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I started by doing a few basic self working card tricks. I then bought some cheap sets, as I didn't know where to get anything else.

These were enough to get me hooked into magic. I then found a few magic shops and Sites, so I began ordering whatever seemed to sound good effects.

I had no idea what type of magic I wanted to do, so I ended up buying a whole range of items.

Packet card tricks.
Gimmicked coins.
Close up and bar magic.
Childrens stage magic.
Sub trunk, Livestock to girl and Trickonometry, all large stage items.
( The last 3 cost me a few thousand pounds alone.

I ended up with so much stuff, that the things which seemed harder to do, or needed some time to set up or get right.
I then used the "you can perform in 5 minutes" tricks.

The results of all of this:

I have spent about £7000 on magic, although I now wont be needing most of it.
I didn't learn how to PERFORM, as the tricks were aimed at people who take them out of the wrapper, then show the trick as soon as they can.
Note that I say "show the trick." The idea is that you should perform the magic.
I can't do sleights, so now I am having to start learning, after wasting a few years by being lazy.

There are items that I bought because I have enjoyed seeing them, aswell as them having that "wow" factor.

For example, I bought a set of multiplying bottles, after laughing so much when the great Tommy Cooper used to do them.

I haven't the same personality, so when I tried them out, the result was rather flat. You have to buy what you feel suits YOUR PERFORMANCE STYLE. If you buy items or try to perform things you have seen on TV because you feel it is a must have, think carefully.

Think if it suits you, and what YOU CAN GIVE TO IT. You want something that has YOUR personality in it, not a poor copy of a TV magician.

Now for some "Do's"

If you are unsure what type of magic you want to get into, start with a book ( or DVD if you have to). I have mentioned "Mark Wilsons Complete Course In Magic" in other posts.
Why? Because for between £10 and £20, you can learn such a range of magic, without needind to pay out much on props.

You can learn cards, sponges, rope, silk, cups and balls, impromptu magic and more.
The items you need to do these, can be got for almost no cost. By the time you have learnt a range from here, you should have a feel for the type of magic that sits comfortably with your personality.

I said earlier that I didn't know what type of magic I wanted to do. I think that it was a mixture of close up and illusion/ stage, that I really wanted to learn.

I do childrens magic, because that it what I feel is right for me. So be prepared to change direction. Let your style find the type of magic for you.

So my advice is start with one or two books, preferably ones that cover a range of magic.

Find what suits you.

Don't start showing your tricks.
Learn them, learn how to PERFORM them.

You will still end up buying lots of items, but at least you will, I hope, buy things you can use to entertain, rather than put away in a drawer.

Hope this helps.

Darrel.

Great post! i have written something like this for TM. May be on here soon

Phew! So im not the only one then...!?!

Agree completely - books books books! ...possibly DVDs...!

I speent waaaay too much on magic over the years and only perform like 40% I reckon... I think anything you can do that is (or looks) impromptu is worth its weight in gold!

Darrel,
Great post! Many beginners go through the same thing. Maybe it is part of “paying your dues.” But man, that “dues” can really be expensive!

Some folks (especially the younger set) become victims of clever marketing, think they can buy the latest heavily promoted tricks and DVDs, mimic what is espoused and instantly become great performers. One can’t listen to Vladimir Horowitz on a CD, buy a piano and a book on piano playing and expect to become a great pianist. The same can be said for becoming a great magical entertainer. The real “dues” to be paid is study of the classic texts on the art, work, time and experience.

Guidance from an experienced, qualified mentor can shorten the time and make the road less bumpy. An experienced mentor knows the inside “scoop” of the entertainment business and the difference between “magician playthings” and quality books, DVDs, apparatus and learning resources. That guidance can save a lot of time, tears, effort and money.

Again, Darrel, a great thought-provoking post!

Regards,
Gerald

Now that is one hell of a case of CUPS you got there.