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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
I NEED a new costume, the one I have is not professional enough.
Here are photos of the two costumes that I have worn. http://hudsonvalleymagician.com/gallery.html I want to change it up, but want to stay casual. Vests and tuxedos are not me. Any pointers or ideas are greatly appreciated.
-Matt
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Your idea of a magicians costume is my idea of a costume suitable for cleaning a swimming pool.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Matt -
What about trying dress pants and a dress shirt (with maybe a tie) to start with? When I was first starting out (long, long ago), I wore black dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a black turtleneck shirt over top. I would also wear a top hat and a cape during my show, but hey, I was a cheesy teen-age magician! The top hat even had a stuffed 3-D bunny pinned onto it, that my mom made for me! That was back when I was "The Great Donaldi." Later on, I stopped wearing the top hat and cape. Then, I moved to wearing a grey suit with tie. I had that look for many years. For the past decade or so, I've worn a black, suit-style tuxedo (no tails), with ironed & starched tuxedo shirt, a bow tie and cumberbund. No ruffles! Occassionally I remove the jacket, and wear a vest, while doing strolling balloon twisting. I'm not telling you to dress like this. I'm just explaining that my look and opinion has changed over the years, as I've performed more and more. Note - although your customers might not "complain" about your current look, you might not be getting the maximum amount of potential spin off shows and repeat business. People should be able to discern you are a professional, just from your look. - Donald P.S. At some point in time, this is what I would do with my shirt. I would walk out in a long-sleeve shirt (a short-sleeve look didn't look professional enough). I would comment about nothing up my sleeves. Then I would pull out of my sleeves a piece of card stock with the word "Nothing" written on it. Old gag. Then, I would roll up my sleeves. Then I would start the show. By rolling up my sleeves I was able to keep myself from getting too warm during the show, but I wasn't resorting to wearing a short-sleeve shirt.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Natanel Special user 739 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-10-24 09:12, Al Angello wrote: hahaha. +1.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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sethb Inner circle The Jersey Shore 2719 Posts |
With all due respect, Matt, whatever you were wearing in those pictures is not a costume, and does nothing to advance whatever you were doing or trying to be.
Unless you want to go for a very specialized look (ren fair, zoot suit, wizard robe, etc.), regular clothing is perfectly acceptable, but you need to wear something that is as good or better than whatever your audience is wearing. THAT is the mark of a professional. Shorts are out. While you certainly don't need to wear a tux, a dress shirt or at least a decent polo shirt (with a collar) would be a good idea. Dressing as if you were going for a job interview would be another way to look at it. People are going to judge you in the first ten seconds that they see you, before you even open your mouth. Your clothes and appearance will do the talking for you in those ten seconds. Think about what you want them to say, then take a trip to the mall and get the job done. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC |
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Natanel Special user 739 Posts |
Yeah Im actually not trying to be mean but you need some help. Shoot me a post in the "Ask me about clothing "thread, and I'll point you in the right direction.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
The shorts was a one time thing, and I look back and don't know why I wore them for that show.
It was a talent show, I was focusing more on the act, I guess. Thanks for the help.
-Matt
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Great advice folks. One point I would like to make is this. Have someone stand by you on stage. Get a total stranger to then pick out the magician. If the person has to hesitate for even a second, then you know you are way off base and need to make a change.
Simply stated,there should be no question who the magician or entertainer is. You shouldlook the part. It is that impression that you are conveying. Being a professional stems from the props to the show to how you act and to what you wear. It is all a big part of the overall brand. Now with this said, no one says you have to wear a tux. There are many many styles. You just have to find which fits you best. But you need to at least dress one level above the rest of the people you are performing for. If you want to go more causal, that is fine. You could do black jeans, a dark t-shirt and a colored dress shirt over that. You could go a bit more formal yet with black slacks, dress shoes and a nice colored dress shirt. There are options open to you to explore but it needs to fit you, be quality and make you look liek the professional entertainer they hired. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
I agree that I need to find something else to wear.
I just cant stand tuxedos, vests, ties and zoot suits. Put a bunch of magicians in a room, and they will all look the same, a bunch of vests, a bunch of tuxedos, and a bunch of zoot suits. This is why I went with what I did. I am and have been looking for something better. -Matt
-Matt
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The Great Danton Elite user Westfield, North Carolina, USA 449 Posts |
What's wrong with a tie? Every businessman in the world pretty much wears a tie of some sort. It gives a professional look.
But of course, it's not 100% necessary. I think you seem to have an idea of what Magicians (or entertainers) wear, and are focused on 'not' wearing that, and are not looking for what you could wear. Take Natanel and Al's advice, and let us know how much better you feel for doing so once you've done it. =)
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."
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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
I just don't know what it is about ties and suits that gets to me. I just feel confined and uncomfortable in them. I went with what I did for the comfort, and how I felt it looks.
As far as magicians and vests, tuxedos and the like, I feel it is the stereotypical magician outfit. I don't want to offend anyone, but that is just my opinion.
-Matt
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Matt, the bottom line here is you don't want to look like someone from the audience that got up and did some magic. You need to set yourself apart from the audience. That doesn't mean you have to wear a coat and tie. As has been mentioned, a nice shirt and pants is all that is necessary in most cases.
