Can *anyone* "clown"? Or do you need a certain personality?

But there are awesome balloon artists -Masters now.
I think everything is changing. all of the entertainment art forms are rising just like magic did. I am now falling in love with body painting never my intent and henna - I think if I cling too hard to the rules that came before me I wont take chances and change what exists. I am excited that I can embrace who I am and share my creativity with others - it really makes them fell good and me too. Who am I to say you are a clown and you can't paint, who are to say I paint and I can't wear a nose. I still feel I am free to express who I am and spread joy how I see fit. If you get upset over it quite honestly that is your issue and not mine. Remove the ego and see the happiness for what it is. Elevate your art and don't worry about what others are doing (as long as no one is getting hurt). Be the best (fill in the blank ) you can be. Do what you love.

I understand what you are saying and we should all try to stretch ourselves and expand in ways that challenge our comfort zones. But I also feel there is a place where tradition should be respected. It isn't ego, but as a clown I stand in the shadow of many, many great entertainers. I honor what they have achieved and will never reach their level. They are masters and gifted artists. Progressive jazz has rules and standards just like classical music has rules and standards. That is what makes it great and not just noise. There are rules in painting...your teardrops should look like this and swirls like that. It is what makes it beautiful and not just gobs of paint. So too with the art of clowing. If someone wants to just dress up and not know what they are doing they are going to just be someone in a suite making noise (I don't mean you personally). A clown takes the brunt of the joke, they never poke fun at someone else. But there are people who dress up, their makeup is bad, they are rude and then every other clown is seen in that light. I just feel we should respect artforms for what they are...bend at times, yes. Growth does come that way, but it still is an established artform and the rules help to preserve the tradition and make it what it is.
And yes, there are some awsome balloonists, and that is an artform as well. It just isn't for me. I don't like the feel of them and I don't like when they pop in my hands. My hands are small and making knots hurt. Of course, I'm allergic to the face paint and my hands are all broken out but I'm more willing to live with that.

Clowns look upon the term “clown” as a title. And we resent others using it when they are not trained and/or are presenting to the public an image that does not conform to being a clown. The nose (usually red) is a symbol of the clown – we don’t all wear a wig, have big shoes, or even wear a spectacular costume, but the nose and the title “clown” are what define us to the general public. That is why we ask that those just dressing up not call themselves “clown”. You wouldn’t use a title from another profession (doctor, esquire, reverend) without proper study and training. Clowns have rules to follow – no drinking alcohol or smoking in costume are both on the rule list because if a child sees someone dressed as a clown do those things it drags down every other clown by association. Clowns are defined by their heart. Some face paint, some do magic, some use puppets, some juggle, some twist balloons,… Those are things that they do – those skills do not define a clown. The heart of a clown defines a clown and is reflected in makeup, costume, and how we interact with our audience.

I understand the need to earn a living. I fed my family with face painting 15 years ago doing cheek art. Tigers where full face using a fan brush in those days. No one I know of was using sponges or split cakes back then. Mama Clown was giving excellent training at clown conventions 20 years ago and she sold me my first kryolan pallet. She and others like Mr. Rainbow and Bruce “Charlie” Johnson taught me that clowning came from the heart. Everyone must start as a “First of May” (new clown) and that is OK – we just don’t like the untrained to pass themselves off as something that they are not because it lowers the expectation of the public.

The Art of Clowning has changed through the years. Clown noses were not always red. The lines between White Face and Auguste have blurred but to quote “Charlie” (http://www.charliethejugglingclown.com/PhilosophyOfHistory.htm), “although the rules are not rigid, they do have a purpose. Before you break the rules, you should understand why they were created in the first place. While specific clown characters have changed, the general roles of clown characters have stayed consistent. They are an authoritarian, a clever rogue, and a stupid victim of the rogue’s pranks. There is an advantage to entertainers playing those roles as they interact with each other.”
Charlie has spent years studying the history of clowning. Check out his website for more information or read one of his books. “Creative Clowning” by Fife … is also excellent. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Steve Kissell’s Circus Magic – go you won’t be disappointed!

im back lol
I fully understand where both sides of the arguement are coming from, but like she mentioned, if the clients know she is just dressing up and doing her thang, not a show, and everyone walks away happy (without bringing down the clown world) i dont find a problem there. She's not doing a horrible act or annoying kids or making them cry (which by the way i've seen REAL Professional clowns do) then she is just adapting to a new request that we are seeing. Like I said plenty want the clown look but just fp/bt. Eventually to survive we either need to adapt or lose the gig. Like i mentioned not everyone is up to dressing up, but if it floats your boat, why not? If you are afraid she is gonna make the rest of the clowns look bad, well fear not. I know people are smarter then that. They just wont hire HER anymore and look for someone else. That goes for any type of artist. If they dont perform to the clients satisfaction, then they just wont get any more calls from them.

