Clowns are entertainers and have skills that are geared towards making an audience laugh or become happy. There’s more to being a clown than just dressing up in a colorful, silly outfit and putting on clown makeup.

Step 1

Decide what your clown name will be. Think about your personality and an alter ego. Tap into your inner clown. What type of clown would you like to be? Pick three different characteristics of your clown personality.

Step 2

 

// Get a clown costume. You can make your own costume by going to thrift shops and choosing large, colorful clothing, ties, hats and big shoes. Clown costumes can also be bought ready-made. How much did you want to spend on a clown costume? The prices range from very inexpensive to several hundred dollars. To look like a real clown, you don’t really have to spend a lot of money on a clown costume.

Step 3

Invest in good quality clown makeup. Don’t use arts and crafts paint because it will melt and drip. Also invest in the perspiration blocker. No matter how cool the weather is, you are bound to perspire during your clown routines. If you don’t draw well, use stencils or use a minimum of makeup on the main areas of your face: around the forehead, eyes, cheeks and chin. Either use a red foam nose or draw a red ball at the tip of your nose to make a clown nose.

Step 4

 Learn face painting. If you don’t draw evenly, get a few stencils of shapes, such as stars, circles, squares and flowers. Use professional face paint, particularly on children’s delicate skin.

Step 5

Learn some magic tricks. There are books and videos that teach magic tricks, and some websites sell small magic kits. The magic trick doesn’t have to be elaborate. Kids generally like the magic tricks to be simple, plain and to the point. Adults also appreciate an uncomplicated magic trick routine that makes them laugh. Buy your own magic kits, consisting of magic cards, hats and disappearing objects.

Step 6

Practice balloon twisting. Videos detailing how to twist balloons into flower, animal or cartoon caricatures can effectively teach you to twist balloons. Practice along with the videos and soon you will have a collection of balloons that you know how to do. Take pictures of your balloon creations for future reference.

Step 7

Learn a few clown stories or make up your own. Actually write down any funny story that pops into your head that you think will make people laugh. Incorporate your stories into your clown skits that you perform for your audience. Each skit doesn’t have to be longer than five minutes in duration. Perform at least one skit that is interactive with your audience, particularly that which requires your audience to respond with a missing word or phrase.

Step 8

If you have great balance, invest in a unicycle. Clowns are notorious for riding a unicycle, maintaining balance while feigning clumsiness. If your balance is not so great, you could invest in an adult tricycle, especially if you are working in a large park or carnival area.

Step 9

 Get little party favors to give out to your audience, especially if your audience is a small one. For larger audiences, spend a few days twisting paper napkin flowers to give away. The best napkins to use are colorful cocktail napkins. They make great paper roses. You can also find instructional books on how to create paper flowers. Children also like Styrofoam or cardboard painted paper doll cutouts. These are easy and you can make a batch of paper doll cutouts before going on a clown job.

Step 10

Get a background check done on yourself. Have your paperwork ready for potential employers to see. Having a background clearance could mean that you will be eligible for more clown jobs for children’s parties, pediatric hospitals and neighborhood and school carnivals. Keep your background clearance handy and make copies that you carry on your person when arriving at your clown job.

Step 11

Practice your clown routines in front of a mirror in full clown costume. After you have trained yourself to be the best clown you can be, you will be ready to advertise your clown services. Send your flyers to children’s recreation centers or restaurants that host children’s birthday parties. Get some business cards printed and present your clown profile to an online clown registry. It’s likely that you’ll get more clown jobs from a registry than striking out on your own.

Step 12

Decide how much money you want to be paid for your clown jobs. The usual fee is between $75.00 and $150.00 an hour for clown performances. You could charge according to how elaborate your clown routine will be or how many people are expected in your audience.

Step 13

Keep track of your clown jobs and the payments you receive so that you can accurately record the amounts on the self-employment portion of your tax return if you’ve earned over $400 for the year. The money you earn working as a clown is still income and you will have to pay taxes on it.

