Hello everyone i have been accepted into my shrines clown unit. I was wondering about how to create the perfect character for me. Any ideas on creating a character ? I at first thought of a Pierrot type but a friend says that what i had in mind may be to fiendish, or scary and i don't want that. but i don't wanna do the average run of the mill " bozo" either i believe clowns are as unique as the people that portray them. Any help would be appreciated..


Yours truly
Lost in a sea of paint

You have come to the right place Freebird. There are a number of Shrine clowns here at the Forum and they are knowledgeable and willing to help. Read through the old posts as well I know that we have had a few discussions on how to go about "birthing" your particular character. One such discussion was within the last six weeks or so.

Hi Freebird! I think a Pierrot clown is a fine idea and very under used. Pierrot has changed looks throughout history but certain things always remain the same. Black and white clothes, long sleeves (that tend to drape over the hands) and a certain pining type of personality. He's always hungry, or sleepy and forever in love. I think he is an absolutely awesome clown and if I were to do a Commedia style clown I would definitely choose him over the more popular Arlechino. You can always mix parts of his costume or personality into something new though. Throughout the centuries he has changed quite a bit.

i believe clowns are as unique as the people that portray them.

Right there you hit it on the head. Your clown is, simply, YOU! Just allow your own natural interests and style to come forth in a unique expression which is very you.

i was thinking a mix of Pierrot and harlequin like half black face from hairline to chin other half broken into 2 groups top group reddish purple bottom group white with a red diamond over eye on black side. suit custom diamond pattern black and gold..i thought it would be cool kind of a old school mystic Cirque du Soleil type maybe im taking it to far but thats me all in or nothing hahahah im into magic and juggling and art.. so i already have a few tricks but what do you all think of that clown make up sounds easy to me not sure never put it on ??? but it will be half and diamond and half of half so to me sounds easy..

i was thinking a mix of Pierrot and harlequin like half black face from hairline to chin other half broken into 2 groups top group reddish purple bottom group white with a red diamond over eye on black side. suit custom diamond pattern black and gold..i thought it would be cool kind of a old school mystic Cirque du Soleil type maybe im taking it to far but thats me all in or nothing hahahah im into magic and juggling and art.. so i already have a few tricks but what do you all think of that clown make up sounds easy to me not sure never put it on ??? but it will be half and diamond and half of half so to me sounds easy..

Give it a try and post some pictures. Also, consider what kind of context you are going to use it in and how well it will communicate to your audience.

http://cheesecakeandfriends.com/pictures/Types/frosty.jpg
and
http://www.craigscookiejars.com/craigscookiejars/other_items/tblack_doll.jpg
and
http://www.hauntedprops.com/ProductImages/aaaaaair/6771179%20Michael%20Myers%20Child%20Clown.jpg
are these to old school style of clowns ?? this is the classic look i think of for clowns but is it
1. a viable option?
2. fit with a happy slapstick magical juggler type?
3. do they make you say " Whats he gonna do ?"
4. look Kid friendly??? Dont wanna scare the little ones
5. scream am i over thinking this decision???
6. say what the heck is this guy thinking man he needs to do more research? :pie:

Hi Freebird!

I like the 1st 2 pics, the 3rd is a little scarey with the knife an' all. The 1st pic is more of a traditional American White Face, the 2nd is more the Harlequin doll type. I think something like the 1st is a little more kid friendly, but if the 2nd is more your style, go for it!

Just don't copy the faces exactly, whatever you do. Those are someone elses' faces. Copying a clown's face is major taboo.

Come up with something you like, keep it fairly simple at first so you can duplicate it from memory, and change it if you don't like it.

Good luck and have fun!

The first is Frosty Little. He's a former producing clown with Ringling and a longtime instructor of clowning. He's the last living "Master Clown", as honored by the late Irvin Feld who was the longtime owner of Ringling.

I'd say that a classic (or neat) whiteface like his is fine. It is a look, however, which has tended to go out of style lately. There's no reason it should, however.

The other picture (I only see two not three) is kind of a classic harlequin. I think it communicates more of an artsy highbrow type of clown than silly slapstick on initial view. But, you know, that may partially because I know the history and tradition of things. An audience might not object to that sort of character expressing itself differently. Indeed, if you look at pictures of Pricilla Mooseburger, she tends to be more china dollish, pretty whiteface. But she had always acted more auguste. So, ultimately, it's whatever works for you and how you want to communicate yourself. Ultimately, the most important thing is connecting with an audience. So you can only try things out and see what works for you.

the pic of frosty where can you get the head piece and that style hat. i see it has gone fairly outta style but i like the style in the first pic style clown with the third link costume... ( minus the knife of course)...

Just for the record, the first picture was painted by Jim Howle a number of years ago. Jim is another Ringling great.

You would probably have to have a hat like that custom made these days. Although Tim (Don Q) did have a link to a ladies 6-way felt hat that if you soaked it in water you might be able to stretch over a mold into something similar.