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Don Loyal user 215 Posts |
Just my opinion. When we present an Illusion on stage we must make sure it is built very well. Just as though one of the top name builders built it. If not, we are only fooling ourselves. In 90% of the cases I’ve seen the illusion is not as deceptive, does not work as well and usually will not last as long!!
Now, I know those top name illusion builders are expensive. However it is worth it. It is better to have 1 quality illusion than 5 inferior illusions. If you can't afford it, wait until you can. There are to many of us in a hurry to be an illusionist, try to build equipment to save money and get out there with what we have. Rome was not built overnight!! It makes us all look bad. Magic is an art and craft. The illusions are only the tools to help us do the job of the magician. Not long ago a magician presented an illusion that was home made AND not working mechanically like it should, and he knew it. Yet he still presented the illusion to a paying audience. If it is not working we should not present it. He said he could not afford a new one or knew where to get it repaired. Well, it was his equipment to do as he pleases, but a public performance like this hurts the art and craft of magic. To many times the public and magicians think we can just buy the equipment and be a magician. I would like to think this is not true as this cheapens the art. How many people buy a violin, trumpet, mechanics tools, script for a play, and are musicians, actors, or mechanics. The same is for magic. The equipment is only a tool to help you do your job. Magic does take learned abilities and talent. The learned abilities are magic principles, dexterity and most importantly acting ability. Look at the top performers and you will see this is true. Can I get an Amen? |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I agree, to a point. I build some of my own props, but I have had guidance from one of the best-established builders around. He has been a friend for 27 years and he has been very helpful in making sure I build my props correctly.
The key is to know your limitations! I love woodworking but I don't do it daily. (Actually, I don't even do it monthly most of the time.) Thus, I keep my building to simpler projects. (So far, I built a Magic Chimney to make Santa Claus appear from, as well as a couple of illusions to make assistants appear from - "In a Flash" from the Osborne plans and a Flying Carpet.) In each case, I received guidance and it made it much easier to construct. I have also been advised on which illusions are too complicated for a home builder to make! (Thin model Sawing in Half, for one.) That said, I have definitely seen illusions that were home built and really lost their deceptiveness. I bought a used Blammo illusion that was built by a supposed professional builder. I had to almost rebuild it to make it workable and safe. (Inferior materials, poor craftsmanship, etc.) Despite the fact that it works relatively well, I will be replacing it the first chance I get with a Chalet Blammo. (The best I've seen.) |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
I second that emotion...
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
AMEN Don!! In comparison, the WORST thing that could happen in the Commercial Art field was the advent of the Home Computer and accessibility to 2000 Fonts! Suddenly, everyone in the world thought they had just gained a certificate in Typography and Design. The aftermath was an abundance of Businesses and Websites flooded with the most atrocious graphics I have ever seen and this continues. This situation took a LOT of work away from small businesses as well as freelance TRAINED Artists and Designers.
Bottom line: If you get a new set of tools for Christmas and you’re not a mechanic, don't start tearing into your 2004 Nissan. Take care, Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
redstreak Inner circle A.K.A David Kong 1368 Posts |
I agree mostly. If you are trying to build illusions with your dad's hand saw and some nails, you'll end up with something a lot worse than a pro would make. However, if you know what you are doing and have some good tools, I think that it's fine to make your own. I am lucky enough to have a dad who really knows his way around woodworking, and owns a lot of good machinery. I'm confident that anything that he helps me with will be as good as I'm going to buy from most places.
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K-Max New user Oklahoma City 49 Posts |
Most of these replies are pretty true, but they've neglected to mention one thing. Building your own illusions can be a lot of fun, and it can encourage the creative process. Because of my earlier tinkering around, trying to recreate effects that I had seen, I have come up with a few very different methods of doing those same tricks. More importantly, it can be a lot of fun! If you want to try building something, just try it. It will probably be much cheaper in the long run and you'll learn more from the process than you ever would from just buying the thing.
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jnrussell Loyal user Michigan 207 Posts |
I agree with you all! If it doesn't look professional, it shouldn't be performed by a "professional". I've also learned that many times (not always of course) by the time you spend all the time and money, it's cheaper in the long run to just buy the darn thing! When something gets too pricey, then I'll consider making it myself; a simple cost-benefit analysis can do the trick!
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JamesinLA Inner circle Los Angeles 3400 Posts |
In my case I build stuff that I design and you can't get elsewhere in terms of the theme of a given illusion and in more than one case my illusions are more deceptive than are professional available. So I get the main point: don't use inferior props, but I don't agree that that means don't build it yourself.
Jim
Oh, my friend we're older but no wiser, for in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
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illusionman2 Special user 991 Posts |
Don you are wrong
You have to start somewhere. You have to make the mistakes to improve. My first illusion was made out of particleboard and left over paint. http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/......e048.jpg Yes it was bad but the next one was killer. http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w221/......1111.jpg No Amen from me Best James Wiggs |
makeupguy Inner circle 1411 Posts |
A second point of view... I recently saw a show that had professionally built illlusion.. that had not been polished or repainted or seeemingly even taken care of in about 15 years... they looked like crap.. the feet on the sawing in half were broken.. the lycra on the production base was all stretched out... and the chrome and general paint was chipped and awful looking...
the point is that we need to have some pride in our work... and not only Make or Buy stuff that looks good.. but KEEP it looking good. |
mumford Special user 652 Posts |
Sounds extreme. But generally speaking, pristine props are evidence of a non-working illusionist.
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ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-12-09 01:28, mumford wrote: I disagree. Pristine props are evidence of a performer who takes care of his stuff!
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-12-09 10:37, ClintonMagus wrote: Let's move the marker closer to the center. It is very difficult to keep things pristene DURING the season. Even with much care, stuff gets banged up when it's moved around a lot. Touch-ups and "It'll do's" are the likely fixes... that is until the show can break. There are lots of acts that take an off season, during which time props, costumes, and personnel are revitalized, refurbished, rebuilt, or replaced.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
I want to clear up my point a bit. I think there is nothing wrong with building your own props as long as they look somewhat professional and are reliable.
In the beginning of my minimal performing career, I built almost everything from scratch. I must admit I had an edge as I spent many years in the Sign Painting industry and was very skilled at wood working and paint. As others above said, it is a great learning experience and you can custom tailor Illusions to your style and taste. Just be sure to be honest with yourself when evaluating your work. If it didn't work out then RE-PURPOSE that sucker and try again Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
mumford Special user 652 Posts |
Baker knows what he's talking about.
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