Step 14

Send out thank you cards to those that have hired you as a clown. Send them a few flyers and business cards advertising your services. Including a discount referral coupon may get you additional clown jobs.

1. Not Getting Help

You don’t know everything.  This business has been around for a long time–long before you were involved.

Read books, get advice from people who work in the industry and keep studying every aspect of the industry.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  You can bypass a lot of the problems you’re likely to run into simply by asking people who have already been in, and dealt with, the situations you find yourself in.

Remember this:

Time is worth more than money.  You can always earn more money, but you have a limited amount of time. 

Don’t waste your time.  If you don’t know something, or need specific help, don’t be afraid to pay somebody to help you deal with whatever obstacle you face. Don’t let anything stop you from having all the knowledge and know-how you need to have the success you aspire to have.

Achieving Realism

The paintings of Robert Bateman are a source of inspiration to wildlife lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Bateman’s depictions of polar bears, wolves, moose and bald eagles are internationally famous because of the way that he captures the play of light and shadow as it is found in the actual habitats of wild creatures. If you’re an admirer of Bateman’s work, you may be wondering what techniques he uses to create such realistic images. Here are a few observations.

1. Bateman paints from photographs he takes himself. He transfers them to slides, which he looks at through a viewer while he is painting. This affords him the maximum degree of accuracy in reproducing the details of the photographs. He also has the advantage of having already captured the image once in its original context, so he has both images to mentally combine and reproduce on the canvas.
   

   Creative Stages

2. Bateman starts each painting with a postcard sketch. He then prepares his canvas with the appropriate backing, selects a suitable brush, and creates an initial monochrome version of the complete image. Later he adds color, detail and shading, using liquid acrylics. The success of Bateman’s technique lies partly in this “layering” effect, wherein the production of the images takes place through progressive stages of line, color and shading. Bateman has credited his training as an abstract painter for his ability to work this way.
   

   Enchanted Images

3. The unique quality which Bateman attributes to his paintings is a sense of “air.” This is often communicated to the viewer as an image of a plant or animal engulfed in mist or clouds. He creates these effects by hand applying a whitewash to the canvas with a sponge after the rest of the painting has been completed. The result is a more heightened, dramatic sense of realism than that found in many painters who are more strictly naturalistic.

2. Jumping at Every Opportunity

You don’t have to say yes to everything.  In fact, sometimes, saying no to something can be more beneficial to your career than saying yes.

Why do you say yes to things? Take a look at your standards and make them higher. As an example, just because a club has a PA system doesn’t mean that it’s worth playing there.

There are some gigs that just aren’t worth playing.  There are some
connections that just aren’t worth developing.

When you say yes to something, especially something that takes your time, you’re saying no to everything else.  Leave yourself open to saying yes to the opportunities that really matter.

Trust your own judgment. If something doesn’t feel right and you want to say no, it’s ok to say no. At that moment, you may worry you’re passing up a great opportunity and will be missing out. The reality is, better opportunities (that are a better fit for you) will come and you will be ready for them.

3. Giving Up Power

Keep control as long as you can.  Yes, a major label deal will give you opportunity that being on an indie label won’t.  And a professional manager has connections that you don’t.

But when you sign with these guys, you’re handing over your career to somebody else. Nobody cares as much about your career than you do. When you and your talent are the most important commodity you have to offer, do not give up your power easily and without a damn good reason.

Your music is worth something. You are worth something. Think of your career as being “virtual real estate” which, if marketed correctly, will pay dividends for years to come.  So, treat it like that.

Now you see me, now you don’t! Okay, so as far as I know, there’s no way to become literally invisible. But if you ever feel like sneaking around, or just want less attention, I’ll give you the tips you need to disappear.

Step 1

The first and most basic step is to blend in where ever possible. I’m not talking camouflage (although…) but the less you stand out, the smaller the chance you’ll be noticed. Try standing next to or behind groups of people, and try to position yourself near walls. If there is plenty of detail around and close to you, it will be easy for others to overlook you.

