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Weisszach New user Manchester, UK 70 Posts |
I do enjoy card magic but find it bulky carrying cards around everywhere. I used to do a bit of coin magic (over 10 years ago) and feel like I need to give that a try as coins are readily available. Question is, should I just be practicing one branch of magic or will learning different types of magic just slow down my progess.
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
I've written this many times - I never carry my own cards. This doesn't work for everyone,of course, but after a while, when people get to know about your magic - most will have a deck waiting for you when you're invited somewhere.
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
Erdnase27 Inner circle 2505 Posts |
Agreed with Harry,
Why not borrow the deck if it takes too much pocket space. Done! |
Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
I wish I was Harry Lorayne.
Most people HIDE the cards when I come over!
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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Mark Jarvis Regular user 172 Posts |
Weisszach, nothing says you can't focus on one branch of magic however, learning another branch allows you to be more creative in the branches you like the most. You can carry presentation ideas, philosophies, moves and techniques across branches. Learning another branch will help you grow and become better. Additionally, learning other branches will bring variety to your routine.
Mark Jarvis
The Magic Of Magic Solon, Ohio The Magic Is In Your Hands http://www.themagicofmagic.com |
Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
I don't carry a deck with me when I go out, but not because it's so onerous to carry a deck of cards. I mean, really, a deck is just not that big. I don't carry one because I do NOT like to do magic when I'm out for some other reason. If someone give me a deck, great. I'll be happy to do a couple of routines. I look at it like any other professional might: What shrink wants to get hit up for advice? What surgeon wants to be handed a steak knife and then be asked to remove a an arm or leg? What....well, you get the idea.
Best,
Brad Burt
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SDMoore1 New user 71 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 31, 2011, Wizard of Oz wrote: LOL...!! I can relate! |
MRSharpe Special user Never a dull moment with 940 Posts |
Interesting point/question. One of my problems with warm weather is that 3/4 of the year I have a jacket pocket that I carry a deck in if for no other reason, to practice while I'm waiting in the doctor's office or other places. When warm weather comes along I lose those extra pockets. Sometimes I'll put a deck in a pants pocket or carry one in the car during the summer.
I've also never had luck with borrowing a decent deck. I've been offered bridge decks, Decks of flash cards out of the, kids room, decks short one or more cards, etc. In fact, I've found a routine that will work with almost any borrowed deck, including UNO decks, or other non standard playing cards. Brad Burt has a good point, but how many docs or attorneys haven't been asked for free advice at cocktail parties or other events? I bet they don't like it very much. I would never try to do an entire set from my close up act, but I also feel that to refuse someone at least a little effect on a moments notice is risking not getting some business or reducing my credibility somewhat.
Custom Props Designer and Fabricator as well as Performer from Indiana, USA
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PeterSteele111 New user 52 Posts |
I don't carry any magic with me when I am out and about. I will take cards with me when I know I'm going to want to show some tricks but I make that call. I do find it very annoying when I'm out with my wife and someone that knows I'm a magician barges up to us at the table and wants to see a trick. Most of the time I will entertain them with a simple production of a business card and tell them to stop by one of my 7 shops tomorrow to see some tricks. That way I'm not a complete a hole and rude to the guy even though they are being rude by coming up to me outside of work but it also gets them into a shop which is a chance to sell them something they can have fun with. Now sorry to get off topic but as far as learning from multiple branches at once I see nothing wrong with it. Its always boring to see a magician that only knows card tricks or a magician that only knows stage magic. If you can't vary what you know then why learn? I understand some people just really enjoy only coins or cards, but your audience will get bored after the third or so in a row of those type of tricks. You need to spice it up and add some variety to keep things interesting in my own opinion.
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Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Peter is spot on! In my forty + years of doing magic, I am SO glad I learned so many varieties...coins, cards, silks, rope magic, productions (like the Square Circle), levitation (all types, including IT), mentalism, on and on.
