View Full Version : A ? about multiple costumes??
chatterstheclown 01-19-2009, 10:28 AM I love my neon green hair WITH my pink and green polka dot clothes...BUT....I'm starting to think it was a poor choice to choose when it comes to versatility!! As I begin to design more costumes I'm realizing that Lime green is going to look EEEWIE with my other costumes...
* Christmas... I think will be fine
* Valentines...dress is red and white heart print, not too wild about green hair with it, also afraid it might look like Christmas from a distance
* Cowgirl...red bandana and cow print, green obviously won't go, but I already thought of this being a different character anyway as she will be more western and not so prissy
* Patriotic... red, white and blue flag theme, again, not too wild about green
I know that alot of clowns use different colored wigs with the SAME character (Nettie Belle pulls this off GREAT...but her wigs are mostly the same style so she still looks like the same character, just with a new color)
Other clowns I have seen use the same COLOR all the time, but change the style for variety ...I think there was a post I just read this week about Violet using different wigs, but again... she is able to "pull this off" because ...well they are all violet! :)
I think that if I buy a red wig it will match anything that the green doesn't (Valentine, cowgirl, patriotic) But I'm looking at a curly red wig, and I'm unsure if I can still pull off being "Chatters" if I have red curly hair instead of straight green hair.
Also, I was thinking of having the Valentine theme be a complete different character, thinking of calling her Lovey, and possibly even make her a whiteface (not sure on that yet)
I really don't want EVERY outfit to have to be a new character, and Chatters suits me well, so I want Chatters to be my primary character.
If I used the red wig for Lovey and Buckaroo Betty (cowgirl), then could Chatters use the same red wig for the patriotic costume? I wouldn't want to use Lovey for patriotic, because it wouldn't fit her character and personality, but I'm afraid that people would associate it that way.
It seems that everyone already associates Chatters as the "clown with the green hair"...am I doomed to being stuck with green hair for eternity?? I'm kinda getting bored with it :(
Hey Pickles...Do you ALWAYS wear green hair? Do you wear it with red stuff too? Hmmm? Any opinions on this dilema? Do ya'll think the green would be ok with everything? Do you think I could mix it up and still be known as Chatters without messing up my trademark characteristics?
Sorry for yet another LOOOONG post :( Thank you all for having patience with me, sometimes I just rattle on and can't help Chattering
Perry Noia 01-19-2009, 10:58 AM I think you could wear a hat with the green wig that complements the costume... then the green hair would still be there, but wouldn't be so overpowering? Just a thought...
chatterstheclown 01-19-2009, 11:18 AM Thanks Perry, that's a good thought. I've never worn hats, not sure why? I (human me) look stupid in hats, but I'm sure Chatters wouldn't look as bad in a hat as I do. I usually use bows, but a hat would hide the wig more. Thanks
Grey hair goes with everything!
Shoestring 01-19-2009, 12:48 PM I have had green hair IRL and I didn't "re-dye" it to match my outfits. If you're hair is green it's green right? (and no I'm not just trying to sell you that wig that's sitting in my closet LOL)
I agree with the hat......and if anyone looks at you weird you should say "oh, this dress is so silly! why don't those NY designers design for real people! real people with neon green hair!"
Pickles 01-19-2009, 12:57 PM Dearest Chatters,
PLEASE don't ever regret your fine choice of green hair. As a fellow greenhead, I feel that green looks beyoootiful with each and every color in the rainbow.
My personal opinion is that if you change the color of your hair, you won't be recognized as -- or even feel like -- the same character.
If you really want to develop a new clown character, I think that's great. But don't do it just so you can wear a wig that better matches some holiday costumes. I think that Chatters has enough confidence and pluck to pull off any costume choice -- regardless of its color.
chatterstheclown 01-19-2009, 02:14 PM I have had green hair IRL and I didn't "re-dye" it to match my outfits.
