talkmagic.co.uk

Girly rant coming up here, but I am rather frustrated.

I was watching a performance of youtube last night of several Darwin Ortiz card effects. Whilst the technique was spot on, his hands were not!
Grr!
When performing close up card magic of that kind, the spectator is watching your hands like an audience would an actor on stage. They wouldn't perform in trampish clothes and not wash for weeks (unless the part required it) so grubby nails and unwashed hands need to be SORTED!

I was far from perfect, but a while back I was fairly happy with the cleanliness of my hands, until I met up with Michael Vincent for a wee performance/bit of advice type thing and he struck me down on the appearance of my hands. I've now become obsessed and venting my frustration on all those who have bad hand hygiene.

Love you all really

I can be a bit OCD about cleaning my hands. If I had the option I'd have the spectators wash their hands as well before handling any props.

I work in a hospital, preventing infection. My hands are pretty clean, especially after the weeks of training about it, and some of the things you can pick up from not cleaning your hands o_0

Yeah as a soon to be professional i gotta keep my hands cleaner.

Good hand hygiene is a must, especially, as you say, when the audience's full attention is on you and them.

I too am a bit OCD with hand washing, and agree with Jobasha about spectators washing their hands before handling props (especially cards - we don't want sticky cards!)

I too am a bit OCD with hand washing

Me too - I touch anything dirty or handled by others and I'm looking for the soap.

Speaking of which.....may O recommend the nail block from Bodyshop. It's a fourway nail file/smoother/polisher. And a bargain at only four quid!

There's this thing I have it's basically a liquid you rub into your hands and it cleans them just aswell as soap and water. I use it when travelling to my next venue.

hand sanitizer?

Bite the bullet guys and check out your local nail parlour or ladies' hairdresser who may be happy to offer a professional manicure for you - they cater for guys as well these days. They'll be sensitive to any awkward feelings about being in such girly places but you can always show them a few magcial miracles to set the scene and you might even get custom as a result. If I remember right, Craig Browning mentions doing readings and stuff in beauty parlours where there's lots of interest and repeat business to be had. And you might get your nails done free of charge as well!

clean hands, baby wipes, aftershave on the wrists (one tiny dab)...sorted..

It's very important.

I wear gloves whenever I do anything about the house or in the garden, its just not worth the risk of turning up with a large cut, or dirty hands.

Your hands are the tools of your trade, if they are scruffy it will make a difference.

Clothes are also very important, I see plenty of magicains that think they are smart by wearing a suit, but it looks shabby and the shoes are old or don't go!

Questions are often asked about fees.

The well presented smart/ clean magician will be able to command more than a Shabby Asda suited one with dirty nails!!!

The later may be the better magician but when selling yourself its you that counts first then the magic.

"Dress for success" if you look the part there is a very real chance you will get it.

All so very true. If you think about it, people are looking at your hands and are very possibly going to be touched by you. If you were that spec, you wouldn't want to watch a magician with dirty hands, so much nicer if you're nice and clean. Also I think perfume or aftershave is a really good idea, you're going to be up close with your specs so you've got to make user that you smell nice.

Wow I never knew that TM was such a hot bed of neuroses.

Is that dirty under your finger nails?

Im afraid to admit but I go and have a manicure before every performance so my hands and nails are shiny clean!