People mostly like to get entertained, especially at parties, social gatherings, and other occasions. Clowns are an important part of live entertainment at different kinds of parties. If you enjoy entertaining people, starting a clown business can be a profitable and rewarding venture.. Here in this article, we take you through the important steps like licenses, certifications, and much more to become a professional clown and make money.
What is Clown Business?
A clown business is an entertainment service. Here performers dressed in colorful costumes and makeup, perform at various events to bring joy and laughter to audiences. These performers are known as clowns. They are skilled in a variety of entertainment acts. It includes magic tricks, balloon twisting, face painting, juggling, and comedic routines. The primary markets for a clown business are birthday parties, corporate events, festivals, fairs, and community gatherings.
At present, in the United States as per this report, 61.5% of clowns are women and 38.5% of clowns are men.
12 Steps to Start a Clown Business
1. Do Market Research
The first step in starting a clown business is conducting thorough market research. Understanding your target audience and competitors will help you tailor your services to meet market demands. Consider the following while trying to get feedback from the market:
- Target Audience: Identify your potential clients, such as parents, event planners, schools, and corporate organizations.
- Competitors: Research other clown businesses in your area. What services do they offer? What are their rates? How can you differentiate your services?
2. Get Trained
While being naturally funny and entertaining is a great start, professional training can enhance your skills. Consider taking courses in:
- Clowning Techniques: Learn different clowning styles, makeup applications, and performance skills.
- Balloon Art: Master the art of balloon twisting and animal creation.
- Face Painting: Acquire face painting skills to add another dimension to your services.
3. Create a Business Plan
A comprehensive business plan is crucial for outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. Here is what to include:
- Executive Summary: A brief overview of your clown business, including your mission and vision.
- Market Analysis: Insights from your market research, including target audience and competitor analysis.
- Services Offered: Detailed description of the services you will provide.
- Marketing Strategy: How you plan to attract and retain customers.
- Financial Plan: Initial startup costs, pricing strategy, revenue projections, and funding requirements.
4. Legal Considerations
Business Structure
Choose a suitable business structure for your clown business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is often recommended as it provides liability protection while offering tax benefits.
Licensing and Permits
The Clown Business as such does not require any license. However, if you are playing music along with your tricks, you need a Music License and permission from the composer of the music and the license holder. You can opt for a Blanket License that enables you to play music from a large collection by different composers. Check with your local government to determine if you need any special licenses or permits to operate a clown business.
Insurance
Insurance is essential to protect your clown business from potential risks. Consider getting the following types of insurance:
- Liability Insurance: Covers any accidents or injuries that may occur during your performances.
- Property Insurance: Protects your equipment and props from damage or theft.
- Health Insurance: Important for self-employed individuals to cover medical expenses.
5. Naming your Business
The first formal step of starting your Clown Business is to give the name of your Business. Think of an entertaining and funny name that will describe your business. Don’t go for any difficult or big name. Try to select an attractive and small name that is easy to remember and creates a lasting impression.
Book a domain in the name of your business. A website is an essential part of your Clown Business you must have a domain in the name of the business. If your name is not available for the domain, then you have to find an alternate name following the same principles.
Read: Catchy Clown Name Ideas
6. Equipment and Supplies
You need to invest in quality equipment and supplies for your clown business. Essential items include:
- Costumes and Makeup: Invest in colorful, high-quality costumes and professional clown makeup.
- Props and Accessories: Balloons, face paints, magic kits, juggling props, and other entertainment tools.
- Marketing Materials: Business cards, flyers, and a professional website.
7. Branding and Marketing
Building a strong brand and marketing strategy is crucial for attracting clients to your clown business.
Branding
- Business Name and Logo: Choose a catchy business name and design a memorable logo that reflects your brand’s personality.
- Online Presence: Create a professional website showcasing your services, testimonials, and contact information.
Marketing Strategies
- Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your clown business and engage with potential clients.
- Networking: Attend community events, fairs, and networking groups to spread the word about your services.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with event planners, party supply stores, and local businesses to reach a wider audience.
8. Get Clients for your Clown Business
The success of a business lies in finding out your clientele with the utmost care and attention. The target clients of your Clown Business are primarily the parents of kids, who will seek your performance at birthday and other parties.
Families as a whole also need your service for different social gatherings. The Malls, departmental stores, and supermarkets also need Clowns for different kinds of promotional activities.
Schools also organize shows where they will need your service. The office and corporate parties will need your service, not as a clown, but as a stand-up comedian or performer. There, you may perform without the makeup of a Clown.
9. Pricing Your Services
Determining the right pricing strategy is crucial for the success of your clown business. Consider the following factors:
- Costs: Calculate your expenses, including equipment, supplies, transportation, and marketing.
- Market Rates: Research what other clowns in your area are charging for similar services.
- Value: Highlight the unique value you bring to your clients, such as special skills or additional services.
