What do YOU actually plan on doing with your life?

[bd]

Note: Before bashing/crying/flaming me, please take note that I am not attempting to put any of you down in any way; I am not saying I am better than you, nor do I think so. For all intents and purposes, I am speaking to a crowd of people who are like me.

==============================

So, you know some card tricks and flourishes.

Yes, becoming a part of the professional magical community can be very rewarding- either long term or short term. Every day, we talk about magicians/flourishers like Dan and Dave, Chris Kenner, Daniel Madison, Jay Sankey, etc; people who have the brains and balls to make it in this field of work.

Where do you plan on taking your knowledge of illusion? Is this a hobby for you, that comes and goes like seasons, or do you plan to pursue a career in the art? I see videos of you guys, and notice the lack of originality and creativity in your illusions (by this, I mean that I see you, the general population of online magicians, performing other peoples' tricks). Some (and by some, I mean most) of you are very talented flourishers; do you think that's all you need? If so, how are you going about making money with this practiced talent?

I'm not attempting to tell anyone to stop now, and get a job in the real world; I love magic, love the community, and work never tell someone to stop doing what they love. I'm just worried that many of you are spending lots of money in this business, and don't really stop to realize that performing a whole bunch of other magicians' effects perfectly will not gain you much recognition in the community.

==============================

If this - magic, illusion, and flourishing - is simply a pastime for you, what do you currently do/plan on doing?

 

[filth0013]

Whats so bad about performing other ppl's tricks? its not like laymen know ithe difference...

 

[bd]

Whats so bad about performing other ppl's tricks? its not like laymen know ithe difference...

I'm not saying that this is inherently bad; but I'm just pointing out the fact that it will mostly likely not progress your career in the magical community.

I made this post because so many of you seem to have a desire to become professional illusionists, but don't seem to have taken any serious steps to do so.

 

[adjones]

I'm going to take this art as far as it will let me go. I don't care so much about being famous in the magic community, and having a bunch of teenagers on a forum idolize me for my mad skillz... I would be happy if I could entertain people until the end of my days.

On the other hand, though, I will go to College, so I will have a career to fall back on in case the magic thing doesn't work out.

I guess I wasn't really aware of my reputation in my small town. I was at Pizza Hut enjoying some delectible hot pizza, and the server made a comment to me about me doing magic. I'd never met the guy.

I'm also having business cards printed out this week, and I've been preparing to do walk-around magic for over a year now, and I have a stage show in the works.

This is not a passing interest for me. I pour my heart into my magic- presentational and technically. But, if it doesn't work out for me in the end, that's fine. I'm just along for the ride magic takes me on... and enjoying it all the way.

 

[Magic Man4293]

Magic for me is a networking tool I plan to be a Billionaire in the near future and I can make people remember me with my magic.


-Michael

 

[copperfield 14]

I'm not saying that this is inherently bad; but I'm just pointing out the fact that it will mostly likely not progress your career in the magical community.

It worked for Criss Angel. The guy is a millionaire. Not even a creative genius like paul harris will be as famous and rich as criss angel. If I ever descide to go into magic it will be tv magic.

 

[owen.christian]

I was at Pizza Hut enjoying some delectible hot pizza

Gather 'round the good stuff! *cough*Product placement*cough*

 

[MitchellStafiej]

Never, EVER give up on your dreams. KEEP WORKING AT IT! It may be hard, tough, and unrewarding at times but never quit if it's what you believe in.

Mitch

 

[KatieKenner]

I don't understand your point.

My parents and I have paid thousands upon thousands of dollars on lessons for Dance, Gymnastics and other things I have been interested in at a young age. Sure I have been rather successful in the field of entertainment, but they didn't care if I wanted to make it a career or just for fun.

A friend of mine has thousands of dollars spent in collecting movie props/posters/sound systems/tv and movie screens. They aren't planning to make it a career its just something they like.

My father has probably a half million dollars in magic collectibles, books, props, tricks and cards. He has never made it a point to make magic a career as he has a pretty good job and was able to give me, my mom and my sister a pretty good life. Magic is something he is interested in and loves, why would you be worried about that?

So, I think what I'm trying to say is if you like something and you have a passion, its OK to spend as much as you want on it, especially if you are in a position that allows you too.

ITs like people who collect art. How are you going make a career out of that? If you like a $25,000 painting and you can afford it, then buy it. You can always sell it or give it away later.

Anyway, if this isn't your point. I'm sorry but I think I made mine.

Do what makes you happy, its OK to have hobbies you are passionate about. Everything costs money.

Love,
Katie

 

[owen.christian]

I don't understand your point.

My parents and I have paid thousands upon thousands of dollars on lessons for Dance, Gymnastics and other things I have been interested in at a young age. Sure I have been rather successful in the field of entertainment, but they didn't care if I wanted to make it a career or just for fun.

A friend of mine has thousands of dollars spent in collecting movie props/posters/sound systems/tv and movie screens. They aren't planning to make it a career its just something they like.

My father has probably a half million dollars in magic collectibles, books, props, tricks and cards. He has never made it a point to make magic a career as he has a pretty good job and was able to give me, my mom and my sister a pretty good life. Magic is something he is interested in and loves, why would you be worried about that?

So, I think what I'm trying to say is if you like something and you have a passion, its OK to spend as much as you want on it, especially if you are in a position that allows you too.

ITs like people who collect art. How are you going make a career out of that? If you like a $25,000 painting and you can afford it, then buy it. You can always sell it or give it away later.

