Hi. My name is Ben.
I first became interested in magic about six or seven years ago; I was going through some old boxes and found one labeled "magic stuff"- unfortunately, the only item related to magic inside was a weathered book entitled "Scarne on Card Tricks" by John Scarne, published in 1950.
I immediately took it to my room, grabbed a deck of cards, and started practicing all of the tricks in the book (it was a book filled with tricks not using any sleight of hand). Since then, I've learned from multiple sources, and have developed decent tricks, routines, and sleights of my own (or so I think), adding to my collection of goodies.
I'm mainly a card-magician; I live for close-up magic, the reactions are what hooked me. I've performed a few small shows- walkaround type stuff. Anyways, I have a few questions for you.
The reason for this post
I was wondering if you could answer the following (or, if not, at least point me in the right direction):
1. Where do I go from here? I mean, how would I go about becoming more widely-recognized? I live in Fresno, California (currently a very hot, nonmagical town); how would you suggest actively pursuing shows/etc? The only store/real relation to magic that is near me is Hocus Pocus Magic Shop, an online supplier.
2. As I mentioned before, I've developed what I believe to be original tricks, sleights, and routines. I have somewhat scoured the internet for effects/sleights like mine, and have found nothing. Before submitting them to a store, I would like to make sure that they are, indeed, original. What resources would you guys suggest to me?
3. I'm 17, enlisted in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) for the United States Marine Corps. I go to basic training on June 15 2009, and will be serving a total of five (possibly six) years of active duty. I'm sure that I will, however sporadically, be able to play with my cards. How do you suppose this will affect any 'reputation' [edit: I am not speaking about my own, personal reputation with other people. I am speaking about any reputation I might gain, say, on a community like theory11. I will obviously be unable to update, etc. while I am on duty.] I might gain from now to then?
Any serious response are greatly appreciated.
EDIT:
Thank you for the thought out responses; however, I'm not sure you guys quite understand me. I'm not asking for a list of books or other sources to learn stuff from; I'm well aware of the books and DVDs I own, and the ones I need to purchase.
In question 1, I'm asking how I would develop a reputation as a performer; Ben Long answered this.
In question 2, I am asking if anyone has any suggested resources for comparing my sleights to other magicians', to see if it truly is original or not. I simply want to know if they have been created by me or not; to see if they have been used in the past by someone else.
In question 3, I'm simply asking what you guys think will happen to my reputation as a card magician (training manipulator/flourisher) online and in, say, my hometown.
I first became interested in magic about six or seven years ago; I was going through some old boxes and found one labeled "magic stuff"- unfortunately, the only item related to magic inside was a weathered book entitled "Scarne on Card Tricks" by John Scarne, published in 1950.
I immediately took it to my room, grabbed a deck of cards, and started practicing all of the tricks in the book (it was a book filled with tricks not using any sleight of hand). Since then, I've learned from multiple sources, and have developed decent tricks, routines, and sleights of my own (or so I think), adding to my collection of goodies.
I'm mainly a card-magician; I live for close-up magic, the reactions are what hooked me. I've performed a few small shows- walkaround type stuff. Anyways, I have a few questions for you.
The reason for this post
I was wondering if you could answer the following (or, if not, at least point me in the right direction):
1. Where do I go from here? I mean, how would I go about becoming more widely-recognized? I live in Fresno, California (currently a very hot, nonmagical town); how would you suggest actively pursuing shows/etc? The only store/real relation to magic that is near me is Hocus Pocus Magic Shop, an online supplier.
2. As I mentioned before, I've developed what I believe to be original tricks, sleights, and routines. I have somewhat scoured the internet for effects/sleights like mine, and have found nothing. Before submitting them to a store, I would like to make sure that they are, indeed, original. What resources would you guys suggest to me?
3. I'm 17, enlisted in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) for the United States Marine Corps. I go to basic training on June 15 2009, and will be serving a total of five (possibly six) years of active duty. I'm sure that I will, however sporadically, be able to play with my cards. How do you suppose this will affect any 'reputation' [edit: I am not speaking about my own, personal reputation with other people. I am speaking about any reputation I might gain, say, on a community like theory11. I will obviously be unable to update, etc. while I am on duty.] I might gain from now to then?
Any serious response are greatly appreciated.
EDIT:
Thank you for the thought out responses; however, I'm not sure you guys quite understand me. I'm not asking for a list of books or other sources to learn stuff from; I'm well aware of the books and DVDs I own, and the ones I need to purchase.
In question 1, I'm asking how I would develop a reputation as a performer; Ben Long answered this.
In question 2, I am asking if anyone has any suggested resources for comparing my sleights to other magicians', to see if it truly is original or not. I simply want to know if they have been created by me or not; to see if they have been used in the past by someone else.
In question 3, I'm simply asking what you guys think will happen to my reputation as a card magician (training manipulator/flourisher) online and in, say, my hometown.
Last edited by a moderator:
