talkmagic.co.uk

I'm a newcomer to the magic scene, a university student here in Canada.

Hoping to meet and chat with other more experienced illusionists to help improve my own skills and get a better handle on the tricks of the trade.

Welcome

hopefully I can avoid this CUPS thing I keep hearing about all over the forums

I actually havent bought any sort of instruction DVD's (which seem to be all the rave), but it's really tempting. Unfortunately, as a student, I can't afford such things! I might have to settle with some books or the help of a mentor.

If I can find one...

This forum seems to be a great place for all sorts of discussion however.

welcome, i have noticed your name poping up around the net.

Go for books, in the long run they are better. I am a college student here in the states. And i have experience. So dont be afraid to ask questions, as long as your not asking for the secrets.

of course not, I'd never expect anyone to divulge their secrets

so far I've tried the cheap and dirty method of looking at explanations on the net, but they are poorly laid out, and generally speaking they are poor quality tricks.

Does anyone have any tips on what kinds of tricks to learn first? I find that im most capable with card tricks. I've been practicing sleight of hand with coins and other things but it's still coming slowly.

Any advice is absolutely welcome.

A good book to start with is Royal road to card magic. Teaches the basics very well. And its only like 15 bucks.
Card college is another good book set, but it is pricy as a set.

and a few will say born to perform.

Thanks! I'll look into it.

I have another question though, when I see amazing tricks like the monster card box thing on ellusionist.com, are tricks like that something that a beginner can do? Or are they the kinds of tricks that require a large amount of experience in the field.

I would hate to ever be tricked into thinking I was ready to do something (or purchase something) just because a website tells me it's easy.

My first instinct when seeing it was "wow, I would love to be able to do a trick like that", but being the rational person I am I decided that it was probably something that required a lot of "stage presence" and presentation...

something I really dont have in any form yet.

I dont own it. But personally i would say, start with the basics and work your way up. Start to learn presentation, thats a big big part of magic.

Welcome to TM. A Mentor would be very helpful, I had one when I first started (still friends after over 25 years) and it helped tremendously. Look for local magic associations or magic shops and start going. The opportunity will probably present itself and I have found that many magicians enjoy teaching as well and would be glad to help.

Welcome.....which Universtiy do you go to?

Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. My hometown is Calgary, but im taking computer science here.

Welcome to TM!

Although I believe that even a complete newbie can do any trick out there with enough practice...lots of practice...No newbie can present it well as presentation comes from YEARS of practice. Now I am not saying that you should wait a years to buy this effect, I do believe you should start with card tricks build a foundation to how you want to present your effects as everyone has a different style...something that you cannot learn from a book or DVD, not even from a mentor. Learn some card sleights and tricks to a point that you can do them with your eyes closed, then present them to a crowd. If you have mastered them to a point where you can do it with your eyes closed you will only mess up 8/10 times instead of more than half (...I learned the hard way when I first started out in magic). When you are actually presenting something for the first time (nevermind actually presenting ANYTHING for the first time) you get nervous and you will mess up (which is normal and you should never give up). However it is a lot better for everyone if you build your foundation in presentation with card tricks rather than something big.

~David

I am originally from Vernon, but now reside in Medicine Hat......Calgary is a great city. Are you familiar with the Vanishing Rabbit in Calgary?

moodini wrote:I am originally from Vernon, but now reside in Medicine Hat......Calgary is a great city. Are you familiar with the Vanishing Rabbit in Calgary?

I am not <.<

But thank you for the advice David.

I am a University student as well, (in the US) and I have found that this is a great place to test out your magic. There are so many people, and its a great way to meet folks. Also, give it a try at parties and you will be the hit of the room!