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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
Don't forget SHOES. Ive seen one too many performers donning shoddy footwear. They're not fooling anyone. Trust me, people notice. I am about to invest an obscene amount of money in a pair handmade English shoes. Why? Aside from making ME feel great, it's an investment my clients WILL notice.
Do not skimp on shoes. |
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
Ben Sherman makes a wonderful suit. I prefer the Cadmen Fit.
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Simon (Ted) Edwards Inner circle London 1528 Posts |
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On 2011-11-30 12:29, VernonOnCoins wrote: I'm glad my tatter foot coverings aren't in frame above |
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Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
Thanks Simon for posting a photo (I didn't think anyone would do it). As a speaker myself, I have been curious about dress and the perception that people have on you based upon what you are wearing. Now, honestly, I consider your dress to be a little sloppy to be a professional presenter but reasonable if you are speaking in front of a group of colleagues, friends, or co-workers. If you were to stand on the stage to entertain me at a banquet etc, I would automatically think that you are not a professional and not taking this very seriously (just my perception).
I actually thought of this video I had seen in the past: http://www.ted.com/talks/douglas_adams_p......ing.html Here is an esteemed presenter who dresses in jeans and not nearly as nice as your outfit. His respect comes from being well know and for his work in science and for his writing. It is also speaking in a University. His speech talks about going into remote areas and to study wildlife (plus a great story about buying condoms in Shanghai to record sound underwater - very funny) so his dress is appropriate for his work. He gets away with it fine. But...could you? Me? |
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Jamie D Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2292 Posts |
Great topic,
I believe you must look professional but at the same time dress accordingly to the event you are performing at. I perform in jeans at many events as this look matches my look/who I am. I don't wear baggy ugly fitting jeans either but all in all I'm clean and professional looking. Now I wouldn't be wearing jeans to a wedding or something along those lines where a suit is essential but you must (IMO) match your personality/who you are .I also go to the gym and try to stay in shape and look the best I can as for me, it's true what they say. "when you look good, you feel good" and if I look and feel like s***, then my performance may just be s*** as well. Darren
Twitter @darjames
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
I was just talking with a friend of mine last night on this very subject. He's a professional entertainer as well. We both agreed about the importance of spending extra when it comes to clothing, footwear etc. If nothing else, you'll be distinguished from about 90% of your competition.
Business cards are another area where you can stand out from the rest. I have given up on online business cards. I decided I wanted certain elements such as heavier card stock etc. I needed a real printer to make this happen. |
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Simon (Ted) Edwards Inner circle London 1528 Posts |
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On 2011-11-30 12:44, Scott Burton wrote: Funnily enough, yes I do get away with it - and for the same reason. It would not be congruent for someone who does what I do to dress much smarter. The audience was composed not of colleagues but the great British public. There's some video footage around, actually. You can probably track it down quite easily given you know my name etc |
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-11-30 12:44, Scott Burton wrote: If you're well known in your field and speaking before colleagues who respect your work, then these rules are very flexible. Steve Jobs wore jeans when he lectured. But he's Steve Jobs. |
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Simon (Ted) Edwards Inner circle London 1528 Posts |
Yes, I was thinking of Steve Jobs earlier. Not that I would compare my 'fame' with his or, indeed, Douglas Adams!
T. |
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Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
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But he's Steve Jobs. Exactly. Plus, he is in the tech industry (perhaps this is what Simon is talking about) where the successful dress down. David Blaine could just walk in with jeans and a t-shirt without issue but his credibility and character gives him that flexibility. But he is internationally known. You wouldn't want DB to come in a tux. Most of us have to build credibility right from the moment we stand on stage. My personal feeling is: dress like a pro (whatever that means to you and your venue) or be dismissed as someone who shouldn't be taken seriously. Thanks to Simon (Ted) for answering my questions and being willing to be open with your style choices. You get much respect from me! |
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seadog93 Inner circle 3200 Posts |
I have lost almost 50lbs. over the last 3 months (I think it's 48 right now).
I still have at least another 50 lbs. to go. To be honest I don't feel any different at all, but I guess I'm healthier and presumably I look at least a little better. I recommend the slo-carb diet from "The Four Hour Body." It's pretty easy and you are actually supposed to take one day off a week and gorge yourself on junk, carbs and anything else (you are not 'allowed' too, you supposed to!). If anyone wants I can share my AMAZING recipe for brussels sprouts. They were the hit of Thanksgiving, even for the non-dieters. EDIT: The nice thing about the slo-carb diet is that it is totally sustainable, unlike many other diets where you can loose weight quickly but go back to old habits after and gain back all your weight plus some.