Lets just let the well informed client make the choice.

ok, my cats meowing for my attention and its time to take my meds again, lol....you all know what i mean

You guys are AWESOME! You answered my questions far, far better than I ever imagined. I feel like I "get" it now. And while I really *would* like to learn to clown, I think for now I will dress cutesy (thanks for the phrase and imagery - it helps clarify) if asked to. And I will stay away from any nose (thank you for that too - I didn't know that).

But now I am totally intrigued by the whole clowning thing... especially that there is this neat "culture" surrounding it! So I will read up on it!!!!

Thanks again,
Barbie

Defining the word "clown" always seems to develop into heated debates. Charlie Chaplin called himself a clown (he was the original tramp) and he never wore the classic clown or tramp makeup or a nose for that matter.... not all clowns have the goal of making people laugh... you just can't define a clown. But there are "expectations" from the public that we (as party clowns) generally try to fill.

The nose thing isn't a rule, it's a preference. And I don't see why requesting that someone who isn't a clown not wear a nose be such a big deal? Are the parents happy, ok fine... but you've still made a certain impression on the children, the other guests at the party and everyone who saw you on the way to the party. As I mentioned, once you are in costume as a clown, you are ON and you cannot turn OFF until you are out of costume. My cheeks HURT at the end of a day of clowning... you can't stop smiling ALL DAY.

Glad some of the info was helpful for you Barbie. I'm sure if you decide to try clowning in the future, you will be a great clown because you will be prepared for it.

Well the deal is I can wear whatever I want. If I was asked to show up dressed as a nun - and explained that I am not a nun-as far from it as could be-as a perormer it is between me and the person that hired me whether or not I show up as a nun. Now there would be the argument that I am not a trained nun. I certainly would not reperesent myself as a real nun or act as if I was a nun but the appearance requested would be satisfied and I would paint as a nun. As a face painter - I have a professional attitude, I smile I am courteous, I do not drink, smoke and don't eat while I am working I am on from the moment I arrive until the moment I leave. Why would my standards be any lower for any reason while I am working whether dressed as myself, a clown or the queen of England. I am an artist and I work form the heart in whatever capacity I see fit. I don't understand where someone elses rules of expectation should influence what I do. How I can be told I cannot wear something? You think this is heated? I am just trying to understand the rational behind the request.

magic- I see your point. As professional entertainers (face painters are entertainers as well) No one wants a crabby face painter. So, if we are asked to dress up as a nun, clown, a fairy, a princess.....we do to get the job. But, to say we are whatever costume we are wearing would be a huge fabrication.
As an artist, entertainer...etc. we all much follow the unspoken rules of no drinking, no smoking, no swearing...etc. That is not just a clown thing.
I am not sure where the argument is. We all entertain the world and being smiles to so many faces at the end of the day. Whether dressed up or plain clothed.
I would never say I was an airplane pilot even though I dress as one last Halloween.
I give everyone on here credit for mastering their crafts and God given talents. it takes a special person to do what we all do. because as much fun and laughs with this line of work, we deal with alot of bullshit from people as well. Is it worth it? Definitly.

Should a childs clown costume have the noses taken out of the package b/c they are not truly a clown? JMO.
Cheers to all us hard working entertainers.

Interesting about the 'nose rule'. If I may add to the discussion...

I did theatrical clowning and we would refer to the nose as a mask. The rules for mask (and comedia) is, the putting on and off the mask should not be seen. Even in a workshop, where you're working with other performers, you turn away from them to put on your mask, always. Putting on and removing the 'mask' is sacred to the illusion.

I've done some clowning/mask (mostly theatrical because that's my backround), I've done clowning once for children because of some bad communication by a client (very long story), and all I can say is, I've known shy actors and clowns who are amazing. Some clowns are 'mime', some dont' speak, some are acrobats, some are political satarists.... It is held in such esteme in some artistic circles that to illustrate this Fellini likened Mastroianni's acting talent to being so great, he said of him that he was 'perhaps, even, a clown'.