??? What is IRL???
chatterstheclown 01-19-2009, 02:17 PM Pickles: Thanks! Your green isn't quite as blinding as mine, though! It's just so bright...but yes, I absolutely agree that I just don't feel myself without it!!
Shoestring 01-19-2009, 02:29 PM ??? What is IRL???
Sorry, IRL = in real life.
Perry Noia 01-19-2009, 02:53 PM So true... my hair is Pink everyday... I've also been blue, purple, bleach blonde... your hair is your hair and you wear whatever anyway.
glitterbugg 01-19-2009, 03:07 PM i use a pink culy wig with a pink and sometimes other color outfits.I also have a red curly ,a orange curly,a yellow straight and a yellow curly.a big variety,i tell the kids as i am always Glitterbugg that as i change hair and outfits and shoes and noses ,that they all do also.I have fun changing up.
Whispers 01-19-2009, 03:18 PM I think your bright green hair is very unique and distinctive. I've been finding hats here and there to use now and again.... The hair is part of your persona.....don't change it!!!:o
Nettie Belle 01-19-2009, 04:12 PM [quote=Pickles;81697]My personal opinion is that if you change the color of your hair, you won't be recognized as -- or even feel like -- the same character. quote]
I don't change my hair color very often. Most of the time I stick with blue. When I do change it, I've never had any problems with people not recognizing me. Could be because I wear a name tag that says,
"NETTIE BELLE"
That seems to eliminate any identity problems.
In real life, people change their hair color a lot, so why can't clowns?
Kallie 01-19-2009, 11:47 PM I always thought that a clown is a live cartoon character. Anything can happen to them but they never can get hurt. Bad & sad things can happen but they always end up with a smile. And most important to me they always look the same ? Do the kids see you as a cartoon character?
If I get a hiding on my bum I wont get hurt, if they step on my toes, I wont get hurt, my face is always smiling and there's always fun. If you work for a few days to some weeks, day after day, one suit will become a problem. I struggle with this for years, must I make a few suits all the same, or can there be a variety. Did'nt think to change my hair colour, because in our country there is not the amount of clowns as with you, and to change that, you might end up looking like the other dude.
When I did holiday programmes at some holiday resorts, I end up with a problem. During the morning we might have some clown activities, but in the afternoon, may be some sport, or in the evening dvd's, etc. So do I wear my suit to them all, or will the kids also get to know me without it?
Well that's what I did, with the kiddie programmes in the morning I was a clown, and there-after just me. The kids know me, and I was Kallie all the time.
I realize then your character is not just what you wear, but what you are, what you portay, you are a live entertainer dressed as a clown. Wear your NAMETAG, that tell them WHO you are.
chatterstheclown 01-19-2009, 11:49 PM Sorry, IRL = in real life.
Thanks...I should've been able to figure that out!
Shoestring 01-19-2009, 11:59 PM I should quit using TLA's because they obfuscate communication
*TLA-three letter acronym.
chatterstheclown 01-20-2009, 12:34 AM Shoestring: LOL! (see, I do now some TLA's)
chatterstheclown 01-20-2009, 12:36 AM Shoestring: LOL! (see, I do now some TLA's)
Ooops, the only prob now is that I don't KNOW how to spell! LOL, I do know how...but it's late and my finger just skipped past the "K"...sorry
Violet 01-20-2009, 04:05 AM Everyone has given you really good perspectives, but I think what it all boils down to is what feels right for you, Chatters. My first attempts at my clown character were much different than what I've become. I started with a pink wig and a whiteface look (and I was Katie the Clown). None of it felt right for me. I am way too goofy looking IRL to pull off a whiteface. I've learned that your clown has to be an extension of YOU. Violet evolved because I liked the purple wig and the Auguste makeup - it all started feeling right and coming together. Now, as far as your hair not matching your outfits, does it really have to? If it does, then change your wigs around. If it doesn't, then stick with the classic "Chatters" look! And definitely use your name tag with any look. Then people will always know you are Chatters!
