Face Painting and Balloon Twisting Blog

Clownin’ Around: More More More – GEICO TV Commercial
Hey Gary, more IS more. Like a life-sized fire-breathing balloon T-Rex more.

Watch baseball players attempt to make balloons when the Fort Wayne TinCaps have a circus night

Marc Proulx, also known as Marco the Clown. Check out the video and read his story.

I like the way the clown does more than just make balloons. He entertains as he goes… to bad the balloon popped.

How to Make a Balloon Jester/Clown by mrpocketsballoons
Not too bad for a 15-year-old balloon twister.

Silent clown entertains the kids with his funny whistle while making balloons in an outdoor mall.

Simple clown by JinnyMUA

Sir Toony wearing his Game Bibs

Whenever I wear my Game Bibs, people ask me where I got them. They are made by Fanatical Fan Gear. They sell a line of bib overalls, cargo pants, and cargo shorts in most of the college football team colors. I purchased a pair a few years ago because I thought they would make a great outfit for when I do balloons and face painting. Since then, I have purchased a few more pairs.

My Game Bibs fit over my clothes. I usually wear a pair of cargo shorts so I can keep my keys and wallet safe in an inner pocket.

The Game Bibs are reasonably priced. Currently, the Bibs cost $49.95. They currently have some on clearance for $10 or less. I purchased a few extra pairs for myself.

Are you on facebook? I know a lot of people who for one reason or another are not on facebook. I joined several years ago when I was hosting foreign exchange students. At the time, it was one way for me to monitor their online activities. Since then, I have found hundreds of friends on facebook. Some are classmates from elementary or high school, some are family, some are current or former co-workers, but at least half are entertainers.

In my opinion, there are more reasons to join facebook than to avoid facebook. For one thing, facebook is a great way to share news and pictures with friends and family.

Like all users on facebook, I have a personal page where I can post pictures and updates. I can use that page to identify family and friends, like other pages, and interact with groups. I also have a page for my work as an entertainer. I post pictures from my events, messages about where I will be next, and can have both friends and customers like me. I have a few groups on facebook for my clown alley and jam groups. With these groups, our members can share pictures, event updates, and other news.

Watching other people on facebook, I have come to realize that one must use some caution. I know several people who mix there personal interests (politics, religion, etc.) and their professional interests. I don’t think they always realize that their jokes and comments can be seen not only by their friends but also their customers. Sometimes, I think that if I was their customer, I would stop doing business with them based on their facebook comments and complaints.

If you are NOT on facebook yet, I suggest you get an account. If you are on facebook, I suggest you evaluate your profile and determine if you need to further separate your personal page from your business identity. Also, I suggest that you think twice before positing a comment that others may find offensive.

Two years ago, when I was finally ready to go from doing volunteer events to paid events, I knew I wanted to have liability insurance. It seemed like most of my friends had their insurance through the World Clown Association. They offer insurance as an additional option when paying the annual membership dues. It seemed like the easiest option. Although, the insurance is offered by the World Clown Association, I know a lot of non-clowns who do either balloons or face painting who join just for their insurance.

World Clown Membership and Insurance

If you get your insurance through the World Clown Association, their policy year ends on April 30th, 2012. It is time to renew your membership and pay for another year of insurance.

New Members – $40
Membership Renewal – $35
Liability Insurance – $139

They do offer Additional Insurance for a client who requests being added to your policy.

From their website:

Coverage: This is a Comprehensive General Liability Policy provided by an A-rated insurance company with coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate per event.

Deductible: None The price remains the same regardless of number of months covered (The fee is NOT prorated) and includes Premium, Brokerage fee and Association handling fee.

Policy Exclusions: This program is designed for Clowns and Magicians.

The following types of performances are NOT ACCEPTABLE.

1. Hypnosis
2. Hot Air Balloon Events, Circuses (production), overnight camping Tractor pulls, Rodeo and roping events, motorized events, Mechanical amusement devices, inflatables, rock climb,Bounce Houses, laser tag, sky diving, competition racing.
3. Pyrotechnics, Explosives, Fireworks or similar materials except “concussion effects, “flashpots”, and “smokepots” (Flashboxes covered up to $5,000)
4. Production Management or Promotions Management for hire
5. Animals except performing dogs, doves and rabbits
6. Musicians and Disc Jockeys, except clowns/magicians who engage in these activities as part of their act
7. Copyright infringement exclusion (i.e. Barney, Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny)
8. Throwing objects (juggling is acceptable)

Be sure to evaluate your insurance needs and pick the coverage that is right for you. If you hire employees or have special requirements, you may want to get a different policy. Other companies that offer insurance include:

Specialty Insurance Agency
http://www.specialtyinsuranceagency.com/

K&K Insurance Group
http://www.kandkinsurance.com/Entertainment/Pages/Entertainers-Performers.aspx

Cossio Insurance Agency
http://entertainerinsurance.com/