Hi there!!

My name is Jennifer, and I have just recently decided that I will try out being a clown.
I am 21 years old and I live in Denmark, northern Europe.I would like to hear from other female clowns and hear their story about being a clown. Gentlemen are welcome also, but really would like to hear another woman's side behind the make up.
My clown story is this: I visited an old high school classmate, who has moved to New York. While over there, I saw a group of clowns perform in Central park. And since then I've been bitten by the clown bug. When I came home, I bought some clown white make up and some red and black make up, and tried to paint my face. I like the white face clown the best, so this was the kind I made. I put white make up on my entire face and neck. Then I paint my ears red, because they show under my hat. ( I do not wear a wig. ) My problem is that my eyes seem awfully small when my face is all covered in white. Have anybody experienced this problem too? Also I try to paint a red mouth, but I have trouble getting it symetrical and even, more often than not my mouth is "out of balance" - Is there some sort of trick I do not know odf, or is it just a matter of practice?
The thing I really like about dressing up as a clown, is that after I've put on the make up and my costume, I feel free; free of being myself, free to act silly if I want to. Not that I hate being myself, I am quite a nice person, but there is something liberating about being totally unrecognizible with the make up on. The down side is that I am still afraid of the reaction of my friends and family. I do not have a problem appearing in front of strangers, but I do not like being a clown when I'm with someone I know, is it just me or have you felt the same way?
I hope you would like to share your thoughts and feelings with me and/or answer some of my questions. I will return later when I have something more to write.

Bye for now...

Jennifer Sweetkiss ( My clown name so far... )

Jennifer,

Welcome to the world of clowning. The first thing I must say to you is, if you have decided to be a white face clown, please use white make-up on your ears, not red. (Also never put any red makeup near or on your eyes)
Traditionally, white face clowns cover their whole face, everything that shows, white, so that's neck, the back too, and ears.

There are a lot of books on the subject of clowning, if you can not get them where you are, maybe your friend in New York can help you.

You can line your eyes with eyeliner pencil to help open them up. Black is the best color to use.

Your best bet is to find some books and read about the make-up application, AND as you said Practice, practice, practice.

It may take a while before you are comfortable in clown in front of people you know. Don't worry about your friends/ family's reaction just work on being the best clown you can be and everyone will be happy.

I hope I have helped you out and Bump a Nose!!!

Ta Ta

Diane "Tootie Fruitie" Grimmig

Jenn,

Choosing a white face means that you must make the commitment to be perfect. That is very hard to do when every face is different. When you cover your face with all white, it is really going to show features that you never realized you had. White is very unforgiving if you don't have the correct proportions. However, one way to get your symmetry going right for you is to practice with your colors without the white. I am a happy hobo with a heart shaped mouth. It took me months to understand how my face would work with the heart! I wound up having to locate special points on my face to build the heart so when I smiled, It became the perfect heart. In other words, when I'm not smiling, the heart looks flat. Needless to say, I smile all the time when I'm performing. I have had new clowns try this practice technique, and all of them say that it has helped them tremendously. They either get better with their whiteface or they wind up going to Auguste. Either way, this helped them. Another problem that whitefaces have is taking their make-up off. It takes them as long to take it off as it does to put it on. After they decide and make the commitment to go whiteface then I let them in on a secret of mine. When I go to competition, it takes me two hours to put my make-up on and two minutes to take it off. Yes that's right two minutes, and It is all off. If you truly want to be a whiteface, and that is where your heart is, let me know and I'll share my secret with you. I have won several Imperial titles and State titles, and I'm really enjoying being a clown. But what I love most is performing for my Kids.

Johnny

Hi there.

