Magic is nearly everything for me. I'm a teenager and am really beginning to put some thought into my future. I really don't want to be stuck in a tiny cubicle punching numbers into a computer all day. I want to do something I really love like magic or guitar playing. I think the thing I have the most skill and passion in is magic. This seems like the best option for me however I have some questions.
How much does a career in magic actually pay for most people?
I'm beginning to feel quite discouraged. There are hundreds of thousands of magicians in the world the majority of them are probably more skilled or privileged than me. I live in the middle of Colorado and have NOTHING magic related at all in my area. I have no friends interested in magic. There are no magic shops, competitions, etc. in my area AT ALL. I can't go to any magic shows or try out for the Magic Castle or anything. I'm really starting to question choosing to focus on magic as my career.
Should I focus mainly on something more attainable and just sticks with magic for fun on the side? I mean would a career in magic even pay the bills?
I would give ANYTHING to be a famous magician but I don't want to shoot for the un-attainable. The odds of that happening seem to be very slim, however, because of all the others with more skill or privelages than me.
ANY input would be great.
Thanks,
Charlie
If you have the will power to stand on your own two feet, the tenacity to take what is yours even if it is out of the hands of another magician, the will power to not back down when everyone else around you is sure of your failure, and the pure burning desire to succeed no mater what the personal sacrifice is then you should see your dreams come true.
Magic is entertainment. No one said the entertainment business is easy, quite the opposite. In our industry we have a bit of a joke term that we toss around called a "starving artist". Everyone knows what it means, sure everyone kind of chuckles at the notion of being one, but the connotations are very real.
But if you can hold to your dreams, and push to be better than you were the day before, then you have what it takes to make it. The rest is just formalities.
Here's my advice, plan to move to Los Angeles, Texas, Chicago, New York, or Las Vegas. Those are the hubs of the entertainment world, in specific magic.
Join the Academy of Magical Arts/ Magic Castle no matter the risk or cost, if not but for one year. Use this time to network, fine tune your act, and watch others work. The things you will learn there about magics history, how to perform, patter, scripting, magicians politics, the people, and access to their library is worth more than any formal education, and more than mere words can express.
Work a restaurant gig for at least one year. It will teach you much about patter and audience control, as well as how to read a spectator/mark.
Get used to working for little to no pay for the first how ever long it takes to start getting regular paying gigs. It's paying your dues, we all go through it.
Consider getting an agent or manager to market and book for you. Be prepared to change your agents and managers as much as diapers, and for the same reasons. Sooner or later you'll find one that works for you- Pardon my pun.
Consider the internet as a viable option to "fame" and "fortune", as much as TV or other popular media. It
will be the new frontier of entertainment in the very near future. Mark my words the next Criss Angel or David Blaine will come from the internet before they come from the TV.
TV Shows, and specials are over rated. A standing theater, or any for that matter, gig is just as good if not better.
Join at the least ONE major magic society, be it the IBM, or the SAM. if you don't know what those mean, look it up.
Study the art of entertainment more than the art of misdirection. I know a hundred magicians who have more technical chops than half the working pro's but they are as entertaining to watch as paint drying. If you are good in magic you may work once or twice. If you are good in entertainment you'll never be out of work period.
Find someone who knows more about showbiz and magic than you do, stick a tap into their head and suck them dry for every scrap of knowledge they have. Figure out how you can apply that knowledge to your life, then own it. Live it. Don't be a clone of this person, but let their teachings guide you, and shine through you. Become yourself.
Find your own identity in magic. Market yourself as much if not more than your skills. It is better to be remembered for your individual than your skill. If someone remembers the kick rear card trick you did the other week but not your name, you'll never get called for a booking. If they remember you, the card tricks won't matter.
Develop your own unique performance "character".
Invest in a promotional kit. Invest in yourself.
When you are making 10 million a year at a casino in Vegas, don't assume you're either rich or famous. Only assume that you still have more to learn, achieve, and improve upon. Also be grateful for what you've achieved, never lose site of where you came from, but always keep a firm mind on the road before you.
DO NOT BECOME A FAN OF ANY WORKING PROFESSIONAL IN THIS INDUSTRY AT ALL COSTS! Admire them for their accomplishments, respect them for their work, but leave it at that. You're just as good as them. You're an equal. Get over the hero worship double time. If you don't, you'll never be taken seriously.
Never assume you have nothing to learn or improve upon. If you ever reach that state, retire.
Never turn your back to a magician unless you like the feeling of a knife wedged between your shoulder blades. Be nice to everyone, trust few, and always play your cards close to your chest. Magicians cheat, lie, steal and deny. It's the nature of our kind, and contrary to popular belief there is no honor among thieves.
Take the words and advice of any magician with a truck load of salt (Including my own.) No one has all the answers, and anyone that says they do is lying.
Learn your history. It will repeat itself, and it will pay to be ahead of the curve.
Have fun, and never let this become a job. Don't lose your passion, and don't give up on yourself, or your act. Remember you are in the public's eye while you are a magician, and thusly you are always an inspiration to someone. Don't shoulder that burden carelessly.
Good luck to you.