Nettie Belle 01-20-2009, 04:30 AM I don't think some clowns could change their hair color, but they certainly can change their style. Pickles, Violet, and Blondie should stick with their hair colors, but with a name like Nettie Belle, Chatters, etc., it really doesn't matter what color. If Blondie showed up someplace with green hair, her hair dresser would really get a bad rap.
Pickles 01-20-2009, 06:34 AM I don't think some clowns could change their hair color, but they certainly can change their style. Pickles, Violet, and Blondie should stick with their hair colors, but with a name like Nettie Belle, Chatters, etc., it really doesn't matter what color. If Blondie showed up someplace with green hair, her hair dresser would really get a bad rap.
I usually wear the same style of wig, but not always. I have a bunch of different styles of kelly green wigs, and sometimes it's fun to change the look. One night at VBS last summer, I told the kids that I had an appointment with my clown hair stylist the next day and that I was thinking about doing something different with my hair. The next night my long curly hair was gone and I was sporting a short straight page boy! All the kids were complimenting me on my hair cut!
Pickles 01-20-2009, 06:36 AM In addition, Pinky will probably not be able to switch the color of her wig.
Sir Toony Van Dukes 01-20-2009, 03:52 PM One of the things that Earl Chaney, Mr. Clown, pointed out at the Clown Cruise is that if you have too many costumes and clown characters it will be harder for people to get to know you. It is all about brand recognition. You want people to know who you are and think of you first when they want to book a clown. You should find one characteristic that sets you apart from the other clowns in your area so when people see you they instantly know who you are.
Now, this doesn't mean that you can never change your costume or makeup, but that you shouldn't be changing every time you clown.
chatterstheclown 01-20-2009, 05:08 PM Thanks... It sounds like you learned alot from your cruise! Was it Fun?
Around here I'm the ONLY clown...but don't be fooled into thinking that this gets me extra business...it just means that I have to drive further to get to gigs! :( There's not many opportunities in this small hick town to need a clown.
Shoestring 01-20-2009, 05:13 PM Thanks... It sounds like you learned alot from your cruise! Was it Fun?
Around here I'm the ONLY clown...but don't be fooled into thinking that this gets me extra business...it just means that I have to drive further to get to gigs! :( There's not many opportunities in this small hick town to need a clown.
Being the only clown is a great opportunity to be "THE" clown......building a following as it were.
There are a lot of clowns here, there are two that are very popular, one of them has been clowning since I was a kid, he's bigger than life....I met him once out of character and whoa!
chatterstheclown 01-20-2009, 05:22 PM There are plenty of GREAT clowns in the surrounding areas, just not in our town. But, I live in an extremely small town (There is only one school in the entire town and there were 40 seniors in my graduating class) So, even though I may be "THE" clown, theres not nearly as many events or opportunities here. I do some fundraisers and charities and have done a couple of b-day parties, but most of my work is usually from surrounding cities.
Artsy 01-20-2009, 10:07 PM This wig is the solution I chose to the WHAT-COLOR-WILL-MATCH EVERYTHING dilemma and it "brands" who Artsy is wherever I go. It also works for major holidays, especially Mardi Gras and Easter Egg Hunt Day.
I call it the Garanimal Look. It goes with anything.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s261/lottielulu/hair.jpg
Artsy 01-20-2009, 10:19 PM Chatters, maybe you can add embellishments ALL OVER your hair-- as if your hair was a lovely lime green Christmas tree and you are decorating it for each holiday.
For Valentine's Day, attach hearts, St Patty's-- some shamrocks, etc... You can easily get a bag of assorted holiday buttons from your local craft store and just loop rubber bands through the buttonhole attachment thingy that you'd ordinarily use to thread through to attach the button onto a shirt. Then you can rubber band the adornments into your hair to go with any holiday or occasion.
