Alright.... So I sat through most of your series to try and get what I could out of everything you put out, and this is my thoughts on them as a whole (because I assume that is the only reason you are posting them is so that you can know what we, your fellow magicians that hang in the theory11 forums, think of your work). This is to include all the other videos you quickly lashed out because i don't want to jump from topic to topic.
My biggest question for you would be, what is it that you are going for??? Are you just a guy that pulls out a bunch of tricks with a deck of cards and other various objects, or are you striving to be a master of illusions??? Aaron Fisher went deep into the difference of just doing tricks and making your sleights a thing of beauty during his "online lecture" at
the magic session. Granted, you clean up well, your sleights are there. It overall appears that you can pull these things off. And if you want to be one of those that goes around fooling others, hat off, you are there. It doesn't take that much to get there, so you have arrived. But do you want to be one of those that shines, that makes people think, that "mysterious things" happen while he is around? If so, you have a lot of work to do (And I am not trying to put down your style, because guess what? I am not that much better than you, the difference is that I can't stand just walking around and fooling people.) Here are some quick tips if that is where you want to go:
1. Interaction with your participants... Give them a reason for being there, and not just to "see some cool tricks." Talk with them, tell them stories, make them feel apart of what you are doing. And having them pick a card is not participating, just in case you haven't figured out. The truth of it is, you really shouldn't do more than three, but most the times two, "pick-a-card" effects in one given situation. But back to the main topic, interact with them! I could go on and on about that, but I am sure you already know how you can do that better, just do it.
2. Be more confident with your effects. Granted, it is always nerve racking with certain things. But here is a saying I hear all the time: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. If you were just to relax a bit and go with it more, your performance would be way better.
3. Work on your transitions. The move from one effect to another was hard, and so all the effects seemed to blend together with no purpose at all. There was to start or finish, it was just one giant "look what I can do" routine.
I will be honest, I think I spent way too much time dissecting these videos, mainly because I like to see what others are working on. You are doing fine, and I am sure that as you continue to work on it, you will get better. If you have any questions about what I just said, feel free to PM me because I am always willing to help.