Sorry if that was a bit 'highbrow' but I wanted to celebrate clowns a little

Yes, Magic, you can wear whatever you darn well please. Just be aware, the clowns don't like it. If that's the way you want to be about it, then that's the way you are and no one with any argument of any kind is going to change your mind. If you start butting heads with other local performers though, don't scratch your head about why they don't send you any referrals.

Perry that is very harsh. Do you hear what you are saying. I actually spoke to clowns before I put on the wig and they were fine with it. I am a very considerate person but very curious where all this judgement comes from. Joy isn't a commodity only clowns have the rights to.In all this conversation I had questions so I can better understand I didn't judge anyone but I also think it is unreasonable to say I can't wear what I want that people will dislike me and blackball me. I am not trying to take away from a fellow performer or disrespect them but I also have to freedom to be an individual and dress the way I want and paint the way I want. I am not looking to butt head s I am very open and loving and usually make friends wherever i go.

I find the story about the nose very interesting, I enjoyed your point of view. Thank you for sharing.

Well, I was a clown for a few years. I even went to Mooseburger Clown Camp to learn to be a "proper" clown.

I only did it because, AT THE TIME, I thought it would be a great addition to my face painting - make myself a package deal, so to speak.

As a make-up artist I really went into the research and application of the make-up.

HOWEVER... I am not a REAL clown, a comedian occasionally, maybe, but not a clown. I was dressing up as a clown to facepaint and only did some balloons if time permitted, and I never did a show or magic or silly voices... all the stuff people expect from a clown.

Frankly, I've never been a fan of clowns myself personally, and would never have wanted one at MY birthday!! I find most clowns I've met quite annoying (when they are in character!) to be perfectly frank, even when I was a child.

I do like to perform, but, I'm not really the clown type.

So, I say yes, you need to be a certain type of person to really do it well. Some are fantastic and entertaining performers - like Red Skelton for example.

There are clowns and there people who dress up as clowns - there is a HUGE difference.

WOW...this is amazing.

I think what everyone is attempting to say is that a Halloween Clown is equivalent to a free volunteer acrylic paint face painter.

Neither one does our business image good, both are damaging to our overall bottom line in the long run.

Jenny

That's a great analogy Jenny!

p.s. I killed my clown off about three years ago... It got so I can't wear make-up around my eyes at all, I resented the time it took to get into character for a face painting gig only and got tired of nasty children stomping on my feet and yanking on me!

I stick to what I love and do well... no point in doing something I don't enjoy.

Perhaps my statements were a little harsh. But look at what you have said my dear.... you have said that you DON'T CARE about the public image of clowns in general and will wear whatever you darn well please. Several clowns on here have told you that your opinion holds the same weight to us as face painters using craft paint and calling it "safe" and yet you persist in saying you don't care. As a clown, I am hurt that you see my profession so trivial. So, do as you please because no one can stop you any more than you can stop the world from using craft paint on children's faces.

I am going to stop reading this thread now, because, I'm not kidding... I'm hurt by it.

This thread is CRAZY! Let's just let it go to avoid hurt feelings...

I am not saying i don't care, I am not saying your profession is trivial, what i am saying is that what happens between me and a private client is our business and to say I don't have the freedom to be a performer is unfair. I am not trying to hurt anyone's feelings or in anyway put down the profession. I have much respect for anyone who puts the effort into being the best they can be in their chosen path. I do not see it as the same as a painter using craft paint because I am not seeing the danger involved that craft paint can cause to skin. I have said over and over again I make no misrepresentation that I am a clown. I have clowns as friends I adore and ran it by them first. I did not wear a nose. I am sorry if your feelings were hurt by this that was not my intention. I don't understand where all this tension comes up every time the subject comes up. I have never down played your profession but have defended my right to freedom of dress. There is no where I say I don't care about the image of clowns that seems to be your personal interpretation of my statements. Honestly If I throw on a wig I am not going to destroy the history of clowns _ I like dress up its fun but I understand that it is just fantasy and I am not who I dress up as. I think a lot of bad generalities are being presented and the joy factor is being ignored. Why can't we have open conversations about this to bring a better understanding?

I personally don't understand this conversation at all. I would not dress up as a clown and that is just for personal reasons... I had never even saw a clown act that I liked until a month ago and it made me think... SHe is a GREAT clown... She is in my area here and was invited to the same event as I was... She was SO cute and the kids loved her. I have a girl that I know dress up as a fairy at some parties that I go to... Does that mean she is a disgrace to all other fairies of the world? Because she didn't go to a fairy training class? This conversation has reaaalllyy thrown me for a loop and I really don't understand it.