Thank you for you advice. I'm still so new to clowning that I will not rule out the possibility of neither the august nor the withe face, but right now I am very much hooked on being a white faced clown, because it is the only kind which make me feel truly like a clown. I have of course tried to paint an august face, but I did not feel like a true clown, because I could still see a part of me behind the make up. But when I try making a white face, I have this feeling of becoming the clown and not just some girl with clown make up on.
I will try out your technique of selecting some specific point around my mouth to get my red mouth straight. I have actually tried to cut a large piece of red ducktape in the shape of my wanted mouth and then placing it over my mouth, I put on all the white make up, removed the ducktape and painted the red mouth in the gap. Though it worked it was rather painful to take off the ducktape again not to mention hard to breathe.
I've spent around a good hour and a half writing this to us, and now I think I've made up my mind about being a white face clown... This is what I really want to be, I just have to be a little more patient about the make up part, and accept that only practice make perfect... So if you have a good trick to get the make up off in a short time, I would like to hear from you.

Bye for now :-)

Jennifer Sweetkiss

Hi Diane, and thank you for writing.

I've been thinking about what you wrote about painting my ears white instead of red. I haven't tried it yet, but I sure will. Are you a white faced clown too, and do you paint your ears white? Have you been clowning a long time?
I have read all I could find about clowning here in Denmark, but 99% of it is meant for children, so it is all very, very basic. And I really want to be more than a basic clown. But maybe I will have my friend in New York send me some american books. Are there any you would recommend?
I hope I'm not being too straightforward, but I would really like to know more about you and share in your experiences, if you don't mind. I haven't been able to find anyone here in Denmark who is interested in helping me out, so I really appreciate all the help and advice I can get.
So if you like, tell me what kind of clown you are, how you got started, how you feel about being a clown, what you family and friends said and so on.

Of course everybody is more than welcome to reply and tell their story ;-)

Bye for now...

Jennifer Sweetkiss

Jen,

Though you have not beaten your problems, from your letter I believe you are putting all of you heart into it! And thats great! Though nothing is perfect yet, with your hard work and dedication to the art in the end alls well for you! I don't have any hints, being a new clown myself, only a few words of acouragement. I hope you the best! If there is anything I could help you with, email me at slinkyandsniffles.com I wish the best!

~Slinky

Hi Jennifer - I've been in the same position as you in regards to friends and family. I was slightly younger than you are -- and a cool gothic rocker chick at the time -- so I know how difficult it is. I'm not sure what your situation is exactly, but I can tell you that there's no need to tell everyone right away. You might want to pick a few people close to you who you trust and tell them. It's also a lot easier to tell people about it once you've started performing. Take your time with it; other people's approval isn't what you're out for.

You might be surprised -- as I was -- at how positive people are. And not necessarily in a sugary "that's such a nice thing to do" way. The people I've talked with about it seem to think it's actually very cool. They treat it with respect [which never ceases to shock me!] They ask questions, want to see pictures, everything. I think everyone has a little clown in them.

In regards to painting your ears red... It's my understanding that this is commonplace in some parts of the world [whether that's currently or historically I'm unsure]. If it is what you regularly see in Denmark, don't let us talk you out of it!

Twiglet

Hey Johnnytoliververizoncom-------How do the rest of us go about finding out your secret for quick make up removal. I also am a white face and I sure would love to learn your secret.You can email me if you'd like:
JCool20101@aol.com

Thanks, Squeakers

I am a new clown, I have only performed a few times due to having a 18 month son. I have my husband do my makeup, he is a great artist. he paints my mouth and He outlines my eyes in bright colors about the size of a quarter. I have had my pic in the local paper. I do need some advice on how to lighten up when performing. I am afraid the kids wont get my jokes and really dont know what to say. I also would love any ideas as I just am getting started. I would also like to know how to get make up off so quick. I also use big flashy eye lashes. tha kids love them, especially the girls. thank you
childrensresale@hotmail.com

Kiddycloset

Hi,
I know that I may not have a lot of experience with clowns yet, I have been a clown only a few times. I did try my hand at a white face cown though. My eyes looked small, so I used black eyeliner on my eyes and after my make up was finished I put on black mascara. This made my eyes stand out a lot more. It has also been suggested to me that I put black lines around my eyes with a sharpie marker. I have seen it on other clowns and it looked good. It added to their eyes. To get your mouth look more even, start on your left side (if you are right handed and if you are left handed start on the right side) then you can make the right side match the left. It works for your eyes and everything. I use this idea on my beard too, because I am a hobo clown. I am a girl though, I just have a boy clown. I hope these suggestions help you woth your clowning.

