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I found this project really interesting.

The nice thing about the internet, you can archive specialized arts.  I know of some of the people that are interviewed here but not well.  I am inspired by other people's work.

Here's a cool project.  I just gave.  I encourage you to give so they can make more videos.

Click here!

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Should I wear Clown Gloves?

Sherry Wrote:

I have run across some clowns who say that gloves are essential & to cover as much of your arms, hands, basically skin, etc. to make ur appearance look more animated or cartoony....
What's your take on this?

This is the "what is a clown?" question.  

Sherry told me some time ago, some kids called her a clown and she was dressed just like her own beautiful self.  She was very excited

So, you're already a clown.  

How do you want to present yourself?

I can't wear gloves because I'm a juggler and I do a lot of magic.  It's tough to juggle with gloves on unless I put grips of some sort on them. Which seems silly.  

On the other hand, I would never ever let children see me without gloves as Santa.  Do you believe your clown character is a magic character that lives in the circus and eats cotton candy every afternoon? 

Or, like me, is your clown an extension of your own person, a reflection of the world?

How far do you want to take your character?  

I'm a working clown.  I have to cut corners, wigs and gloves don't work for me because they are in the way.  

Some places I don't cut corners.  I keep my own hair weirdly long and wiry.  If I weren't a clown, I'd probably cut my hair very short, to lessen the look of my balding.  I don't ever wear short sleeves because I have hairy arms and that doesn't work for me.  I wear full base make up at all times, it would be easier to wear less and none on my neck for sure.  

I love the look of a full clown.  I'm a Ringling Clown after all.  In the circus, we never wore gloves unless it was for publicity.  

If your primary work is parades, make up competitions, then you should go all the way.  My first clown mentor, (who was cut 

Children's parties, events making balloons.  I would skip gloves.  For photos, wear gloves.  

People make a lot of "rules" about clowning.  My opinion...be the best clown you can, sometimes you have to give up looks for laughter.  I go with laughter 10 out of 10 times.  

What Clown Shoes To Buy...

 What I would like to know is what to consider when buying real leather clown shoes & why it might pay to invest in them instead of the plastic throwaways that are just used for party costumes. Would you mind talking about walking around in shoes that are at least 3-4" longer than regular shoes, paradeability & long charity hours, if weather or style has any effect, pros/cons. 

I'm happy Sherry is asking questions.  She makes doing this blog so much easier!  

Here's the thing about professional handmade clown shoes, they are very comfortable.  Clown shoes are made by professional shoe makers, it's a very old fashioned skill and it takes years to learn.  

When you order a clown shoe, you make choices on colors and styles.  It's pretty cool, every clown shoe is unique, it's made for you.  

I work a lot and replace my shoes about every 5 years, that's a lot of wear.  I stand all day in them, I walk in them...I can't drive with them on or State Farm wouldn't cover me...After a long day, my feet hurt more than tennis shoes but way less than dress shoes I'd wear to a wedding. 

Clown shoes are one the most important investments you will make; when the package arrives, it will make you so happy.  

Every time someone says "look at the clown's shoes"  it will make you happy, you will feel like "a real clown"  

The shoes I'm wearing now are from Spears.  I am very happy with the quality and how well they are holding up. I happily endorse them.  

My clown shoes were about $300.  A big investment but the only thing I have to worry about is keeping them polished, they are great shoes.  Every few years, I have to get new soles.  (I take them to church for that).  

There are other shoe makers that are very good.  You can ask around, this is my experience. http://www.spearshoes.com/

(This photo was taken by a librarian in Monterey, California.  It says it all!)

You can get clown shoes on Ebay that are good but they are not custom made.  But they are very decent shoes.  The quality is good, they are just made in generic sizes, s, m, l.  They are around $100 or less.  I've seen them and thought they were very good.  if that's your budget, these shoes do very well although not as comfortable.  You will need a shoe insert.  

If you have foot problems, let the shoe maker know.  This is their job, they can make the shoes more comfortable for you.  

The pros.... You get to be a real clown, have shoes you're proud of, shoes custom designed for your character, comfortable, long wearing, something that makes you "stand" out. 

Cons... A lot of money. 

I have no question.  Go for it, this will be the best present you can buy yourself.