To Question Creativity

[William Draven]

Here's a little mental exercise for you to ponder dealing with creativity, and personal development. This is of course a hypothetical situation, so please feel free to submit your own thoughts or insights.

Suppose you are entering the entertainment field as a working professional, and you legally possess a sir name identical to another well established performer, (Blackstone, Thurston, Houdini, Kellar, ETC for example); do you keep your name, and ride the trails of their established fame or do you change your name for sake of being original?

 

[Zac Eckstein]

I'll take ride the trails of their established fame. Time to be honest, if you want to become famous, you'll ride the name for all it's worth. Just my opinion though.

 

[~Illogical_Illusionist~]

I would honestly choose to be original. Although tailing their fame will go on for a while, I think it will "get you noticed" more than bring you fame. I guess I should explain that last part. By getting noticed I mean more in way that people notice you are just riding the name, I don't mean getting noticed in a good way. Also if you use the name, that easily throws you out for comparison against one of "the greats" who you call yourself to be. On the other hand, being orininal let's you create your own image and style. Getting fame from originality is way more self rewarding (for those that care) when you look back on your accomplishments. Its like saying would u rather take the long trip to the top floor using the stairs or would you rather take the elevator and only use the stairs for the last 5 floors. Most people might "take the elevator" doing it the easy way but knowing you made it to the top on your own is a lot more rewarding in my book.

 

[TeeDee]

To honest, I don't think having a more famous magician's surname would have much impact on your career, unless you chose to really push it and make a point of it. It would probably be a talking point for about twenty seconds:

"What did you say your name was?"
"Barry...Barry Blackstone."
"Oh right, I'm sure you get this all the time, but; any relation?"
"Not as far as I know!"
[CONVERSATION ENDS]

Having said that, I quite like the fact that I've got the same name as Thomas Denton, the obscure eighteenth-century magician, translator of La Magie Blanche Devoille, and coin counterfeiter. For all I know, I may be actually related to him, and I hope that someday, someone Googles "thomas denton magic" after watching me perform, and has a moment wondering whether my skills come from some esoteric oral tradition handed down through generations of my family.

 

[RickEverhart]

I'd stick with my own and try to somehow make my character suit my name. Silly Billy style probably. My name is Rick and I've always thought of just being Tricky Ricky or Rickster the Trickster for my kids shows only. Kids like that stuff.

 

[William Draven]

Rick, if you didn't do a routine with a pet Raccoon, a known trickster, I'd be disappointed! Perhaps even a Robbie?