Clowngirl17

Hi there, and thanks for writing. I sure hope you return to read this.

It sounds as a good idea to use the black eyeliner and mascara, I think I'll try it out. When I think about it I've found out that I actually start with my right side when painting my mouth and eyes, so I will give your technique a try, it's just about the last thing needing perfection before I'm truly happy with my clown face.

I've never heard about a female hobo clown before, it sounds very exciting. Do you do any thing to signal your female side, or do you do a "traditional" male hobo character? How, when and why did you decide to make a hobo clown? I would really love to see a picture of your hobo clown. Please send it to:

jennifer_sweetkiss@hotmail.com

This goes for everybody else reading this, feel free to send your picture or drop a line on my hotmail address.

I'll return later a tell how your suggestions worked out.
Once again thanks for the help.

Happy clowning

Jennifer Sweetkiss

Jennifer,

I go by the name of Pepper. I've been a clown for a couple of years now and from the sound of things have dealt with a few of the issues you are facing now.

I agree with the mascara and eyeliner- remember though, that if you put eyeliner on the bottom as well, it will make your eyes small again. Just to experiment, try lining the top only and then maybe even extend it out as an eyelash (almost Cleopatra looking). Add a couple more drawn on lashes with the liner if you like.

I started out with a white face in Florida. It was too hot, so I tried it without. Seems the smaller children came up to me much more readily. Many people say, "my little one is deathly afraid of clowns, but look how he/she just adores you!" Nice compliment. So, either way is nice. You pick.

All of my friends and anyone I meet, think that my being a clown is fantastic. But, like you, I still don't like performing in front of my friends. Is it that I think I'll mess up and they'll see and remember and think "Oh that's how she is when she's a clown". Is it because I can't act like Pepper when, to my family, that's not who I am and they know it? Well, I haven't quite figured all that out yet, but I do know that when I have performed for my family, despite how I think I did, their eyes are glowing and sparkling and there's no way not to be sure that they are so very pleased.

I've found that people don't think lowly of you (if that's what you are thinking.) On the contrary, people think there's more to you than meets the eye, that you are bold, talented and lead a richly rewarding and exotic life. Share it with the world. No need to hide such a wonderful experience from your closest circle.

There's something about being a clown that gives you an automatic acceptance from anyone. We all learn to love a clown when we are young (usually) and even the big tough guy melts at the sight of a clown, taking him back to his childhood and hopes that the clown will smile or wave at him. No need to be shy. Everyone loves a clown. They live at the circus with our childhood dreams and imaginations.

Pepper

Hi there Pepper!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - and you can never have too many thoughts.

I just want so see if I got it right - you used to be a white face clown, but because of the heat to decided to loose the make up? Does that mean that you do not wear any clown make up, just a costume? Is it just during the summer or do you still wear make up some times? I have a hard time imagening clowning with my make up - I feel that the clown magic first starts when I've painted my face.

I think you got a very good point when you say that you are having trouble performing in front of family and friends, because they know who you really are behind the make up. Strangers don't know that and thus it is easier to be "free" to be the clown. I feel that my heavy make up and fancy costume are a sort of shield which the strangers cannot see through, so they cannot identify me later. That's why I will not perform without my make up - it is an essential part of my clown.

Happy clowning...

Jennifer Sweetkiss

Hi, im just a teenager clown and new to the field of pies in the face but i started when i found out that my good friends dad has cancer so i started so i could make him laugh, then i just got hooked on clowning ive also been a class clown all my life!

