On December 8,1891, first electric tattoo machine was registered by inventor Samuel O'Reilly, at United States Patent Office. He began working out of a barber shop in New York City, calling his business a "tattoo parlor" - first tattoo studio in United States.

Soon tattoo parlors were springing up all over country. During First and Second World Wars, different branches of military adopted tattooing as a means of mystical protection, a souvenir or remembrance.

In mid-1970s, tattooists began holding tattoo conventions. Tattoo artists from all over countries gathered together as a group to talk shop and show off their work.

Due to conventions, magazines, and other kinds of exposure, tattooing began to emerge as a form of fashion. People started to recognize its artistic merit and use it as a way to express personality and religious belief.

Charles Darwin, in The Descent of Man, observed that "Not one great country can be named, in which aborigines do not tattoo themselves." Ancient and modern peoples have used tattoos as means to a seemingly infinite number of ends.

Today we are experiencing one of biggest revivals ever. The combination of technology, historical awareness and artistic ability has taken tattoo to heights never before imaged.

(originally published at http://www.clown-ministry.com/Articles/fear-of-a-clown.html)

Finally, think about your clown make up. Remember that purpose of clown make up is to amplify your own natural features. Do not overdo your make up -- remember, less is more. You want to entertain children, not frighten them.