My interest in mentalism is that of a hobbyist. I am fascinated by it but will probably never make a living at it. I wonder how many people here are in a position like myself, where you have another occupation that pays the bills, and how many here are professional mentalists?

On that same note, how did you get your start performing mentalism 'professionally'? What kinds of places do you perform (restaurants, corporate, etc.), and how often?

Thanks in advance.

I am in the same position. I am a hobbyist at heart and perform for the love of performing.

When my income as a mentalist exceeds my current salary, I will be taking the plunge...Until then, I have bills to pay

I guess most people here are in a similiar situation.

I am mainly a magician with a 'Mind Reading' act


Best Wishes, David

I have a full time normal job, but I work hard as a mentalist, managed to land a book deal, and have a few devices coming out too...

I still class myself as an amateur, and am very happy as one...i think when you go pro some of the fun kinda goes out of it..just a little...maybe...

I too have bills to pay, and people to look after, so its good to have this interest, as its an interest that lets me entertain, and enjoy myself, and still have a creative output so to speak...

Interesting. That thought crossed my mind when I watched a professional mentalist perform in Las Vegas.

But I don't think that is unique to mentalism. Generally speaking amateurs are more enthusiastic no matter what the profession.

Hmm - interesting. I too have a day job and am mainly a magician by hobby but perform some mentalism effects as part of my 'act.' I've prbably alienated myself from the pro mentalists now (much respect people!)

I've often wondered if turning 'pro' might reduce the fun element too. I used to be a very keen amateur photographer many moons ago, until I took it up as part of my profession in forensics. The hobby element disappeared altogether and so did the fun. It was now a job and at times tedious!

I do hope, one day though, to make a living out of performing - but only when I'm retired and can fall on my pension if it deosnt work out.

Never mind that I have to work full time just to feed my magic addiction. Books mainly.
I don't know what I'm gonna do if my magical career doesn't take off as I predict it will. I'm 31 now and have been studying magic for 2 months shy of 10yrs. I have been paid to perform, had a small documentary made and been in the newspaper and when looking back on these experiences, which was quiet early on in my beginings I could see I was not ready to perform so I've been back to the drawing board daily for the last 6 yrs, buying literature in my field, working on effects geared towards my charecter, NEVER giving up. Then recently, very recently infact I have been going out to test the water and get feedback on my performance - of which mentalism is part -
In the coarse of gathering information on magic over the years here are some things that have resulted...

I have learnt to play the Feadog - irish tin whistle - quiet proficiently, I have learnt to contact juggle and juggle, I've had vocal lessons, acted in a couple of stage productions, the list goes on, really... What I have found as a result of this research is that it has slowly changed me as I knew it would if I immersed myself in it daily - here at the Café, at the coffee shops, writing, reading, performing at partys I get invited to because everyone in my karmic circle knows I'm a mage. It has changed my persona, my charecter, I am starting to become...
As I predicted the English invasion has arrived in America and I can't think of a better place to be than in Los Angeles. Who knows what will happen for me but what I do know is I have sacrificed for my magic, its been a lonely decade but its all been in preparation and I have learned so much about myself that I would never go back and change anything... I only wish here to show that the dream is alive that is all....

For myself, becoming pro' hasn't changed the fun one little bit, I love the whole thing. The only fly in the ointment is the bickering that seems to appear on some boards and clubs. Human nature I suppose.

Best Wishes, David

Way back in the late 80's when I started doing banquets and walk-around magic..I would do zenner cards, bend keys etc when I performed for adult's only. It was a very easy transition for me..as at the time I would " try-out " my routines at local magic clubs in the area..and I had Robert Nelson's books to use as my guide.

The only thing I do different now as back then, I offer readings..in fact I do more readings then anything else. I've never been in a position where I went full-time 100% pro.

Thanks for all the comments. I understand if some people don't want to reveal their workplace information, but I would love to hear more stories about how people got started in getting paid to do mentalism.

My one year anniversity with mentalism is around the corner.

It's probably obvious now with brainchild's previous post, but I think s/he's wondering how you make the transition into making this a business, whether it be full time or occasionally. For example, how did you go about getting your first job? how did you get the shows after that one? do you advertise yourself? if so, how exactly? do you use an agent now that you have a foothold in the business?

I think he's just looking for tips on how to begin making money.

brainchild, excuse me if I'm incorrect with this assumption.

/paul.f

anniversary

My bad.

You are not incorrect. I am looking for people to answer my original question, but as I indicated before, I can understand people not wanting to admit they are just hobbyists like myself.

Some of the best mentalists and mentalism inventors in the world are part-timers and hobbyists - there's no shame in it.

I suspect you're not seeing more responses because many consider business advice to be more precious than methods and gimmicks.

Drew Macadam's book making money from magic will give you some answers..

I am a hobbyist and love it. I have always had a fear that making money from magic might just turn it into another job and I will lose a little of the passion. I know its not logical but it has been a consideration for me.