[SuitcaseSam]

Originally Posted by tim

Why do people choose hobo? What is it about their personality which makes them want to go that direction? I''m not criticizing it (I like bums) but I just don't understand it at all.

Tim, that is a million and a half dollar question. For me, I started out as an Auguste in 1990 but swithed to Hobo/Tramp in 1992 after meeting Emmett Kelly Jr and seeing the way people took to his tramp chaacter. I was already a big fan of Red Skelton's Freddie the Freeloader character and I too wanted sum'pin more whimsical, down home~ish and the Hobo character seemed to fit right in along with my guitar playing (now the Ukulele). I use to say I wanted my audiences to leave my shows with the same "down home" feeling one has once they've seen the Country Bear Jamboree at Disney World.

I got just as many calls for birthday parties as a Hobo Clown but I will agree with ol' Fitz that most folks perception of a Clown is not that of a Hobo/Tramp. Either they picture Ronald McDonald types or the oversized outlandish look of an Auguste.
I did however have one parent tell me once they liked the Hobo look alot better because it didn't seem to scare the kids as much since it was more human like (for lack of better words - sorry, I just got done working 13hrs on nightshift - Yuk!). And yes, this parent had seen my Auguste Clown as well as many other local clowns. I'm not knocking any Clown category as I love them all, I'm simply stating what was said.

Azzy, you are off to a great start and I loved those cat cartoons. Thanks. I might only suggest you add a derby hat to complete the look (like the cat in the cartoon is wearing). That would be way COOL!

Ya'll have a Great Day!

~Sam