Christopher Clown 01-20-2009, 10:32 PM I think once you establish yourself as an entertainer in your town, city, area, whatever... then its okay to have multiple looks, characters, costumes.
I've lost count of how many looks and characters I have. My selling feature is variety. Not only can I be anything you need. But I can be any one you need! Balloon twister, clown, comedy magician, etc.
When someone asks me what I do, I explain that I am an entertainer who's specialty is entertaining all ages.
chatterstheclown 01-21-2009, 01:10 AM I think once you establish yourself as an entertainer in your town, city, area, whatever... then its okay to have multiple looks, characters, costumes.
I've lost count of how many looks and characters I have. My selling feature is variety.
EXACTLY! This is the goal I'm aiming towards! That is why my website is Port-a-Parties, not just Chatters. I also do party planning and themed parties for people who are not interested in clowns. As of right now, the inventory is being built up in each of these areas, and the planning stages are mostly through (games, skits and magic are written for each seperate theme)...now I just have to promote myself and get the word out as to what I have to offer.
Dusty B 02-06-2009, 12:26 PM Chatters, I'm curious....IRL do you change your hair color often to match your clothes? Do you pick out clothes to match your hair? :) If we don't worry about that IRL, is it something that we really need to worry about in Clown Mode? Granted BALD goes with everything IRL as well...but I'm not quite ready to shave my head, despite my REALLY short haircut right now. :)
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 02:06 PM OK...I'm re-activating this thread!! :)
I know the majority of you said green hair would be fine w/ my valentine dress...but it looked tacky to me and I was in the mood for something new!
I LOVE my new wig and also LOVE the heart tip nose...since the big one always feels loose to me & I panic in fear that it'll fall off.
My 1st thought was to do 2 characters...Chatters and ? (Lovey, perhaps?)...
But the dilema is ....
I LOVE THE NAME CHATTERS! IT IS WHO I AM AND IT DESCRIBES ME PERFECTLY!
Perry Noia 02-09-2009, 02:16 PM yeah, but the new look (while fantastic!) looks like a COMPLETELY different clown... different mouth, different nose, different hair.... changing your hair people do all the time but did she have "plastic surgery" too?
I like Lovey.... Luv Bug, Luvs 2 Chat... I don't know, my brain isn't working very well today...
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 02:17 PM OOPS...HIT SEND ACCIDENTALLY (READ PREVIOUS POST 1ST PLEASE)
Anyway, I love the name Chatters, Lovey is a bit lame, but was all I could think of.
HOWEVER... I am bored w/ the green wig and LOVE the red one...I think that it matches my fair skin tone better and the green seems to "wash me out"
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/portaparties/IMG_2846.jpg
IMG]http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/portaparties/IMG_2844.jpg[/IMG]
I don't know how to officially do a poll, but here's my question w/ 4 possible answers, so you can tell me which you think is best 1, 2, 3 or 4...
1) Chatters completely ditches green and becomes a redhead
2) Chatters gets a new green wig, that isn't so ratty and is a cuter style
3) Chatters becomes a liberal and sports many hair colors and styles
4) Chatters stays green, Redhead clown becomes new character
Also...if anyone selects choice 4...do you have any ideas for unique names besides "lovey" for the new character...
Oh, Perry....Where for art thou Perry? I'm sure Perry can think of something creative :)
Simply Knute 02-09-2009, 02:31 PM I think that Chatters should stay green and that you should have a new name for your Vday character.. i know that I am recognized by my green hair and people expect knute to have green hair. changing styles you could do if you wanted tho i was bald when i first started and then i had a "moe" style wig with a cowel under it and now i have a silly boy but people still know me as knute. for one. people dont dye their natural hair just to go with different outfits i know people with black hair that wear brown and vice versa.. so IMHO chatters should stay green. and if for no other reason.. we're cool like that :P
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 02:57 PM yeah, but the new look (while fantastic!) looks like a COMPLETELY different clown... different mouth, different nose, different hair.... changing your hair people do all the time but did she have "plastic surgery" too?