I use a "one up" method. If I'm performing outside in a picnic type setting, I wear casual clothes, nice shirt and pants. If the audience is going to be dressed that way, I change to a dress shirt and pants. Mine is black and somewhat silky looking. If the audience is going to be dress more eloquently (very dressy or coat and tie), I'll wear a jacket. You want to be comfortable but still set apart from your audience.
Where the magic begins
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-10-23 22:28, Matthew W wrote: Matthew, I think you've really got to ask yourself if you want to make a good living from magic or just have some fun doing shows once in a while. If you just want to have fun, dress any way you feel comfortable. But, as a professional, its not always about you. There are certain things the paying public expects in an entertainer. You may have to wear something that is not as comfortable as you like. My first choice would not be to wear a hot jacket and wrap a tie around my neck either! If a tux is not for you, how about a compromise like a vest. There are some really nice comfortable vests out there. Check out Daytona Magic. I just had one custom made for me. PS Forget about what Copperfield, Angel and Blaine wear. There are in a league of their own.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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Slartibartfast Loyal user Southern Illinois 230 Posts |
The advice you have received so far is pure gold. I can add nothing except that if you have the urge to post another "But I don't wanna" message, reread the advice until the urge goes away.
If you can pull it off in a biker bar without being violated by a corn dog, more power to you.
-- Gwyd, the Unusual "YOUR Signature...speaks volumns (sic) as to your lack of understanding." --T.V. |
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Matthew W Inner circle New York 2456 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-10-25 07:27, Dave Scribner wrote: Dave, I absolutely agree with you. All of my shows so far, have been birthday parties and 'family fun day' type events. Pretty much all of my audience have been wearing tee shirts, jeans and shorts. So I do feel my clothing choice was a step above. If I was hired for something more formal like a bar mitzvah, catered event, or the like, I would wear a suit. For the shows I do now, I don't think I am dressed like I am going to the mall, or cleaning a pool( huh? ). I know it is not the best option, but it works for what I do right now. -Matt PS, I was asked to do a bat mitzvah. The party is medieval times themed, I'll be wearing a suit, but the mother wants me to wear a jester hat. How can I talk her out of it. I think it is going to make the 13 year old audience to lose a little respect for me. I doubt the DJ or servers will be in medieval garb.
-Matt
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Hi Matt -
Here's another motivation for "dressing up". Not only does it make a big impression on your customer and your audience, but it makes a big impression on the ladies. Many years ago, when I had a job in child care on the side of doing shows, I would occassionally dress up in a nice shirt and tie (with dress pants), and sometimes a suit, for work. Instead of the usual jeans and T-shirt. I got more attention and compliments at that time, especially from the ladies (I worked with many ladies while working in child care). And also, whenever I've had a girlfriend or wife in my life, they also paid more attention to me when I was dressed up. I became "more" handsome (perception is everything.) Sure it might seem like a bit of a hassle. But after you get a few compliments and a bit of attention, focus on that, and it will be worthwhile. Dressing up is a part of earning more credibility with all sorts of people. Often, when dressed up, we take on a different sort of character, too. - Donald P.S. My post is not meant to be sexist or offensive. I'm just saying that others appreciate our effort.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Alan Munro Inner circle Kentwood, Michigan, USA 5952 Posts |
I recommend looking through a number of men's magazines that have fashion sections in them. Also, look up information about celebrities who have a similar body type to you and present an imagine similar to what you would like to present. Notice how their stylists dressed them. Pay particular attention to the photos of them at events in which they are promoting their latest project - they don't normally leave their look to chance at these events. Keep these photos in a folder on your computer for review. When it comes time to go shopping, have a female friend, not a relative, go shopping with you. Also, review the photos with her before going shopping. Retain veto power over her choices, if some of her recommendations are too far out. She may even find things in your closet that will also work for giving you the right image.
Being casual is okay. But, if you don't stand-out with a unique look, from the audience members, you won't look the part. For casual gigs, I wear button-down shirts without a tie, as well as mock turtle necks and single colored tee shirts, with a sportcoat. For hot outdoor gigs, I'm considering an unbuttoned and lined camp shirt over a tee - the camp shirt may be modified so that it has extra pockets. I currently wear a vest over a button-down shirt for these gigs. |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Alan
What a great idea, so GQ will help me dress. I personally have always watched TV anchor men for combinations that work well. That is where I learned to do the single winsor knot with a dimple, the double dimple is beyond my skill level. I have always watched Rick Williams a Philadelphia ABC anchor man, and Ali Velshi from CNN is my idol. I realize that both of these men have fashon consultants, but TV anchor men, and my wife is where I get my color combinations from.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Mysterious Regular user 154 Posts |
My two cents is looking like a typical magician is not necessarily a good thing nor is looking like the people in your audience.
I say go with your own style, whatever you like. Just look professional and stand out from the crowd. |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-10-25 11:12, Matthew W wrote: Matt, I was looking at the photos of you performing in shorts. I believe that is where the "pool boy" comment came from as well. The other photos show you in a shirt and slacks. The only suggestion I'd make for that is to button the shirt and tuck it in. You're still looking like one of the "audience" with the loose shirt look.
Where the magic begins
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