"Love is the magician who pulls man out of his own hat" - Ben Hecht
"Love says 'I am everything.' Wisdom says 'I am nothing'. Between the two, my life flows." -Nisargadatta Maharaj Seadog=C-Dawg=C.ou.rtn.ey Kol.b |
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
If you think about it, we'll literally spend hundreds of dollars on ONE pocket trick, and then go out and perform that trick in broken down clothes. This is a very peculiar mindset.
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
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On 2011-11-30 13:31, seadog93 wrote: That's awesome. Congratulations! |
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seadog93 Inner circle 3200 Posts |
Thanks
"Love is the magician who pulls man out of his own hat" - Ben Hecht
"Love says 'I am everything.' Wisdom says 'I am nothing'. Between the two, my life flows." -Nisargadatta Maharaj Seadog=C-Dawg=C.ou.rtn.ey Kol.b |
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DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
I just finished doing 50 push-ups.
I started in 1986. Ba-dah-Boom!
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
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dusty Veteran user 352 Posts |
In words of Al Koran, "You should be as well dressed as the best guest!" Two more I like; "You should look as though you own the place!" or my own favourite; You dress as though you have somewhere better to go afterwards
I for one do not want to look like I am a guest. I dress to be noticed as a performer, and this for me starts with the shoes. They should be Paton leather for formal events or highly polished black shoes if not. Trainers are NEVER acceptable. Street magic may be the exception, but not sure how many will actually earn worthwhile fees in this genre.
Regards,
Dusty aka Max Gordon. "Always give 100%, Unless you're a blood donor!" Exclusive publications available from: www.solutions.yolasite.com |
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Simon (Ted) Edwards Inner circle London 1528 Posts |
Horses for courses, different personas and different types of audience.
Some reasonably successful mentalists in recent years have dressed casually. Uri Geller has performed in a t-shirt for around 40 years. More recently we can see Keith Barry looking equally casual. I'm sure both have worn suits as well. It's just not a hard and fast rule and dressing in a modern style does not seem to have harmed their careers. I'm sure that for some people a suit/shiny shoe combo is more comfortable for them, and is entirely appropriate for their audience. But there are no strict rules, obviously. It's worth noting that some of the classic performers on TV back in the day were suited and booted, and I think that many of us take that image with us when we think of how we should look. But remember that in those days everyone on TV was dressed this way. Even the newsreaders wore bow ties! Things move on. It's not compulsory, but then neither is staying old-school either T. PS. I'm even wearing a proper suit in my Avatar image, so I'm not completely averse! |
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VernonOnCoins Inner circle NYC 1978 Posts |
There are suits and there are SUITS. Wearing a Mod cut suit with a pair of handmade shoes Keith Richards might own, sets me up to look great at any event and to also feel like a rock star. I always accent my clothing with a silver/onyx ring I had custom made here in NYC.
I saw an amazing belt buckle last week. It was hand carved out of jet stone. Definitely something a celebrity would wear to an event. It was incredible but so was the price tag: $4000. But this is the kind of accessory that connects with wealthier people. We certainly do not have to spend that much for an impressive belt buckle, but this is just to give an idea of what's out there and what some people are wearing |
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Jamie D Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2292 Posts |
Times change and so does fasion/what we wear. In the end, just do what ever works best for you. You know what they say about opinions, everyone has one and that doesn't mean what works for some, will work for you, just be yourself.
Darren
Twitter @darjames
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theinternetguru Elite user I hacked the Café but I still only have 426 Posts |
Billy, the fact that you initiated this point is an indication that you don't feel your exterior is quite lining up with the person you are on the inside, which might very well be lean and mean . Getting into shape and dressing more sharply will probably build your confidence and happiness enormously. Which will lead to getting more work. I think this is more important than anything else, though I agree with Decomposed and the others who suggest that you need to know your target audience and the image in their minds for the kind of performer they will hire. If you're looking for corporate work, you should (ideally) over-dress and be in decent shape. You don't have to, but if your appearance resonates positively with the people who may hire you, the odds of getting hired will improve.
A lot of it does however come down to your persona and how comfortable you are in your skin. You craft a persona that fits your style and your target audience, and then perform the effects (and wear the clothes) that match it. Being fit can only help you (personally and professionally). My persona (and image of myself) dictates it. In everyday life I wear jeans. When performing, I occasionally (but rarely) wear jeans, but always wear a jacket regardless. I'm in the gym every day. Fortunately, getting into shape is pretty simple. It's an investment of time and enduring some pain. Commit to daily exercise, and a change of diet that you can live with. If you want some tips, PM me, I will share my simple strategy. |
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