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Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
As a newbie in magic entertainment I'm learning so much so fast that it seems a little overwhelming sometimes. Not that I mind though; I can pick and choose what I like and focus on that, but I was reminded today that I may already be starting to think too much like a magician and hopefully I'll keep that in mind in the future. Actually, I really learned two things...
I went to my local coffee shop where I've been doing tricks for the owners in the hopes of eventually performing for the customers in the evenings and I planned on possibly doing three tricks for them today. I took a deck of cards to do an ace assembly, a card warp and the Joker's clock. I figured the Joker's clock would just be a fun trick that they might get a kick out of but not really knock anyone dead. Maybe my presentation is better with it because I'm more comfortable since it's self working, but it killed! They were astonished. My daughter was with me and her eyes bugged out and she was like, "You never showed me that one before." Lesson learned for me: don't underestimate any trick- in the layman's eyes even the simple can be amazing when performed well. So that was a pleasant surprise. Then I did the ace assembly and after that the owner's dad walked out of the back. They were asking me to do something for him. I was so glad I had brought the card warp Second lesson learned: be prepared for that "just one more" if they ask. Is there anything else you pros could suggest that I take away from this experience that would make me a better magician? What a great thing is this prestidigitation!
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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The Amazing Pog Veteran user 372 Posts |
Yes, yes and yes. I too am a total newb and have just discovered that how things look to us is not how things look to spectators. Never underestimate simple
'One of the safest ways to make a good performance is to have tricks which work so easily, that mechanics can be forgotten and every attention devoted to presentation' - Corinda
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DiabolusMagic New user East Coast 23 Posts |
I've found this also works the other way around so to speak. You can learn a sleight that you think you could never in a million years get away with because from where you are it seems so obvious, but to a spectator it will look just as it should, like nothing happened at all.
Satanas vobiscum et cum spiritu tuo
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satellite23 Elite user 424 Posts |
Well, it sounds like you are having great experiences. Keep it up!
Have a "goto" effect--something that you know is absolutely killer, but easy to get ready when somebody asks you for "one more". Start out with one, than add a few more with different objects and gimmicks. Having a goto effect can really save you in some sticky situations when you have run out of material or are losing the audience. |
Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
Thanks for the comments all- that's some good input and stuff to consider.
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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Luqash New user 34 Posts |
I found out that even if I screw up some manipulation I don't have to give up already and I can just re-try the same manipulation. The audience doesn't know what are you doing so perhaps they will think you did some awkward move, but this move doesn't have to necessarily destroy the illusion.
Great advice about ,,being prepared to do one more". I've had this many times that the audience literally begged for one final routine and I was completely unprepared. I've also learned that if the effect depends from any sort of memory task from the audience (for example, that you give someone three coins and they turn into four, or that you give someone a copper coin) you have to make it crystal clear that ,,So look, now I put this COPPER (stress) coin to your hand, right?" Becasue three times I've had a situation that despite the fact that from technical point of view my copper-silver routine was very good, but due to poor presentation the audience did not focus what coin I gave to someone. Consequently, the person was not amazed at the end, which is completely my fault. cheers ;-) |
Er1tro Regular user Italy 124 Posts |
I totally agree with you.I've notice that a simple effect, like transform a card in the selected one by using a DL will often have a better reaction than complicate and difficult stuff! As you said it's the difference between magic for normal people and magic for magician.
I've ever with me, in my wallet or at my keys, some strong effects, just in case! |
JJKnight New user 52 Posts |
I still remember when I killed with a simple erdnase color switch. My friends were so exstatic that I refused to believe they were being genuine. Remember that knowing the method removes the mystique for you and can make you a little cynicle towards your effects. If you don't know the method they still appear magical!
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Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
One of the things that some of the best 'self-working' tricks have going for them is the complete lack of appearing to use manipulation of any kind. That's of course, because they don't! The irony is that is what we sleight guys have to try and emulate: NOT appearing to use any manipulation! How funny is that?
What's frustrating of course is that you sometimes want to just scream and go, "LOOK, see how this is done....took me 2 years and one bazillion hours of practice to get that so you didn't even know I could do that!!!!" sigh LOL Best,
Brad Burt
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Ray Bertrand Inner circle Ottawa, Ontario 1452 Posts |
Some of the most mind blowing effects I perform are based on simple principles. The secret being in the presentation. There is a card effect I do utilizing the simple, yet effective 'criss-cross' force. My wife knows how it is done. Everytime I perform she begs me to do this effect as it simply knocks the spectators for a loop. I find it amazing that this is the effect where I don't have to practice anything except the presentation and yet it affects audiences the way it does.
Ray
Mentalism in Ontario.
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Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
Great comments guys- Brad that's hilarious BTW Brad- thanks for recommending Wonderland Dollar on the forums a couple years ago. I took your advice and still carry it with me everywhere. The first surprise where the pyramid appears where it shouldn't be still looks cool to me, not to mention the spectators.
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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Jim Oliver Regular user Las Cruces, New Mexico 141 Posts |
For you beginners I want to say that you can't go wrong with some really
good books on easy to do card magic. I bought within the last year or so, three books called Card College Light, Card College Lighter and Card College Lightest, all by Roberto Giobbi. These books are really great because first of all, they require NO sleight of hand or false shuffles AT ALL. Second, each of the routines come with complete presentations already built-in so that you don't have to come up with your own scripting just yet. And best of all is the fact that the routines are put together in such a way as to totally hide the secret so that the spectator's can't figure out how you did the trick. By the way, I have been into magic from the age of seven and card magic at 17. I'm now 53, and I really can't think of better books to begin with for your lifetime studies of this craft. Best of luck to each of you, Jim
Ed Marlo rules
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
I wonder if you know about my books, Jim. Just curious - since you make such definite statements. HL.
Posted: Jun 10, 2012 5:38pm PS: Please don't misunderstand, the books you mention are fine, as I said, just curious. HL.
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
Jim Oliver Regular user Las Cruces, New Mexico 141 Posts |
You know I love your books Harry!
But often times a book can have some easy stuff mixed in with harder stuff, and it can turn off some beginners. I can only go by what I experienced when I was younger. It took me a very long time to learn because the books I had chosen were over my head at that time. This is not to say that your books are hard or easy, just that for the very beginner who knows. Perhaps my advice isn't so great. But I do know that if I had something like the C.C. Light books, it may not have been such an up hill struggle for me. But rest assured Harry, I do plug your books quite often here on the Café. Jim
Ed Marlo rules
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
The best advice that was given to me when I was starting out was "Luka, don’t be afraid to fail" It’s ok. We as magicians learn a lot from, books, DVDs, and each other. But you will learn a lot by performing for real people, and screwing up for real people as well. It’s a learning experience.
Don’t get me wrong, this does not mean you should go out and try a new trick on someone before you have gotten it down. I am just saying that you will make a mistake when you are performing, and don’t get upset when it happens, take it as a lesson learned, find out how and why it did not work, and find a way to fix the issue. Once you do that I am willing to be you will not make the same mistake again. If you are doing a good job, and your audience likes you, they will forgive you for making a mistake. I know this goes without saying, but I am going to say it just to be on the safe side. Do not make a habit of butchering effects. ALWAYS perform your very best. That is the most efficient if not the only way to grow as a perfromer, and as a magician.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
Levi Bennett Inner circle 1778 Posts |
Thank you Andy. This actually happened recently, and you're right- after re-thinking what happened I saw my mistake and won't let it happen for that particular trick again.
Performing magic unprofessionally since 2008!
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