Bootsie

Pepper,thanks for the message,i am just starting out and i am a little self conscience about family and friends seeing me for the first time but your message to jennifer about everyone really loves a clown made me realize that hey everyone really does!! i always did and still do.i will remember that in my act,thanks a bunch, penny aka candy the clown!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi there everyone. My name is Cynthia but Im calling myself PattyCake, my mother's childhood nickname for me.

I am very new to clowning although I'm pretty old otherwise. I have always loved children, and now that my nest is empty I think I would like to indulge a childhood fantasy and become a clown.

I want to start in the Children's entertainment business. I have worked with children before, in summer day camps, sunday school, things like that.

At 52(in August) years old everyone I know thinks perhaps I've lost my mind but I cannot think of a better way to spend my time. I am teaching myself balloon sculpture and face painting and I'm learning some simple magic although Puppet Play and Story telling will be my main points.

Feels nice to talk this out without getting some version of "that look". I'd like to know about that quick make up removal too.:D

Patty

For those who are interested in fast makeup removal, I use a combination of mehron barrier spray fixer and sealer, grese paint and a make-up remover all of which is supplied from Three Kings Theatrical Supply Co. http://www.threekingstheatrical.com/

First I spray the mehron, then apply the grease paint applying the mehron between colours. finally I apply a final application of mehron to fix everything. I have found that this provides me several advantages. 1st the makeup does not get that powdery look as it does using talk and water, 2nd I find it needs less maintenence and third, it comes off easily with the above mentioned makeup remover. I clown as both a white face and as an auguste and find this works best for me.

Gilbert

Pattycake: For face painting there is a great email list you can subscribe to at www.snazaroo.com Even tho it's run by a makeup co. rep, other brands are welcom in the discussions. There are many active clowns on the list as well with whom you can also carry on off-list email exchanges. Come on over. I'm on there as Buttonstc. Give me a holler and we can talk further. It's a much larger and more active group than this appears to be here--I think whover created this forum is no longer very active with it judging from some of the inappropriate posts I've read. Over at the Snaz site that can't happen cuz Gary keeps close tabs on everything. Hope to see you there. Lots of clowns waiting 4 u.

Buttonstc

Buttonstc thank you so much. I was beginning to despair of getting any answer at all. I have emailed to be included on that discussion list. Is there a forum/message board or is there only the question and answer emails. I am sooo interested:D Thanks again and Bump a Nose;)

Patty

Basically all the emails to the list are sent to everyone on the list so everyone can see ongoing discussions and they pretty much appear in real time so it's similar to a forum in that way. However, everyone has the option of replying only to the sender rather than to the list so it's actually better than a forum because everyones email addy is displayed. I hope you signed up for the regular list rather than the digest. If not change it to regular--you only get about 25 or so per day so it's not overwhelming. Gary usually suggests thatt someone new send an introductory email telling everyone a little about you. That would also be a good time to mention that you would love to hear from any other clowns on the list. It's a real nice bunch of folks.

Buttonstc

BTW--I forgot to mention--I hope you didn't use your primary email addy from your isp. If so, you want to sign up for one of the free "disposable" email addys in case of spam or viruses and stuff. I assume you're familiar with where to get one. If not try here www.emailaddresses.com

Buttonstc

Hi, I'm also a White face, but I added a turtle neck dickie to my outfit and my wig is long so my ears do not show and I don't have to put as much white on, Another in our group has a short wig and she wears a hood which covers everything but the face and a lot a white face use this, less to make up.
I've been clowning about 6 years now but I didn't start until I was a lot older. But we have a great time.

Hi Sweetkiss!
My daughters and I just started clowning in a new ministry at our church. One is a whiteface and the other is an auguste. I am also an auguste.

