Love Life Balloons (Johnny's Red Balloon Project)

I started this thing where I walk around with big balloons and give them to people.

While building a brand called LoveLife, I needed a way to say hello to people and make a memorable moment. The red balloon would become my thing, the result is a genuine human interaction that gives me an exhilarating feeling leaving them with a universal gift of happiness and a joyful spirit.

For a while it was just me wandering around being a one man ballooning machine, but of recent I've been able to recruit some teams and the project is really beginning to take shape and rise to new heights. But it's also getting more expensive.

On each balloon I handwrite and attach a uniquely positive message. The back of each tag explains the project and gives instructions on how to share the joy - and also how letting go makes litter (because being responsible is awesome. Hey now!)

Often times the balloon will travel throughout the day and change hands multiple times. Later, I'll then search through the shared photos, connect with someone and send a package full of good things for helping us spread our message.

It's a lot of fun and pushes me way outside of my comfort zone.

I’ve been told by people it makes their day and I’ve seen first hand countless people - worries running through their heads, staring at their shoes - look up and give the big o’l balloon a pure and simple smile. The balloon is a reminder that there are still good things in the world, the smiles are my reminder to keep it going.

Fondos becados por Chicago, IL (August 2013)