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Mr Amazing Special user 617 Posts |
Ok, I just noted this particular "beginners" forum so I thought I'd just share one small bit that I would have appreciated to hear when I was new myself:
You will proabably regret 90% of the props and tricks that you buy for your magic! First of all, you will fall for the ads. Second, after a few years your interest and persona and taste in magic will have evolved, so that most of the stuff you bought simply doesn't "fit in" with what you like or do. While these tricks do contribute to your magic development, I would instead recommend that you go for books (and videos). Yes, you may find these "wrong" also, but instead of spending X dollars on a single trick, the same amount can give you a book with numerous of tricks and thinking behind them. Other than that - ASK, ASK, ASK! Ask the experienced guys for instance on this forum. Read reviews. It's better that you ask specifically because some of the stuff that the experienced guys say is "superb" may only be superb if you are an experienced guy and not at all for a beginner. Of course - you will need some props and tricks, but you'll find that surprisingly much can be constructed by yourself or (even better) borrowed during a performance (at least for close-up). Additionally - read magic performance theory! This will separate you from the average magicians. /Matias |
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Philemon Vanderbeck Inner circle Seattle, WA 4694 Posts |
Quote:
Second, after a few years your interest and persona and taste in magic will have evolved, so that most of the stuff you bought simply doesn't "fit in" with what you like or do. Hehe... that's what "swap meets" are for! (Although, somewhat ironically, whenever I get rid of something, invariably I find a need or use for it a couple of months later.)
Professor Philemon Vanderbeck
That Creepy Magician "I use my sixth sense to create the illusion of possessing the other five." |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Sigh! How true, Philemon.
Matias, that is one way to go; and it is probably a good one, in the long run. But I see two problems: 1: First of all, it's just downright FUN to accumulate all that junk and go through it from time to time. 2: More important, by buying everything in a search to find the area that interests you most, you are exposed to things that you would normally miss. And, what may not suit you in one area (say, manipulation) may be usable in your real interest (say, mentalism). But, most important, is Number 1, I think. Because, when it stops being fun, then stop doing it! cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
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Alewishus Inner circle parts unknown 1226 Posts |
I have tons of books - not only magic related - that I have never read, but may some day. It's comforting knowing they are around. I just found out that I own three TT and have never used one!
Sack subs, ok Ross?
We miss you asper. |
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
What Alewishus!
Never used a TT? And you call yourself a Magician? Well anyway, I agree with Peter about the fun part. It is a real hoot to sit down and remember how you got "that one" and recall the ad or presentation that caused you to buy it. Overall I think Matias gives some really good tips for the New to Magic Folks. But there is another rich resource right here to tap also. Look at the Good, Bad and the Garbage forum, and take the comments as good qualified experince. They have already saved me a bunch. And they have encouraged me to buy things I would not have considered because folks I respect have said "it works!" And I would take the last one of Matias' comments "Learn magic performance theory", a step further and say; learn presentation, public speaking, controlling a meeting, and everything related to how to manage an audience. Don't ignore good teaching just because it doesn't start out with the word "MAGIC". BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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Dr. TORA Inner circle TURKEY 1439 Posts |
Hi Matias,
I agree with you on certain points but I want to remind you about just a single point: "Magic shops sell the things which magicians will buy, but not the things they need to buy!!!" That is; it is inevitable to buy junk for the sake of magic. How many of the magicians do you think that have got always what they dreamed. I bet there is no single sample. I remain magically yours.
Magically Yours,
OZLEN TUNCER /Dr.TORA Have you visited my new Website in English, yet? www.magictora.com or www.torasmagic.com |
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David_Libertine Regular user Lake Charles, LA 142 Posts |
I personally love to dig through the "trash box" occasionally. I have often found a use for something totally unrelated to what it's original purpose was. I love to look at old "junk" or cheezy/broken effects slightly askewed.
I've even caught myself buying something intriguing and before I've had it a day, I've already decided how it won't work in my show, but if I "do this" to it, I can use it this way, etc. As for TT's, I, too, have found an unused TT rolling around in the drawer. I used it to make a gaff. Never thought of using the TT that way until I found the one I bought and never used. I guess I never think of "modifying" the ones I carry.
Boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth.
Neo: What truth? Boy: There is no spoon. Neo: There is no spoon? Boy: Then you'll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself. |
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Mr Amazing Special user 617 Posts |
Peter (and everyone),
While I do agree it is fun both to have and "dig around" in the 'garbage', I really believe I would rather have useful stuff instead of the useless. At least for me, my economy is a very limiting factor to how much and what I can purchase. This latter point (about $) is probably extra relevant for many beginners as many are below "full income age". But yes... diggin around in those trunks and closets sure is fun... I found a pair of those glasses with ping-pong balls attached to spirals the other day. Ho ho ho - when they are on and you lean the head forward so only one falls out, I just can't stop cracking up at myself! /Matias |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
Matias writes: "At least for me, my economy is a very limiting factor to how much and what I can purchase. This latter point (about $) is probably extra relevant for many beginners as many are below "full income age".
The main reason J.B. Bobo got into coins was because, as a youngster, he couldn't afford the expensive props that other magicians used. And look what he did! cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
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Mr Amazing Special user 617 Posts |
You mean, instead of putting his savings into that little piggy bank he put them into use?
/Matias |
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Pokie-Poke Special user Bensalem, PA 883 Posts |
I still have my first hot rod, I got it when I was about 13 or so. If I had not gotten it then I could not look back at it now. plus I think it is good to get a simple self working prop once in a while, Instant gratifacation, toy, thingy once in a while so you can work on performance right off. this way you can work in front of the mirror for as long as it takes, yet still have something to show off with now.
Oh, and I also found an un used TT, back in the box with that.
www.pokie-poke.com
The Adventure cont... |
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vovin Veteran user Columbus,Oh 338 Posts |
That's the good thing about the forum here before I really consider buying anything I post a question about it here. I also go to my local magic store and discuss it with the owner. This forum is a excellent resource I suggest you use it as often as you need to.
Another thing that you might consider if you can afford it is buying video's Many of the tricks I have are because I seen it on a video and said oh man I gotta have that. |
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Gawin Regular user Germany 171 Posts |
Couldn´t we open a topic about tricks - how good they are and what the problems are with them?
E.G. Vanishing a elephant : Great Trick BUT you need a stage and a elephant Wouldn´t that be a good Idea |
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
Gawin,
There already is such a forum here. Check out the Good, the Bad, and the Garbage. You will find exactly the kind of discussion that helps decide what to buy, and what to avoid. And don't forget, another drawback with the Vanishing Elephant effect, is that it is a two step process, first you Vanish the elephant by your favorite means, and then you need a really big shovel to rid yourself of ALL the .... Uhm, the.... well, er.... the evidence... :rotf: BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
To allay suspicions that I may be using some sort of gimmicked pachyderm, I usually borrow an elephant from someone in the audience.
cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
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Gawin Regular user Germany 171 Posts |
O.K. I found the topic and -well since yesterday I borrow my elephant from the audience too!! Sorry - but as a new member in here you don´t find everything in the first because this Cafe is so big! Gawin |
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Tricky Regular user 108 Posts |
I think that part of the fun of magic is the dumb little gimmicks and props you buy.
James |
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Pokie-Poke Special user Bensalem, PA 883 Posts |
About the Elephant, If you borrow one from the audience, you will have to return it, right, so how do yo get it out of the TT?
www.pokie-poke.com
The Adventure cont... |
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Gawin Regular user Germany 171 Posts |
PULLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!
PPPPUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!! BLOB!!! :rotf: |
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Dr. TORA Inner circle TURKEY 1439 Posts |
Noooo I never return the elphants I borrow from the audience. I say it is gone and now, I have a collection of elephants in my home. Dried and kept among the pages of a thick hardbound book.
Magically Yours,
OZLEN TUNCER /Dr.TORA Have you visited my new Website in English, yet? www.magictora.com or www.torasmagic.com |
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