Step 2

Okay, picture this. You’re in a prehistoric jungle. It’s dark and you’re making your way through the trees when you find yourself face to face with a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex. What do you do? Stand perfectly still, right! (If you thought “Run away!”, then I’m glad you’ll never be in that situation…) People are like dinosaurs and most animals in that our eyes are very good at picking up movement. If you’re sneaking around, move slowly and cautiously. If you don’t want to be noticed, restrict your movement. Any fast, jerky moves could bring attention.

Step 3

Now, if the person you are trying to avoid is near you, here is the absolute worse thing you can do: make eye contact. If you do, it’s game over. Try to avert your gaze in a casual manner. Pretend to be interested in something around you. This way, even if they see you, they may not confront you.

Step 4

This last tip may be obvious but it just as important as the others. Many ninjas have met their end because of the simple “Ah-Choo!” Silence is just as important as stealth. Avoid holding objects loosely (they could fall!), dragging your feet/tripping over something, bodily noises (burping, sneezing…and others) and above all, talking. You should avoid all of these unless performing one will make you look more casual to avoid detection.

Everybody wants to be able to perform magic, but few are willing to devote the time needed for learning a lot of tricks. Card tricks are popular because they can be performed just about anywhere you go. Levitating a card is a trick that requires just a bit of practice, and it doesn’t matter that the people watching are right up close to you. Being able to levitate a card will excite and amaze people.

Step 1

Cut one of the two playing cards in half length-wise with the X-acto knife. Cut the card’s white edges away, right along the red border.

Step 2

Attach a piece of double-sided tape to the middle of the card that has been cut.

Step 3

Stick the card to the back of the other playing card. Make sure the patterns of both cards match so that the cut card blends into the other card.

Step 4

Hold the two cards face up in the fingers of your right hand. Squeeze the top and bottom of the trimmed card with your right index finger and little finger at the same time.

Step 5

Bend the card into an upside down “U” shape, lifting the top card up and above your fingers. Shake your hand slightly as the card rises so that no one will notice that your fingers are coming together. Those watching will see the card slowly begin to rise up from your outstretched hand and reach an inch above your hand before falling back down.

Step 6

Hold the card and turn it around to show that there is nothing hooked up to the card or any kind of device in your hand that was used to levitate the card.

 

Using mirrors to create illusions on a live stage has been an art form and principle used for 150 years. The techniques behind it have been refined over the years, though the basic principles still remain the same in creating the illusion of open space under a table, disembodied heads, or apparitions. Through the basic processes invented by Henry Dircks and John Henry Pepper in the 1860′s, to the variances on these famous techniques, here are the steps needed to create effective illusions using mirrors:

Things You’ll Need:

• Two small mirrors
• A round-top table with four legs
• Knowledge of 45-degree mirror angles
• Glass cutter
• Large plate-glass mirror
• Knowledge of Pepper’s Ghost

Step 1

Find two moderately-sized rectangular mirrors, particularly ones that have the same width of a small table. All mirror sizes are relative, depending on the size of the person taking part in the illusion.

Step 2

Obtain a round-top table with four legs that’s equal width of the two mirrors.

Step 3

Turn the round-top table so that one of the table’s legs is angled to the front where the audience is viewing. With a round-top table, an audience member won’t be able to know the table was turned at an angle, unlike a square table.

Step 4

Place one mirror to the bottom left of the table at a 45 degree angle between the leg in the front and the leg to its left.

Step 5

Place the other mirror at a 45 degree angle to the bottom right between the table leg at front and the leg to its right. Both mirrors should be facing away from each other in a V formation, with the point facing your direction.

Step 6

Present your table in a location that has the same color pattern or wallpaper on the floor and all three walls. The fourth wall is open and where the audience will be viewing.

Step 7

View from the audience to make sure the table is giving the illusion of having only three legs. The fourth leg won’t be seen due to the mirrors hiding it, but the audience will see it as an optical illusion and assume the fourth leg is behind one of the other legs.

