Soft Soap

The Softsoap hot air balloon is a stunning example of corporate advertising elevated by the exceptional talent of artist Charles Markert. The balloon’s design combines bold branding with eye-catching artistry, transforming a marketing message into a captivating visual experience.

Markert's hand-painted work features the Softsoap logo in a striking yellow font against a rich blue band that wraps around the center of the balloon. Below the logo, a playful cascade of bubbles—painted with remarkable realism—gives the impression of the product's cleansing and foaming qualities. The bubbles vary in size and transparency, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional effect that evokes a sense of motion and lightness.

The lower section of the balloon is adorned with vertical stripes in a vibrant rainbow palette, echoing the cheerful and fresh branding of the company. The blue draped accents just below the bubble design add a touch of elegance and flow, showcasing Markert's attention to detail and his ability to integrate decorative elements seamlessly into the overall composition.

The creation of this piece required not only artistic talent but also precision and adaptability, as painting on the curved, flexible surface of a hot air balloon is an immense challenge. Markert's ability to maintain crisp lines, consistent colors, and harmonious proportions across such a large canvas speaks to his exceptional skill and dedication.

Interestingly, the balloon also represents a unique collaboration, as a Softsoap employee went so far as to obtain a pilot’s license to personally fly the balloon for the company. So impressed by Markert's artistry, this employee later commissioned him to paint another balloon for private use, a testament to the enduring impact of Markert's work. This Softsoap balloon stands as both an advertising success and a floating masterpiece, showcasing the intersection of commerce and fine art.