Anyway, if this isn't your point. I'm sorry but I think I made mine.

Do what makes you happy, its OK to have hobbies you are passionate about. Everything costs money.

Love,
Katie

Well said Katie, well said.

 

[bd]

I don't understand your point.

You don't.

I'm wondering how many of the people who are members on these forums are actually planning on pursuing a career in the art of illusion, and what they are doing to follow up on that plan.

I wonder this because many of the kids on these forums talk about spending countless hours practicing, thousands of dollars on things, and won't use any of it/have anything to show for it in ten years.

 

[The Dark Angel]

For me, magic is a hobby. Unfortunately, its a hobby I lost interest in for a while, but I plan on getting back into it soon. While I think that I could succesfully make a living as a magician, my heart lies elsewhere, and soon I'll be off to get my degree in film-making.

And now you know,
TDA

 

[EugeneSoh]

What do i plan on doing with my life...?
-I plan on joining the industry of cinematography (Filming/Editing).
Card's are just a side note/hobby for me.
whatever.

-Eugene

 

[Phenomena]

to be honest, i first started magic for social value.
I was in a hard point in my life, srta ruined close friendships because i umm..messed around with their female interests so to speak

so at the time my friends were few, and the ones i had were moving away for college and what not.
Saw a guy in a bar, doing magic, and noticed how people reacted to him.
How women would just melt in his hands, and guys would want to be his friend.

So i started it for this reason, and have fit it to mold certain things in my life. Such as women. I seem to have a great ability to "pickup" women with my magic (not only my magic...but you kow what i mean) and have had many close friends comment that i should create a video explaining how to attract women/use magic as an extra tool.

So in this case, i have already reached my goal with magic. Now would i presue it as a career? Maybe one day, but im not holding my breath.

 

[sjsawyer]

What do I plan on doing with MY life?

Well, I'll be taking the Honours Mathematics program at the University of Waterloo in a couple of months. Should be a fun experience Although, I have no idea what I want to major in yet. I'll have a better idea after first year.

I decided to do co-op so that I can get some good experience, and also because I have no idea how else I would pay for school Thus, I'll be there for 5 years.


As for magic, it's just a hobby of mine. Something to do in my spare time and entertain people with.

And yes, I like to perform tricks that others have created. It makes me feel BIG.

 

[darosa.justin]

Magic is a seriosu hobby for me.

I have taken 'breaks' over the past 5 years of my magic experience, and I recently had to take one as I needed to study for my GCSEs.

I'm getting back into it, and my goal is to create several effects of my own, that I use on a day-to-day basis.

Maybe work as a part-time magician at college, but I don't know how I'd do that since I don't particularly like stage or restaurant magic.

I'm working on an act while seated at a table, but besides meals, I don't know how I'll get hired for that.

 

[elitespart]

I don't understand your point.

My parents and I have paid thousands upon thousands of dollars on lessons for Dance, Gymnastics and other things I have been interested in at a young age. Sure I have been rather successful in the field of entertainment, but they didn't care if I wanted to make it a career or just for fun.

A friend of mine has thousands of dollars spent in collecting movie props/posters/sound systems/tv and movie screens. They aren't planning to make it a career its just something they like.

My father has probably a half million dollars in magic collectibles, books, props, tricks and cards. He has never made it a point to make magic a career as he has a pretty good job and was able to give me, my mom and my sister a pretty good life. Magic is something he is interested in and loves, why would you be worried about that?

It'd be nice to have that kind of money. That's why I'm going to be a heart or neurosurgeon. I love magic. It's so much fun and has really helped me build self-confidence. But it's much harder to become financially stable in that field...kind of like trying to make into the pros. After I become a surgeon and get rich, then I can do all the magic I want.

 

[shinichikudo992000]

Come on guys, I see this thread is pointless. Magic is a very diffence art. It's like a rock band out there tried to make it's band a reputation. It's not easy. If you just sit there and hoping to be something in one day. It's not going to work. You have to make it happens, you have to work for it. w/ your own two hands, you will create your own destiny. Obcourse it's not easy as it sound, but when you so something if you put your heart and soul in to it. It's will pay you off w/ something. My point right here is it's doesn't matter what you do, the only thing that makes you who you are is how you do it.

Don't chase the magic. Make it part of you.

excused my spelling or wrong phase used of word.

 

[darosa.justin]

Come on guys, I see this thread is pointless. Magic is a very diffence art. It's like a rock band out there tried to make it's band a reputation. It's not easy. If you just sit there and hoping to be something in one day. It's not going to work. You have to make it happens, you have to work for it. w/ your own two hands, you will create your own destiny. Obcourse it's not easy as it sound, but when you so something if you put your heart and soul in to it. It's will pay you off w/ something. My point right here is it's doesn't matter what you do, the only thing that makes you who you are is how you do it.

Don't chase the magic. Make it part of you.

excused my spelling or wrong phase used of word.

That's exactly what the damn thread is about.

HOW THE HELL people on here will pursue the interet in the art, and if they want to go pro- HOW they will do it.

ANd I don't know what you're saying- first off, you say you have to work for it, and make it happen. But then you say it doesn't matter what you do? Let the art find you?

What?

 

[CoryOOreo]

What do I plan on doing with my life (magic related)?

Well, when I graduate I'll be traveling for a year or so. During that time I'll have some opportunities to know exactly what it is that needs to be done to accomplish my dream. Then, I'll go to film school for a few years. After that, well, you'll see...