Step 8

Check to make sure the mirrors under the table are correctly reflecting the walls on the left and right. Reflecting properly, it gives the illusion of seeing right through the table to the back wall with the same color pattern or wallpaper.

Step 9

Crouch down behind the table to below the top edge of each mirror. Find an observer to make sure you’re rendering yourself invisible so you can make objects appear alive on the table without anybody underneath abetting the action.

Step 10

Consider a variation on this trick, such as cutting a hole in the top of the table to give the illusion of a talking head placed on the table’s surface.

Other Considerations

Step 1

Keep all mirrors for mirror illusions spotless, or the illusion will be given away by fingerprints and other smudges.

Step 2

Consider more complex ideas with mirror illusions (see references 1 & 2), including the larger plate-glass mirror set at 45 degrees in a uniformly-patterned enclosed stage that reflects the ceiling. Use a glass cutter to cut a hole in the larger mirror to fit your head through. This creates the eerie illusion of a floating head.

Step 3

Study the principles of Pepper’s Ghost (see resource 1) that are used in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion and many other shows using ghost-like effects. Learn the difference between plate-glass projection and direct mirror reflection. Both are used interchangeably in the Pepper’s Ghost effect.

//

Some people feel that singing is the easiest thing in the world to do! It actually requires GREAT muscle control and the best posture in order to produce the best sound. With these easy steps I will teach you to have good posture as the first step to becoming a great singer!

Step 1

We will begin at the top of the body with the head. For good posture while singing, the head and neck need to be in alignment. For all of these steps, look in the mirror at your front and side views so you can see what you are doing in order to correct to problem areas. The head and neck need to be in alignment and should not be tense. The first step in good and correct singing is relaxation of the muscles!

Step 2

The shoulders need to be UP, then BACK, then DOWN….never forced. Your chest is high and lifted and with your shoulders in the correct placement, you will be giving your diaphragm the most room in order to breathe.

Step 3

Your arms should be hanging down to your sides in the NATURAL way that they fall….they should be able to move freely. Again, nothing should be rigid.

Step 4

Your legs and knees also need to be soft…meaning that you can easily move from one foot to the other to shift your weight. NEVER lock your knees as this could restrict your blood flow and lead to fainting….as we have seen often in some wedding parties! Lastly your feet should be no wider than shoulder width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other. This gives your body room to move and support the entire body in the breathing process.

Have you always wanted to learn the piano but didn’t have the time and or money to take classes? If so, then taking lessons online might be a great way to begin. You can take the courses on your schedule and best of all, they are FREE!
There are a number of sites that offer free piano lessons. Most offer a range of instructions for beginners to more advanced students. Here are the steps to finding the ones I’ve explored and believe offer the clearest instructions.

Step 1

Visit www.gopiano.com

Here you’ll find free piano lessons from basic to advanced. Whether you are a beginning piano student or someone who wants to review your skills you will find these free, hands-on lessons helpful. Instruction is available using either Windows Media Player or Real player and the site offers a quick link to upload players if needed.

Step 2

Check out www.zebrakeys.com

Their site provides over 50 Free piano lessons. Each lesson is accompanied by visual flash animations so that you can see and hear songs as well as play along with animations on your own keyboard.

This site’s lessons are targeted for ages 13 and up. The preparation section teaches basic piano skills such as understanding piano layout and basic music notation.

Step 3

Want more? Go to www.free****-piano-lessons.com

This site claims that their lessons are structured for beginners and will show you how to form piano scales, piano chords, arpeggios, modes of the piano and more. They will also teach inversions for the piano chords you’ll learn, the basics of identifying piano notes on the treble and bass staff and simple chord progressions.

Step 4

Another good site for beginning piano lessons an be found at http://www.get-piano-lessons.com/free-beginner-piano-lessons.html

They offer ten free beginner lessons and say that you will be able to play before you learn to read music! Their focus is hands-on lessons meant to get you up and playing right away.