I like Lovey.... Luv Bug, Luvs 2 Chat... I don't know, my brain isn't working very well today...
I forgot to mention...if I used "Chatters" as a red head from now on OR if I switched between red & green but kept Chatters name for both...I would keep make up the same...probably the new way w/ less white around mouth and just a tip for a nose, but could use a star or circle probably, not necessarily heart every time...but not the big round "rose" nose either.
I agree though...if I don't do 2 seperate characters, there will need to be some modifications...or else it will look like I had plastic surgery though,LOL
Perry Noia 02-09-2009, 06:04 PM Ok, names similar to "Chatters" and so they might feel like they fit you...
Babbles, Yakkers, Jibber Jabber
Names that might fit the Valentine's theme...
Dee Votion, Carey, Sweet Heart, Sweety, Smittens
Hope that helps a little?
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 06:40 PM Geez Perry...How do you come up with these names so easily! I really like Dee Votion...just because it is so unique! I was also thinking of using this "character" all year long in clown ministry, so this could fit in with being "Dee Voted to the Lord"...Very cool, thanks Perry
Perry Noia 02-09-2009, 06:41 PM a thesaurus.... just looking at all the synonyms for love and messing around with the words to see if I could make a catchy name out of them :D
Glad I could help :D
Sir Toony Van Dukes 02-09-2009, 07:32 PM I think the new look has too much red. A green wig or blue apron or something that clashes with the red would say Clown more than the color coordinating outfit. But that is only my opinion.
Pickles 02-09-2009, 07:46 PM I agree with Knute that you should not kill off Chatters (Green-headed clowns deserve to live!!) and that this new red-headed clown should be a different character. Maybe she could be your clown for all holidays. In fact, you could name her Holly Daze.
BlossomTheClown 02-09-2009, 07:52 PM I like the idea of two characters if you still plan to use the green wig sometimes too. Maybe they can be sisters or cousins. My first thought for a name when I saw you was Val, Valerie, or Valentine (last name Day) and you were born on Valentines Day.
I like the name Dee Votion after hearing you'll use this character for ministry work.
You look adorable. Did you make your dress? and bow? Cute!
mr. kellygnc 02-09-2009, 08:13 PM i love your pink and green look because it is very unique and the kids dont see many clowns wearing such bright colors. i agree with pickles that they should be 2 seperate characters and you could use the redhead on holidays where red is evident and chatters on the holidays where green is more evident. as for names i like holly daze!
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 09:35 PM I think the new look has too much red. A green wig or blue apron or something that clashes with the red would say Clown more than the color coordinating outfit. But that is only my opinion.
Your right about too much red...but trust me...the green wig was bad news w/ this!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tried to even put a hat over it, it was still ugly! I considered a golden yellow wig, but the only store anywhere near here didn't have any that color.
chatterstheclown 02-09-2009, 09:47 PM PICKLES: I love Holly Daze!!! Very cute...and unique!! I don't like the traditional names much...even in "real life" , my boys names are River & Canyon, if we ever have a little girl she will probably be named Paislee.
I still like Dee Votion, also - especially for ministry- BUT the more I think about it ....I've seen a devotional skit called "everyday is a holiday" talking about how every day on earth is a reason to celebrate God's love...so this story could become part of the routine or show when Holly Daze performs...It would be a good conversation starter, since at 1st glance most people wouldn't understand why a gospel clown would be named Holly Daze.
BLOSSOM: THANKS! My grandma made the dress for me as a SURPRISE for my birthday...I was sooo shocked! I had my mom throw the bow together for me yesterday.
saphireSue 02-09-2009, 09:56 PM I think the name Holly Daze if very cute. If your grandma has some more scraps of cloth left over, try using a solid color with pockets made from the scraps to make an apron or pinifore to go over the dress. If you can hold up different colors you might be surprized at what color you think goes really good, you might even find a green that would work well.
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