As for the reaction of family and friends: pooh! I thought I would be embarrassed to be a clown in the church where my kids all grew up but once the day came for graduation and our skits I just had fun. Yes there are
those who didn't even bother to show up and support this new ministry. But that is because they "don't get it"
and that is okay. I get it. And that is all that counts.

hi there im nikki (piccalily) ive just started to clown to ive done all the classes ie facepainting ,balloon modelling ,magic tricks i want to be a children party clown i have loved clowns for a long time i am 33 and would love to forfill my dream i live in nottingham uk my problem is putting a act together which i would love to hear about yours

hi im nikki (piccalily) from uk i have wanted to be a clown for about 23yrs. i have been in carnivals and to partys as a clown but its different now i want to make a career of it im 33 with two children ive done loads of jobs from factory work to managment but none make me happy.
my family think ive gone mad .my mum came round one wednesday to see me and did not realize i had clown friends who came and learnt me to balloon model and face paint the look of shock on her face was i picture ,since then ive dressed up in front of the whole family .if they see your heart is in it they will surport you i am trying to put i act together for parties if you have any information which you will share i would be very grateful

god bless happy clowning

Sorry but this is a male clown replying, Furry Foot from England.
I think it IS less dificult to apear in front of strangers but I have been doing this for 27 years now and still get butterflies in my tummy every time I appear just keep practicing.
I do not dress up AS a clown that might imply that I am impersonating a clown, I become a clown when I put my other face on. Actually I am always a clown its just that some times I choose not to show it, but it is always bubbleing away inside, keeping me smileing and sane.
Check out www.clowns international.co.uk a great organisation to belong to and a great way to learn from other clowns. You could also have a look at my web site if you like www.furryfoot.co.uk it may have some links that are helpful
TaTar
Furry Foot

Hello. I'm new to clowning, and as someone else said, not new to life. I've wanted to be a clown since childhood. I'm only now following that dream.

I first tried white face, as I had always seen it as the "classic" clown look. I moved to August, however, because it seamed to fit me much better. I felt, although this sounds strange, funnier. I also find it more welcoming to young people.

My big problem is a disability. I am limited in movement, and must learn to compensate for that. I'm trying to learn more "clown skills" to compensate for not being able to do much physical comedy. I hope to move to Florida soon, and affiliate myself with an alley in the area.

Good luck kiddo,

Rosy the rib tickler :lol:

Hello,

I'm Kristy and I've decided to join the clown world! I've ordered a book but I need any advice anyone can send my way.
I live in Orange County CA and would like to visit hospitals/convalescent homes before starting on parties. I would really like to start as a Quiet type clown who doesn't talk and go from there. Will it have to be "white-face" for that? Isn't there white make-up easier to wash off then grease paint? Something that won't smear or run like water-color? I am so new I'm not sure how to go about picking out an outfit or name so ANY advice how to start would be appreciated. A clown and a mime can be similar but not the same, correct?
By the way, I've informed family and friends I want to do this and I am getting loads of encouragement.

kat123 :-D

Check out what the others have said on Make up, I learned from going to conferences and classes, started with Melron , now use only Ben nye. less drying on the skin, if set with the setting powder, stays on, no matter how hot, and goes off easy.

I do Hospital ministry. I'm also in physical therapy, so getting approval wasn't to hard. Be sure to check out every thing with the facilities before you start so you, can protect your self and the patients, for instance at this hospital the use leaves on the door to mark that this patient is a fall risk, so I know when I go in that if this pt. tries to get up to get a nurse. the different sign for isolation, for obvious reasons. I've been asked to do the ER as it is often crowed but I refuse as this is an area is which you don't know what is in the air and I would not want to be the carrier on the floors. When I first started The nurses would always say we only have 1-3 ped. on the floor. And I remind them I'm there for every one, and I've had patient stand by their doors to wait for me to come by their room once they've seen me on rounds. I hope this helps

hi! do you want to talk? talk with me i love the female clowns and specially with jumpsuits costumes contact me please clown.

Hi i think clowning is a great, i hope you make a great job at it............................watch out though the Herchee Muffins are on your tail bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:evil: