talkmagic.co.uk

Hi, my name is Jim.

I'm from near Chicago, IL (25:EN) -- and I'm just getting started in magic. I've dabbled a bit in the past -- but the old rubber band jump trick or perhaps a "guess the card" trick were the extent of my abilities.

It seems that every day, more and more interesting tricks are being displayed, and there's a wider and wider range for people to see magic done. I really respect the art as so often tricks that take mere seconds are masterfully crafted works if ingenious illusion.

I've breezed through a few magic forums, and I've decided this would probably be the best one for me. I like that so much effort is put in to prevent giving away the secrets, and that the reviews are so honest.

As of current, I'm most interested in impromptu street-type magic... things that can be done with little preparation. Coin tricks, Card tricks, and the like -- though I'm willing to look into anything. It seems a day doesn't go by that something doesn't blow my mind.

Should anyone have good suggestions for tricks of the above types to learn, please suggest.

I'll be purchasing Sinful within a week (waiting for the paycheck), as the reviews on here (and seemingly everywhere else) are astoundingly positive.

I've also considered: Melting Point, The Self-tying shoelace, and a variety of basic street magic/coin tricks/card tricks/flourish DVD's. Any opinions are welcome, though I've read about a few of these from your reviews.

I look forward to being a part of this community,

- Jimbo

Jim, do yourself a favour and steer clear of most gimmicks. You'll end up spending a lot of money on one-hit wonders you get bored off or are disappointed by. You really have to do a lot of research to decide which you know you'll like and that means finding your own style first.

A good book or DVD of techniques that you can build from first is a good idea with a stock of really classic gaffs to back them up later. It's generally thought better to start with a deck of cards and either Born to Perform or Royal Road to Card Magic, but if you buy the latter on DVD make sure it's the 5 disk set.

Tomo's right Jim.

Welcome

Welcome Jim

I sort of agree with what Tomo has said about gimmicks but as a newbie to magic, gimmicks CAN and DO give you confidence in performing which is what it's all about. Obviously you want to be learning the basics (sleight of hand etc.) as well in order to become a magician, rather than a pub trick artist.

What I would say is select carefully and like most things, don't over do it with gimmicks. Most magicians use the occasional gimmick here and there anyway, even if they say that they don't. In my opinion there's nothing wrong with them in principle.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I do see your points, and would agree. I was also looking into a few street magic/card/coin type stuff.

I don't imagine that I'll (anytime soon) be performing in front of an audience, but I really like the idea of being able to walk around a bustling downtown and make a few people smile.

Thus, it seems tricks that have little preparation but leave a lasting effect are along the lines of what I'd like.

Starting with cards seems logical, I've already learned a few tricks and I'm starting to pick up a few basic flourishes, as well as cutting techniques.

Thanks again for the advice, I'm sure you'll hear more from me in the future

- Jimbo

I'm always intruiged as to why people class 'street magic' in with cards and coins when describing types of tricks.

Street magic is a style of performance and just about anyting can be presented as street magic if the performance is good.