“There is nothing funny about a clown in the moonlight….”
Lon Chaney
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There are two schools of thought on this one:
Where do you stand?
Types of Clowns:
- Traditional Circus Clown ("Whiteface Clown") / Auguste
These are somewhat similar-looking clowns. The "Whiteface" has --- well, a white face. And hands. And any other skin not covered by clothing. This is "the King of the Clowns" and what most people picture when they hear "clown". Usually a leader, usually smarter than other clowns, often bossy - but this kind of clown has varying personalities, so don't feel hemmed in! For makeup: paint visible skin (including the whole face, neck, ears, hands) white, then use bright colors to accent the eyes, nose and mouth in a style that suits you and your inner clown. Some Whiteface Clowns wear modest domed hats, others are more exaggerated or "grotesque" and have bald caps, zany bold and fuzzy hair, or tall hats with flowers that shoot water. Clothing is usually a one-piece outfit with contrasting colors, but feel free to be a "character clown" who wears clown makeup and a business suit. The sky is the limit!
Auguste clowns are quite similar to Whiteface Clowns, but... well, let's just put it out there: they ain't too smart! They're a bit more crazy, more over-the-top, and certainly involved in a lot of slapstick and pratfalls. Rather than a white base, the Auguste uses an exaggerated flesh-tone makeup as a canvas for brightly accentuated, exaggerated features. Picture a clown in ginormous shoes and billowy pants, with a big tall head with a tiny perched hat on top stumbling around the circus ring, and you've got an Auguste.
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- Mime
White, black, red. Those are the keys, and SILENCE! Paint the face white, like a mask. Trace around the outside with black paint. Exaggerated but simple eyebrows high above your own and black lining and marks around the eyes help facial expressions be easily read by the audience. Red lips finish the look. Wear: Black, black and white stripes, or black/white with a touch of red (like a scarf). Then proceed to shut up and irritate everyone by imitating them and pretending to be in a box.
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- Pierott / European Whiteface / Jester
A smart clown, usually dressed well in satiny blouses or one-pieces. This is a Whiteface Clown, but think more "jester". These are usually sad clowns, dressed in black, white or red. Makeup is similar to that of a Mime, but a a tear or keep liner and even lipstick down-turned. The Jester is more of a prankster or jokester, often found entertaining royalty in brightly colored garb topped with a 3-tipped hat with jingle bells. Their makeup is obviously going to be more upbeat than the Pierott - often shown with triangles or harlequin patterns on the face. For these, try glitter and bright colors! - Sad Tramp & Happy Hobo
The Sad Tramp has a rough life, and his sad expression and tattered-looking clothes are the proof. Turn the frown upside down and you have the Happy Hobo, who you can think of as the same clown, but with his cup half full. Makeup is similar to that of the Auguste, with the addition of a "5 o'clock shadow" on appropriate characters. Be sure to exaggerate the normal features with the makeup you choose, so you can easily portray emotion. Bag Lady Clowns are often the feminine version of these clowns, with others in this style can be Keystone Cop types, hillbilly style clowns, or other "hard-luck" or scrappy types.
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- Scary, Evil Clown
Take any of the types of clowns discussed, change the shape of the eyebrows, possibly add a creepy texture to the skin, fluff up the hair and practice your cackle. Axe or machete completely optional.
sourceMore Inspiration:
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PS: That's Neil Patrick Harris!
And the next one is the singer Pink:
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I know, I know - it's a painting, but its still a righteously evil Jester!
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And a tribute to a great actor and terrifying clown: