Originality Is Dead

[AsherF]

What do you strive for? Do you wake up in the morning, crack open a brand new deck of cards, go sit in the shade waiting for a thunderstorm, hoping, no, praying, that what you'll come up with is so new and exciting that it will move mountains and that you'll somehow gain immortality because of it? Are you constantly haunted by the fact that what you are doing is not quite good enough and that creation of new thoughts and ideas will lead to your success? Welcome to artistry.

Everyday, too many people are striving for this thing called originality. Too many people are eager to bounce their "new" idea around hoping to gain the support of others to jump on to the "new concept" train, only to be torn down by someone else, going into strong detail about that same concept being thought of 14 years ago by a man in a naturally white beard and unplucked eyebrows with a cackle to his voice that sounds as though he is in desperate need for a cough.

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, sip the last bit of your coffee that sits beside you slowly steaming. If you were to create the new and exciting concept the world is waiting for, yet have no idea about, what would you create? Not a variation to what has been done in the past, but something that has, in no way, been thought of by another. This means, it can't be a revelation of any sort, transposition, then again, throw the idea of cards, money, rubberbands and silks away in the trash all together. Lose yourself in the steam of your early morning blend, and truly think about this. Give up?

You live in a great world, full of great ideas. There was a day in magic, where none of the plots and concepts we have today were thought of. Everything was original: double lifts, transpositions, revelations, etc... You are now a medium to the past. You will die in your strive for originality.

This is not to say that you can not create. In the mean time on our quest, we can always come up with more convenient means of moves and ideas and plots that have already been thought of. It can always be more visual, it can be easier. It can always be better. Then, maybe one day, you might stumble upon the four leaf clover and conceive a miracle that no other human put in their mind. If so, the mountains and gold of this world are yours.

Strive for excellence. Learn as much as you can. Create for you. You are original, you are unique, you are special. Most of all, have fun. The ideas will come much more naturally when you aren't fighting for a new one. When you have the right idea as to why you are creating. Is it really necessary to create a new plot? If you did the exercise by closing your eyes and meditating on the idea, is there really anything that we're missing that is necessary to create? Would anything else feel right and natural, or would it feel forced and unnecessary? I am in no way trying to kill your desire for the new, I am trying to open your mind to something more than that. I am only writing this, knowing that if you lock your mind on one thing, such as the need to be original, you will shrivel in your fear and lose all sense of self, stop practicing, stop performing, etc... It's happened to me. I'm not saying that there isn't a need to be original, there is, but soon you'll become a slave to this though process and will find it hard to succeed in any aspect of your art.

 

[The Tumbleweed]

Thank you

 

[LuseifHo]

I agree with what said, but a lot of people need to understand that as time pasts, the strive for originality will become harder and harder. our resources do not grow by the second and majority of ideas that can be created with the objects given has already been thought of. Though a new object may come into our pit of brainstorm, I highly doubt it will ever be of any good use. take the iPhone for example, how many magicians do you see performing iPhone magic? a few maybe... but its not exactly popular yet... thats why a lot of the old timers had made so much. they didnt have the restraints of things already made. if you were back in the olden days when all you had was erdnase, then all you needed to do was sit with a deck for a bout a week and I bet you couldve come with something unseen yet amazing. not saying originality is impossible, its just getting harder by the moment.

 

[visualartist]

The thing is people get to busy TRYING to create when it should just come to them.
All ive seen anyone create anymore are card trick variations.No ones even trying for creativity anymore.

 

[Cedric Taylor]

What do you strive for? Do you wake up in the morning, crack open a brand new deck of cards, go sit in the shade waiting for a thunderstorm, hoping, no, praying, that what you'll come up with is so new and exciting that it will move mountains and that you'll somehow gain immortality because of it? Are you constantly haunted by the fact that what you are doing is not quite good enough and that creation of new thoughts and ideas will lead to your success? Welcome to artistry.

Everyday, too many people are striving for this thing called originality. Too many people are eager to bounce their "new" idea around hoping to gain the support of others to jump on to the "new concept" train, only to be torn down by someone else, going into strong detail about that same concept being thought of 14 years ago by a man in a naturally white beard and unplucked eyebrows with a cackle to his voice that sounds as though he is in desperate need for a cough.

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, sip the last bit of your coffee that sits beside you slowly steaming. If you were to create the new and exciting concept the world is waiting for, yet have no idea about, what would you create? Not a variation to what has been done in the past, but something that has, in no way, been thought of by another. This means, it can't be a revelation of any sort, transposition, then again, throw the idea of cards, money, rubberbands and silks away in the trash all together. Lose yourself in the steam of your early morning blend, and truly think about this. Give up?

You live in a great world, full of great ideas. There was a day in magic, where none of the plots and concepts we have today were thought of. Everything was original: double lifts, transpositions, revelations, etc... You are now a medium to the past. You will die in your strive for originality.

This is not to say that you can not create. In the mean time on our quest, we can always come up with more convenient means of moves and ideas and plots that have already been thought of. It can always be more visual, it can be easier. It can always be better. Then, maybe one day, you might stumble upon the four leaf clover and conceive a miracle that no other human put in their mind. If so, the mountains and gold of this world are yours.

Strive for excellence. Learn as much as you can. Create for you. You are original, you are unique, you are special. Most of all, have fun. The ideas will come much more naturally when you aren't fighting for a new one. When you have the right idea as to why you are creating. Is it really necessary to create a new plot? If you did the exercise by closing your eyes and meditating on the idea, is there really anything that we're missing that is necessary to create? Would anything else feel right and natural, or would it feel forced and unnecessary? I am in no way trying to kill your desire for the new, I am trying to open your mind to something more than that. I am only writing this, knowing that if you lock your mind on one thing, such as the need to be original, you will shrivel in your fear and lose all sense of self, stop practicing, stop performing, etc... It's happened to me. I'm not saying that there isn't a need to be original, there is, but soon you'll become a slave to this though process and will find it hard to succeed in any aspect of your art.

Thats whats taking the FLATLINE project so long....We want to put the most orginal, most creative, and horrific product out....Like Erdnase said, if you don't change the method, change the moment....That what i'm striving for....I feel my brain is this far away from the next big thing. I really think motivation is the key. Don't creat to create...have motivation....i personally wanna walk through walls (visually without cover)...but thats another story...

 

[romeo sierra]

An Off-Topic Rant

Why is it so important to be original? Does the audience care if you're one of a kind? Honestly, would the typical audience know any better?

First things first, I'm obviously not condemning originality at all. I think it's important everyone have their own identity and at least strive to create their own material. With that said, I honestly don't believe it makes a difference in the performance of magic at all if you're an "original" magician. How does performing the same material as everyone else make you any less of an artist?

Personally, I think originality is nothing more than another catchphrase to add to and detract from people's egos. And really, if you can come to terms with the argument, originality really only matters to self-absorbed magicians. I remember watching one individual perform a Cups and Balls routine at a magic convention a few years back. I was absolutely stunned. The technique was smooth and elegant, the presentation was crisp, and the overall performance was interactive and engaging. I applauded it and looked around to see other people's responses. The majority of the audience was obviously as impressed (and as floored) as I was. ...But a good portion of the audience that comprised of fellow magicians scoffed at the performance and laughed it off behind the performer's back. I overheard what they were snickering about, and heard them calling the magician a hack and a wannabe, referencing another performer who evidently did a similar routine to a better reaction. I was bothered by that experience, because it showed the true colors of a major population within the magic community. It's unfortunate, but I see that many magicians aren't supportive of one another...

So... in the eyes of an layaudience-- the only audience that matters-- how is originality a defining factor of a magician? Why does a magician have to go above and beyond a standard in creativity, technique and style? What is he trying to prove?

Case in point: David Blaine. He became a household name in magic by doing the same store-bought magic tricks and using the same word-for-word patter as their packaging. You can ask any old-school performer who worked professionally during his breakthrough. They've been doing Rising Card and Cigarette Through Coin for decades prior to Blaine, and instead of supporting his achievement in bringing magic to the forefront again-- the majority of them bashed him for his lack of creativity and showmanship and technical skill. In the eyes of the layaudience, "originality" didn't mean anything. It was the social connection; the interaction; the vibe of the experience that ignited their interest and reaction.

I'll end this by maintaining that although originality is indeed important, it's only a MINISCULE part of the pie to performing. Miniscule. Magic isn't about the tricks. It isn't about the performer. It's about the interaction and play you have with the audience. It's the impression you leave in their minds. If you win over an audience, you win altogether. Period. I believe there are some prominent names in the magic community that should not only accept that, but also learn from it. It's an important lesson to come to terms with.

RS.

 

[Cedric Taylor]

Why is it so important to be original? Does the audience care if you're one of a kind? Honestly, would the typical audience know any better?

First things first, I'm obviously not condemning originality at all. I think it's important everyone have their own identity and at least strive to create their own material. With that said, I honestly don't believe it makes a difference in the performance of magic at all if you're an "original" magician. How does performing the same material as everyone else make you any less of an artist?

Personally, I think originality is nothing more than another catchphrase to add to and detract from people's egos. And really, if you can come to terms with the argument, originality really only matters to self-absorbed magicians. I remember watching one individual perform a Cups and Balls routine at a magic convention a few years back. I was absolutely stunned. The technique was smooth and elegant, the presentation was crisp, and the overall performance was interactive and engaging. I applauded it and looked around to see other people's responses. The majority of the audience was obviously as impressed (and as floored) as I was. ...But a good portion of the audience that comprised of fellow magicians scoffed at the performance and laughed it off behind the performer's back. I overheard what they were snickering about, and heard them calling the magician a hack and a wannabe, referencing another performer who evidently did a similar routine to a better reaction. I was bothered by that experience, because it showed the true colors of a major population within the magic community. It's unfortunate, but I see that many magicians aren't supportive of one another...

So... in the eyes of an layaudience-- the only audience that matters-- how is originality a defining factor of a magician? Why does a magician have to go above and beyond a standard in creativity, technique and style? What is he trying to prove?

Case in point: David Blaine. He became a household name in magic by doing the same store-bought magic tricks and using the same word-for-word patter as their packaging. You can ask any old-school performer who worked professionally during his breakthrough. They've been doing Rising Card and Cigarette Through Coin for decades prior to Blaine, and instead of supporting his achievement in bringing magic to the forefront again-- the majority of them bashed him for his lack of creativity and showmanship and technical skill. In the eyes of the layaudience, "originality" didn't mean anything. It was the social connection; the interaction; the vibe of the experience that ignited their interest and reaction.

I'll end this by maintaining that although originality is indeed important, it's only a MINISCULE part of the pie to performing. Miniscule. Magic isn't about the tricks. It isn't about the performer. It's about the interaction and play you have with the audience. It's the impression you leave in their minds. If you win over an audience, you win altogether. Period. I believe there are some prominent names in the magic community that should not only accept that, but also learn from it. It's an important lesson to come to terms with.

RS.

the blaine point youare so right....

 

[KeoSilver]

I am kind of lost in this "Essay?" are you saying originality in methodology is Dead or as an entire person.

If its originality in methodology I will agree with you somewhat to be completely strait with you I could care less if I do not use an original move sleight or trick. Furthermore methodology is only one part of the formula, I have observed many of the new time magicians focus to much on the methodology and not enough on other aspects that make a memorable performance. You got me Kemosaubi.

 

[Wonder]

Originality

Magic is created by the magician, not by the trick. Simply that a trick with a poor performance is merely a puzzle. So originality is created from ones style & performance of the effect, if you look at it this way.

 

[The Tumbleweed]

Don't creat to create...have motivation....

Like selling a DVD perhaps...?

 

[AsherF]

I apologize if this seemed at all hard to understand... I wrote it at 4am this morning.

The thread title is basically your attention grabber to sum things up. I by no means am trying to say that originality in of itself is dead. Or the ability to be original now or in the future. It's not. But almost daily, here, there, and everywhere, I see these claims or people coming for consultation, asking if what they're doing is original. It's not. What you might have is a variation to the past. If this is our focus, our focus is misconstrued. The David Blaine point is a great example as well. The originality does not necessarily come from the magic he is performing, but HOW he is presenting it. that's why I'm saying that it's not dead in those general regards. I know that I personally have spent much time focused on creating the next great original unique thing. Whether it be music, magic, whatever it is that I do. I thought that's what was going to get me somewhere. Yes, it may. But it will also become a demon that tears at you until you somehow overcome it. You guys have sort of caught on to my point . Just take a breath a practice. Practice and study till you just can't take it anymore, then practice some more. Only then will you find the process of going further to be easier. If it's already easy for you, God bless you.

 

[hector_cervantes]

Why is it so important to be original? Does the audience care if you're one of a kind? Honestly, would the typical audience know any better?

First things first, I'm obviously not condemning originality at all. I think it's important everyone have their own identity and at least strive to create their own material. With that said, I honestly don't believe it makes a difference in the performance of magic at all if you're an "original" magician. How does performing the same material as everyone else make you any less of an artist?

Personally, I think originality is nothing more than another catchphrase to add to and detract from people's egos. And really, if you can come to terms with the argument, originality really only matters to self-absorbed magicians. I remember watching one individual perform a Cups and Balls routine at a magic convention a few years back. I was absolutely stunned. The technique was smooth and elegant, the presentation was crisp, and the overall performance was interactive and engaging. I applauded it and looked around to see other people's responses. The majority of the audience was obviously as impressed (and as floored) as I was. ...But a good portion of the audience that comprised of fellow magicians scoffed at the performance and laughed it off behind the performer's back. I overheard what they were snickering about, and heard them calling the magician a hack and a wannabe, referencing another performer who evidently did a similar routine to a better reaction. I was bothered by that experience, because it showed the true colors of a major population within the magic community. It's unfortunate, but I see that many magicians aren't supportive of one another...

So... in the eyes of an layaudience-- the only audience that matters-- how is originality a defining factor of a magician? Why does a magician have to go above and beyond a standard in creativity, technique and style? What is he trying to prove?

Case in point: David Blaine. He became a household name in magic by doing the same store-bought magic tricks and using the same word-for-word patter as their packaging. You can ask any old-school performer who worked professionally during his breakthrough. They've been doing Rising Card and Cigarette Through Coin for decades prior to Blaine, and instead of supporting his achievement in bringing magic to the forefront again-- the majority of them bashed him for his lack of creativity and showmanship and technical skill. In the eyes of the layaudience, "originality" didn't mean anything. It was the social connection; the interaction; the vibe of the experience that ignited their interest and reaction.

I'll end this by maintaining that although originality is indeed important, it's only a MINISCULE part of the pie to performing. Miniscule. Magic isn't about the tricks. It isn't about the performer. It's about the interaction and play you have with the audience. It's the impression you leave in their minds. If you win over an audience, you win altogether. Period. I believe there are some prominent names in the magic community that should not only accept that, but also learn from it. It's an important lesson to come to terms with.

RS.

your so right... everyone is trying to be original ..... they want to be a garcia or a kenner but really just doing tricks that fit your style and making those tricks yours is using originality...... you dont have to invent a trick to be an OG, you dont..

 

[KeoSilver]

your so right... everyone is trying to be original ..... they want to be a garcia or a kenner

How is wanting to be someone who is livingly like Mr. Kenner or Mr. Garcicles..I mean Garcia being original?
Anyway

I apologize if this seemed at all hard to understand... I wrote it at 4am this morning.

The thread title is basically your attention grabber to sum things up. I by no means am trying to say that originality in of itself is dead.... Practice and study till you just can't take it anymore, then practice some more. Only then will you find the process of going further to be easier. If it's already easy for you, God bless you.

Awesome post then, Excellent points and I agree with you not like it really matter just want to say I did.

 

[AsherF]

thanks. Means a lot.

 

[Andy.Boss.Glass]

I like this post, although I dont necessarily agree with what was said, I am here to make one point, I think it was said by Visual Artist, that creating variations is not creating? When in fact these small innovations are what led to better magic and new effects in the first place? Plus a lot of these new "effects" are mere variations on a theme. Most of the GOOD ones are based off an effect found in some obscure book. So, variations IS creating, whether is be good or bad. One may not have sufficent materials to know if its original to know if its original to other materials. If its original to your world, thats all that really matters.

My problem is when people try to market things they think are original with out proper research, study, or pure lack of effect/skill. Thats whats dying, not the originality, but the honesty once among fellow magicians is whats dying.

Before I end this i will relate a quote from latin that perfectly fits here:

"As Long as the Colosseum stands, Rome will stand. When the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall. When Rome falls, the world will fall."

 

[AsherF]

I agree in whole that variations is creating. But admit to yourself that it's a variation. By all means continue creating, we need it. We are no where near our limit. An original move, an original method, or an original variation, does not make it an "original" idea or effect. That's what my post is trying to say. I challenge you all to come up with an original idea or effect. Something truly original in means of plot, idea, effect, etc... I'm not asking for you to post your idea, I'm just asking you to think.

What do you mean by the honesty among magicians? I just want to clarify what you mean before I reply. .

 

[Andy.Boss.Glass]

Well, first of all, with the rise of the internet forums, you can wear a mask and bulls*it your way anywhere in the magic community.

Point two is all of the false advertising and lack of crediting being done these days to sell over prices DVDs and books.


There are still original ideas. Not effects, but ideas, yes. For example, during a triumph routine, taking the selection and inserting into half the deck, letting the spectator shuffle that half, and then shuffling that half face down into your face up half. It is an idea, it can impact people hard, and for the most part, its an original idea. Just because its a variation on the triumph plot does not mean its not an orginal idea worth performing.


Creating new effects takes much more time than you would first expect. ALL card magic is variation on themes, whether it be good or bad, its a variation on a theme. All the effect you can come up with still follow under some category. How can we begin to make a new effect if so many still need work?

 

[AsherF]

Not sure if by what you said is that you believe I'm wearing a mask here.

secondly, I'm standing where you are. I'm not writing this "essay" to encourage you to go creating these other worldly effects necessarily. I'm saying what you're saying, that we have all of these effects that need a tremendous amount of work. Like I said, we have so much to work with already. And there are several different definitions of the word "original" floating around. An original effect and an original variation are two completely different things. both deserve credit on their own.

 

[Andy.Boss.Glass]

Not sure if by what you said is that you believe I'm wearing a mask here.

secondly, I'm standing where you are. I'm not writing this "essay" to encourage you to go creating these other worldly effects necessarily. I'm saying what you're saying, that we have all of these effects that need a tremendous amount of work. Like I said, we have so much to work with already. And there are several different definitions of the word "original" floating around. An original effect and an original variation are two completely different things. both deserve credit on their own.

no you sound intelligent enough. No halloween for you. Its many of the other people on this and other forums.

I get what you are saying now man, good sh*t man. Im going to be up all night thinking about this.

Thank you for the first intelligent post in a while.

 

[AsherF]

No problem, much appreciated.