10. Deliver Exceptional Service
- Client Communication: Effective communication is key to building strong relationships with your clients. Be responsive, professional, and attentive to their needs.
- Performance Quality: Ensure your performances are entertaining, engaging, and tailored to the audience. Continuously improve your skills and adapt your routines to keep your shows fresh and exciting.
- Customer Feedback: Encourage clients to provide feedback after each event. Use their insights to improve your services and address any concerns.
11. Expand Services
As your clown business grows, consider expanding your services to include:
- Workshops and Classes: Offer clowning workshops for children and adults.
- Themed Parties: Provide themed party packages, such as superhero or princess clown parties.
- Corporate Events: Tailor your services for corporate events and team-building activities.
12. Hiring and Training
If demand for your services increases, you may need to hire additional clowns. You must ensure they are well-trained and align with your brand’s values and standards.
How to Become a Clown
Becoming a clown involves much more than just putting on makeup and a colorful costume. It requires a combination of natural talent, specialized training, and a passion for entertaining people. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a clown:
Discover Your Clown Persona
Identify Your Strengths and Style: Reflect on what type of clown you want to be. Are you naturally funny, good at physical comedy, or perhaps skilled in magic tricks or juggling?
Create a Clown Character: Develop a unique clown persona that reflects your personality and style. This includes choosing a name, costume, makeup design, and specific acts or routines.
Gain Skills and Training
Take Classes: Enroll in clowning workshops or classes to learn essential skills such as slapstick comedy, balloon twisting, face painting, juggling, and performing magic tricks.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to honing your skills. Work on your routines, refine your comedic timing, and develop new acts.
Learn from Professionals: Attend clown conventions, watch videos of professional clowns, and read books on clowning to gain insights and inspiration.
Assemble Your Costume and Props
Costume: Invest in a high-quality, colorful costume that matches your clown persona. This may include oversized shoes, wigs, hats, and other accessories.
Makeup: Learn how to apply clown makeup effectively. This typically involves white face paint, bright colors, and exaggerated features.
Props: Gather essential props such as balloons, face paints, magic kits, and juggling equipment. These tools will help you perform a variety of entertaining acts.
Build Your Brand and Market Yourself
Create a Portfolio: Develop a portfolio that includes photos and videos of your performances. This will help you showcase your skills to potential clients.
Build a Website: Create a professional website where potential clients can learn about your services, view your portfolio, and contact you for bookings.
Utilize Social Media: Promote your clown business on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Share engaging content and interact with your audience to build a following.
Gain Experience
Perform at Local Events: Start by performing at local events, birthday parties, and community gatherings to gain experience and build your reputation.
Volunteer: Offer your services to schools, hospitals, and charities. This not only helps you gain experience but also gives back to the community.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from your audience and clients. Use their insights to improve your performance and enhance your skills.
Manage Your Business
Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing based on your experience, skills, and market rates. Ensure that your rates reflect the value you provide.
Get Insurance: Consider getting liability insurance to protect yourself from potential accidents or injuries during performances.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your bookings, expenses, and income. Use scheduling tools and accounting software to manage your business effectively.
Continue Learning and Growing
Expand Your Skills: Continuously learn new skills and techniques to keep your performances fresh and exciting.
Network with Other Clowns: Join clowning associations and networks to connect with other clowns, share experiences, and gain support.
Attend Events: Participate in clowning conventions, festivals, and workshops to stay updated on industry trends and learn from other professionals.
By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the art of clowning, you can build a successful career that brings joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.
How Much is the Cost of Starting a Clown Business?
If you want to start your Clown Business as a one-man show, then your investment will be on costumes, a music player, a car (if you have your car then this investment is not required), etc. However, to start with, don’t try to buy a car. Rather go for a rented car on the days of your performance. This will reduce your initial investment and maintenance costs.
If you are hiring an assistant for you, then you have to calculate his salary. Without the salary, your investment will range between $1000-1200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clown Business Right for Me?
The most essential requirement to be successful is your ability to make people laugh and enjoy observing your activities. One must enjoy talking to all groups of people starting from kids and ages. He/ she must be energetic and love performing in front of an audience. In addition, experience in dancing, singing, acting, playing musical instruments, and performing magic tricks will certainly be a big plus to being a successful professional clown.
How Much You Can Earn from Clown Business?
The charge for a Clown at any party or get-together may vary between $ 20-150 per hour. It depends on the scale of your performance and the kind of gathering. Therefore, if you get 2-3 shows per week, with more shows during the festival season, you can earn $60,000-75,000 annually.
What is the Future of the Clown Business?
As long as the entertainment industry exists, the clown business is only going to prosper. There is a good demand for professional clowns at birthday parties, festivals, and corporate events, and the market has ample scope for growth. However, with time, the taste of the audience changes so clowns must be more creative to expand.
How Much Does a Professional Clown Make?
The earnings will depend on your performance quality and reputation. It is seen in the United States, a professional clown with some repute earns more than $50,000 per year.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.