HCM - I think part of the reason you may be getting the responses you are is that the children are seeing you as a cross between and person and a clown instead of a full clown. As a "real" clown you have a license to play, but if people are seeing you as a strangely dressed person they are more likely to have reservations.
Suggestions:
1- "Strutter's Guide to Clown Makeup" By: Jim Strutters
2- Go to
Pricilla Mooseburger Originals and look at the faces of the models. Don't compare your costume to the ones you see, look at the faces. (I kind of like your costume, it is sure better than the one I started with.)
3- Go to
Clowns of America International and look at the pictures of the competition winners as well as the other makeup examples you see.
4- As you see ideas you like, capture the image if you can and start a file for your own reference.
5- As you develop questions and ideas, ask, ask and ask some more.
That is all the ideas I have right this moment (and I was really trying for a 12 step approach.)