic: What’s your favorite thing about Cincinnati?
Kimble: It’s a great place to live and raise a family. My husband and I and our twin boys have lived here since 1996.
Click the play button below to watch a Webcast of Kimble or click here.
