Magic as a Hobby

[RediSpades]

Criss Angel...all I have to say

LOL, agreed, to the fullest extent. Though at the same time we can learn a lot from Criss Angel. His ability to perform tricks (not the skill but the psychology that he puts into it) is what makes real magic with people. It is why so many outside of the magic community remember him.

As far as if hobbyist ruin magic, I believe the unpracticed one does. As long as you can do it, and do it well, you should be pretty good =)

 

[visualartist]

seriously man? technically you are, but really?

How many times do I have to say it?
NO ONE performs magic to make a living purely for the money.
If that were the case,dont you think they would of picked another type of career that actually makes alot of money?c'mon man think.

 

[KeoSilver]

If that were the case,dont you think they would of picked another type of career that actually makes alot of money?c'mon man think.

Ever heard of following a dream? Maybe the magician felt like they could go pro and choose magic as a career. If they have chosen magic as a career then yes they need to perform solely to eat everyday. Some magi's missed the boat for college and can't get a higher education so they are stuck in trying to get gigs for the money.

Now technically a professional magician could be an amature or an expert at magic. Its all about the cash whether anyone likes it or not.

 

[KeoSilver]

How many times do I have to say it?
NO ONE performs magic to make a living purely for the money.

Go to Boston and say this statement to any plaza or street busker and observe what reaction you may get. Now it doesn't only apply to Austin go and ask any real street busker or plaza worker this and you will get a much different answer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwUQRXDBw6w

Very first clip after Vidiot

 

[visualartist]

What I meant was,money doesnt define their existence.
That they actually like performing magic,that they like their job.
Ive worked alongside many proffesional magicians for over 4(?) years now.
Either learning by sight how they manage crowds,perform,how/what they say,etc.
At one time I always asked them if they actually enjoy being magicians or if it was just for the money and "work" to them. They always said "why would you become a magician if its only for the money?" and responses like "I f'ing love this job kid. Every single show is different and that freaking look on their faces makes my day".

P.S. I hardly ever talk to buskers.Only met one ever. Mostly I have spoken with restaurant magicians,performers for private parties or venues and some(3) magicians at Six Flags for a year.

 

[SHANE BLACK]

Criss Angel...all I have to say

You know I'm not a Criss Angel fan whatsoever but I will tell you this. There's more to Criss than meets the eye, he is probably better than half the members here in sleight of hand or he wouldn't be where he is now thats the harsh truth. He wasn't always using a camera to perform magic to, there was a point when he performed on stage in New York for quite sometime with no camera tricks. Your dogging him for being a paid professional and what do you do? I make my money strictly from performing but do I consider myself a pro, YES Its my profession and I work hard everyday to stay unique and on top of my game cause thats what it takes to be in show business. Before we crucify Criss you may want to get your own show first. (PS Im going to H@#L for taking up for Criss now, but its the truth).

 

[William Draven]

well a professional is in the strictest of definitions someone who gets paid to do magic. With that being said I don't think professionals look down on hobbiest as a general rule. That doesn't mean though there aren't a few hobbiest out there that drive people nuts with their skillful displays of boring monotone delivery.

 

[Randy]

90% of anybody usually starts out as a Hobbiest.

Some keep at it, and some decide that "If you're good at something, never do it for free."