I usually carry nothing with me, but maybe my Lubor Lens and Amazing Jumping Arrow Hotrod. Last night I stopped by some friends' house, and brought my piece of rope, my 3 coins, and a thimble. There was a half hour of good times, right there. It just started with me playing with the rope. I think there were eight people. Couple gals, some teens. The place got loud. But a beginner can do this very easily! One or two coin tricks and a card trick is all ya need! Believe me, better too little than too much! Quit while they still want more. Maybe do ONE more if they beg you. You don't need a case full of stuff to entertain a crowd. They entertain THEMSELVES, if you let them! Doug |
0045 New user 70 Posts |
Hi Weisszach
I don't carry much around with me, but then again I am only a casual performer and not a pro. A small wallet with a few packet tricks takes up no space at all. I currently take enough to perform Alex Elmsley's Four card trick, Harry Lorayne's The Sting and Paul Wilson's Gypsy Monte. If anyone wants to see more I ask for a deck of cards. Regards 0045 |
kekoa1 New user 84 Posts |
Mark Jarvis and Dougini good points! It's great to switch back and forth from cards to coins every once in a while, especially when your mind/attention span and hands need a break. Although, why stop at just cards and coins? Learning to perform magic with other props is not only fun...but it helps you become a more all around performer. Ropes, sponge balls, thimbles, etc. all take a certain amount of practice and skill...but provide your mind with a different form of stimulation as well. I tend to switch back and forth between practicing with different mediums just to keep it interesting.
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Loual4 Special user Montreal, Canada 670 Posts |
Learning different styles of magic, and from different branches of magic is not a bad thing. It gives you a general knowledge of the art, and can probably help you determine what type of magic you would prefer to do. All good in my book.
I found the comments about people hiding their decks of cards amusing. It made me laugh. But afterwards, it got me thinking about why people would do that. Probably because they are not really interested in seing magic! Personally, unless I am being paid, I never walk around with anything to do magic with. I used to, but not anymore. I figure that if family and friends want to see something, they will find a way to get me a deck of cards, or coins... And if they are strangers, well, this is were I get to pitch my services. If they they really want to see something, they can hire me. |
Vangel New user 26 Posts |
Learning different areas is always a bonus in my opinion. Doing magic with one type of item can get boring at times and can portray you as a "one trick pony" if performing to audiences who have seen your magic before (i.e. close friends and family).
As for carrying, I carry my cards almost all the time at any social event along with rubber-bands and a pen. If I get caught out not carrying anything I would have coins or can find or borrow paper, cups, scarves and jewellery anywhere I go to perform with. |
Dougini Inner circle The Beautiful State Of Maine 7130 Posts |
Welcome to the Café, Vangel!
Doug |
Kbuck54 Veteran user 343 Posts |
A couple good card effects, maybe a rope and an egg bag and I'm in business. I do carry these with me or at least in the car. If you are a magician, then you SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING when you are asked otherwise you sure don't seem so magical.
Keith
SHAZAM!
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TravisNye Regular user 122 Posts |
Borrowing items are an excellent way to perform. However I do always have the basics with me at all times. I normally keep a deck in my back pocket just because it doesn't feel as bulky as it would in the front pocket just like carrying a wallet. My glove box in the car is always prepared as well but I have been known to carry a back pack with me also. I always have since I was in my early teens and usually don't leave home without it so it works for me.If you want to do a card trick I would suggest working with packet tricks like 4 ace routines or something similar and just keep them in your wallet for a back up. Mentalism is very light to carry as well
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1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
Weisszach,
Hi. I have a few lists of magic for different categories. I do some stage and parlor type setting, but I am not a full-time magician. So, I have had to work on lists for different categories of magic. In those lists, I have anywhere from 6 to 12 of my favorite routines. One of those categories is complete impromptu. I don't go out of my way to "bring" any magic, because I have a few routines that can be done with anything (Like paper napkins, coins, pencil or pen, any piece of paper, etc.) I also have a few things that are always in my wallet (regular bills, gimmicked gift card (variation of Matt Johnson's melt), two regular quarters and a shell, a few rubber bands (including stargazer), and a few pieces of double sided tape). I am not the sort of person who practices endlessly for hours every day, so I focus on things that are hard hitting, but either use a simple gimmick or can be done without too much difficulty. Attached to my keychain I always have a reel and a couple pieces of string. I rarely carry cards with me, but I always have a deck or two in the car. So, I think it is good to have a handful of your favorite effects with a variety of items. The way I started was to just practice a couple card tricks, a couple coin tricks (at least one without gimmicked coins), and a couple non-card-or-coin tricks. With that, you are good to go. You can always add more later. KJ |
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