Maybe it comes down to money and getting booked? I know I get a little frustrated when a *new* painter comes into the area charging less and therefor taking business away from me because she thinks, HEY, I can do this... But I was one of those people too at one point and I just keep that in mind, so the best that I can, and my experience shows in my work and that is the best I can do. So maybe that is where the hostility is coming from. Maybe the clowns are thinking that if you would have declined to dress up they would have actually went out and hired a clown as well as yourself. If I get asked to dress up in certain outfits I say no just because I have my own little image in my head that I try to stick to and that is just a regular old boring sit in the corner quietly and chat with the kids while dressing business casual. That suits my personality best. But if I possibly had a better body I could see myself dressing up as a fairy for events, I think that would be cool Now I just feel like I am rambling... My point is that everyone has the right to dress up any way that they want.

I don't think children are scarred of clowns because of not-professional clowns. Here in Denmark it is very rare to see them outside the circus. Maybe a few balloon clowns, but most of them don't dress as classic clowns. But still a lot of children and adults are afraid of them. They say it is because of the makeup that cover the person behind and with their crazy hair and feet can be intimidated.

Personally I would only dress as a evil clown (or joker maybe) - hope there is no rules about that - and not for most jobs, since it is too scary for the small ones. Not that it is a problem, since I have never been asked to dress as a clown =)

Hmm.. this is really interesting.

I've been asked several times if I come dressed as a clown for parties. I always say that "I come in bright colors and a smile." Because I am not a clown. Maybe because so many of Ryan and I's friends are clowns, the idea of me showing up to a party in clown is just ridiculous... I have such a deep respect for those that really throw their all into their chosen craft(like I throw myself into painting,) and the idea of me being a clown isn't something that I take lightly.

I think that playing dress up is a lot of fun. I'm sure that I could make a super cute clown character, and I know I look hella awesome in a purple wig... but that doesn't mean that I'm going to charge people for my fun time. I have too much respect for the clowning community to throw on a clown-esque outfit and then go to work, allowing people to have the impression that I am a clown, even if I am not claiming to be one.

I have been to so many parties and there's the clown at the party(sometimes I know them, sometimes I don't) and for the most part, they SUCK. They have horrible costumes(ill fitting and ragged.... If I weighed 300 pounds((btw, I weigh close to 200 so no judging on my part!)) I would not wear a one-piece jumpsuit that looks like a giant baby outfit that is too tight and has a giant zipper running up the back. CRAZY weird!) and terrible makeup.

I actually did a party a couple of years ago where this local guy who clowns(not well, mind you) actually came up to me at the party because his nose had fallen off(!) during the party and he wanted me to paint one back on him really quick. GEEZ.

And it's just so frustrating because I know so many GOOD clowns and yet all that I ever see are these terrible ones because they started out just doing balloons or fp or whatever and decided to throw the clown aspect on top of it to make some extra money. Pitiful. And if you ask them how long they've been doing this(thinking that they must be new) oh no! they've been doing this same stuff for over 10 years! and this is the best that you can do??? agh! I'd be so ashamed of myself!

I have thought long and hard about developing a clown character, but Ryan has talked me out of it on several occasions. It may still be something that I pursue in the future, but for now, I am perfectly happy being Ashley the Face Painter.

I had no idea this was such a heated issue. It has been a learning experience reading this thread.

Hi this is a quick pic i took before putting on some cute make-up. maybe you can start out by putting on some cute wig or crazy hair?

Dude seriously?????? smdh @ this thread

ChangingFaceDesigns wrote:Dude seriously?????? smdh @ this thread

What does that mean? Missingg the translartion.

Did you just read what I read????? There are bigger fish to fry than worrying about who is or isn't wearing a nose. The direction this thread has taken is purely negative. It stopped being about informational purposes and become schoolyard tit for tat I'm right and you're wrong type of deal where yet again someone feelings have been unnecessarily hurt, and others left offended for stating a what???? an opinion

People have talked about how different this forum is compared to others as far as the freedom to openly discuss things in a more conducive and friendly environment.................. welllllllllll


Not seeing a whole lot of difference here

Truly as I have said before it just really isn't that critical folks.

It is one thing to impart information, it's a whole other dynamic when you begin to impose.