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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
I’m enjoying this string a lot myself. Some interesting points of view offered. For me, I’m good with just having a nice pocket knife, but others may find a whole cutlery set a bit more to their liking as to things, or something like that. 😁
To that end, and I think to the point of this string, I can remember when I was a lot younger, attending college down near the village in NYC, and I would see the” to become great,” Chris Capehart performing for a half hour or so out on the streets in front of the subway station with nothing but the Vanishing Hanky (TT). Man, he was amazing and cleverly creative with that thing. People were just glued to every move he made, with something so simple that he used so skillfully. The oohs, ash’s, and applause would fill the streets. Of course, he became a NY magic legend and an all around great magician that went on to win Penn & Teller Fool Us, but I saw him way back when he wasn’t all that (yet), with something easy to do that delivered great impact & lasting amazement. Those were the days. 😊
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"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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warren Inner circle uk 4138 Posts |
I think this comes down to a couple of things. number one is skill level as what's difficult for some is easy for others and visa versa.
Number two presentational skills rather than physical skills as some magicians are really entertaining no matter what they do whilst others are very dull. |
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RobertApodaca Regular user Henderson, NV 150 Posts |
If I'm focusing all my energy on doing a "knuckle-busting" routine my presentation will suffer. Not to say high effort tricks aren't worth it, but you have to have it down pat clean to focus on presentation.
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RNK Inner circle 7493 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 26, 2022, RobertApodaca wrote: Very true....practice is a must!
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DavidMor New user 17 Posts |
This topic is important to me, because I lack real talent in terms of sleight of hand. I am comfortable on stage and I interact well with people, but find I can do that best when the manual skills required are minimal.
The biggest effect I get, with the simplest effort, is the Magik Coloring Book. It is so simple I almost feel dumb doing it. Almost. But, the effect is great. While this effect is geared toward children, I have their adult parents mention days later that they enjoyed the show - "but that coloring book was really something?" After one show, an adult wanted to "volunteer" to help me take things out to my car. I soon realized that they really wanted to get their hands on that coloring book. It baffled them. Recently, the method has been recast as "The Rocket Book" (Scott Green) - to appeal to older kids. In terms of cards, people are blow away by Around The World. It requires almost no skill. Combine it with a simple deck switch, and it is even bigger. As a teenager, this effect floored me. I use it as a finisher after doing other card tricks, as if I am using the same deck they have been handling for the last ten minutes. Again, minimal effort; maximum effect. (I even put a small mark on the back of one card in the s*****d deck, so that I know when to switch the red and black sides.) Again, I am all for minimal effort! For coins, Scotch & Soda the skill level is minimal, but it gets a great reaction. As they say, the biggest impact is when the magic happens "in their hands." Of course, the audience could not care less about your skill level. Zero. When you change the focus away from your skill level (or lack of skill) and focus on THEIR enjoyment, magic gets easier and a lot more fun. |
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RNK Inner circle 7493 Posts |
A lot of good points in your post David! I do agree! Sometimes the simpler the method usually means minimal effort with still great impact. Though, I will say that since my slight of hand skills and skill level have become much greater over the years, the impact when performing also has increased. So yes, I do think you are correct but I also think increasing your skills will definitely increase your business. In addition, I find now that I can do much more impromptu magic just using my skills where you would not be able to do without them. This is a great benefit and has landed me jobs when I have been places where I forgot my EDC items.
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
Love this topic and David as well as RNK's posts.
David mentions focusing on THEIR enjoyment. BINGO Like RNK mentions the more skill level the more impact I feel. I worked restaurants for MANY years with repeat customers constantly. I, for the most part played it safe regarding effects, but knew I had to step out of my comfort zone and take some risks. Example: Slipping a playing card into someone's pocket or purse undetected. I'd force that card, make it disappear and tell them to look in their pocket. Lots of other examples that take more Sleight of Hand Skills. ( ex. Card on Ceiling) Number one focus is enjoyment and relationships. But it's also good to blow their minds. It also helps the magician to build confidence and take risks. Expanding one's comfort zone. Thanks for sharing.
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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simplymagicweb Inner circle Norfolk, UK 1410 Posts |
I think it also matters who your audience is. I’m a full time working pro, and have had the honour of earning a living doing something I LOVE for nearly 30 years now.
When starting out, most of my audiences were either my friends, family and fellow magicians. My focus, particularly around my fellow magi, was method. I wanted to “prove” that I was a good magician. I took this mindset into the professional world, and found that the finger flicking effects didn’t really get the same reactions with these muggles! So I guess method for many magicians is important. Indeed, when I lecture it always makes me chuckle when I perform something simple in terms of method that KILLS in the real world, only to be received with a Luke warm response! So now, nearly 30 on, my approach is very different. It’s all about how I make my audience feel. It’s not about me. It’s about them. Getting the spectator involved in an effect is vital as if the magic happens in their hands, the more memorable it becomes. Method is one consideration as this may also effect angles, reset times, pocket space and examination. But that’s all based on being a working pro. If however, my audience was mainly magicians then my approach would be very different. So no right or wrong answer I guess. Great debate though. Take care. Sean
Magically,
Website - www.simplymagic.co.uk Twitter - www.twitter.com/simplymagic19 Facebook - www.facebook.com/SeanGoodmanMagician Creator of BDZ, Holidayz, The Grayle, DUO, Secret Servante, Genetics, Vision, Tick Tock, Starstruck, CelebriDate, MagiDate, Focus, SIGMA and R2R |
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