I do alot of volunteer work with my local alley that I've joined up with, and I've gotten some good feedback from the people at these events and my fellow clowns, however...

Although I do this primarily as a hobby, I would like to see it transgress into a possible point of employment. At least part time at this point, although full time in the time to come would be a great thing to work towards...

I'm currently breaking even, although the numbers from day to day might turn red if I find either that special something I've just got to add, or I have to get supplies.

I was just curious from everyone here how they go about advertising their skills at tomfoolery. I've currently got one secure pizza joint I have gotten a couple of bookings from, and I also post my business cards on a community bulletin board at my full time job and I've gotten two gigs from that as well. I'm looking into metallic signs for my current car, and also vinyl lettering with a catchy phrase.

I even though of a great bumper sticker I'm gonna have made for this car until I get my "clown car" I'll really do up right.

It'll read:

My other car is a CLOWN Victoria! :)

Any words of wisdom from this panel of wise wigged whirlybirds?

Thankz!

Those are great ideas. I have also told friends, co-workers, family, anybody I can think of that I do clowning and I give them 5 or 6 business cards. I got my first paying gig that way!
Jubilee

I decieded on monday it was time to run an ad in the local shoppers guide. It came out today no calls yet :cry:
We'll just have to see what happens.

The most productive advertising is usually you local yellow pages. Store flyers usually don't work, that's just not where people look for entertainment. If there is any kind of local childrens magazine (look for these in daycare doorways) they are made for your target market and advertising usually is not that expensive. If your have good looking costume and props a website with your pictures on it is always a great selling point. Put the website in all of your advertising and when people call send them to it to see what you look like. If on the other hand your stuff looks cheap or wornout, DON'T post those pictures. They will do you more harm then good. Lots of entertainers pay good money to have a website only to fill it with bad pictures.
Keep Smiling
Looney Ballooney

I think it's like anything else you want to promote, get your name out there.
Maybe do some cold calls in costume, have a small trick up your sleeve and leave some business cards. How about your local library? Preschools and Daycare centers are ALWAYS looking for entertainment during the summer months (I know; I had to line up an entire summer of fun for 80 kids!!). Find out when local small towns have their fairs and see if they want a walk-around clown. Hmmmm...that's all my brain can come up with.

I suggest you contact some local primary schools and play groups etc. If you can arrange a visit it gives you credability in the eyes of parents. If you are allowed to give gifts like balloons with your contact number etc and cards for the parents all the better. Also offer your services free to fetes etc as long as you can give out free gifts and calling cards. This way you get to advertise in person to your target audience. People remember you when they have a function if they see you about.