We always want the best of everything and magic is no different. Well, maybe it is. Let me explain. In magic, there isn't a "best" method or "best" effect.
In terms of method, every method has advantages and disadvantages. Some methods may be angle proof, but require set-up in advance, some may begin and end clean but require some serious sleight of hand, some may be easy to perform but require a lot of presentation skill to pull them off. What makes an effect good or even great is the balance between the tradeoffs as it relates to a specific performer.
What that means is that no two performers will view an effect the same. For me, I have no problem beginning and ending dirty if the handling of an effect looks cleaner to the audience. For others, they would rather learn difficult sleight of hand so that they can hand out the deck for examination. Also, the tastes of performers are different. Draven is working on an upside down straight jacket escape while I'm working on a routine with giant 3D sponge bunnies and a collapsible top hat. We both think that those effects once polished will be the best... and we are both right.
Each magician has a different skill set and different needs. So what is the "best" for me might not be the "best" for you. In fact, what is "best" for me might depend on where I'm performing and who I'm performing for.
All that being said, most of the disadvantages to a method or effect can be addressed through presentation. That is, you can structure your presentation to emphasize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses.
When looking for new material, the first step is to identify what you like. Watch the trailers and see what is happening from the spectator's point of view. If you like that, then do some research and read reviews. There are lots of reviews here on T11, on E, on the Cafe and splashed across the internet. Ignore the reviews that say "Dis be a g8 trk" and focus on the reviews that give you both the positives and negatives for an effect or DVD. The final step is to ask yourself how you would perform the effect. What material would you pair it with, in what settings would you perform it and what scripting would you use to present it.
Now this isn't directed at anyone in particular because the "what is the best...." threads pop up a lot. those threads show a genuine interest and excitement in magic and a genuine interest in using the community here at T11 to help you progress. However, the search for new effects will be more productive if you focus on what is the best trick for you and not for someone else.
My last piece of advice is what I call the 6 month rule. Keep a list of things that catch your interest and that you want to add to your collection. If after 6 months you are still interested, buy it. You will find that a lot of what is initially exciting and seems to be the "best" will fade with time. This is especially true of newer magicians. As you learn more your tastes in magic will change.
In terms of method, every method has advantages and disadvantages. Some methods may be angle proof, but require set-up in advance, some may begin and end clean but require some serious sleight of hand, some may be easy to perform but require a lot of presentation skill to pull them off. What makes an effect good or even great is the balance between the tradeoffs as it relates to a specific performer.
What that means is that no two performers will view an effect the same. For me, I have no problem beginning and ending dirty if the handling of an effect looks cleaner to the audience. For others, they would rather learn difficult sleight of hand so that they can hand out the deck for examination. Also, the tastes of performers are different. Draven is working on an upside down straight jacket escape while I'm working on a routine with giant 3D sponge bunnies and a collapsible top hat. We both think that those effects once polished will be the best... and we are both right.
Each magician has a different skill set and different needs. So what is the "best" for me might not be the "best" for you. In fact, what is "best" for me might depend on where I'm performing and who I'm performing for.
All that being said, most of the disadvantages to a method or effect can be addressed through presentation. That is, you can structure your presentation to emphasize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses.
When looking for new material, the first step is to identify what you like. Watch the trailers and see what is happening from the spectator's point of view. If you like that, then do some research and read reviews. There are lots of reviews here on T11, on E, on the Cafe and splashed across the internet. Ignore the reviews that say "Dis be a g8 trk" and focus on the reviews that give you both the positives and negatives for an effect or DVD. The final step is to ask yourself how you would perform the effect. What material would you pair it with, in what settings would you perform it and what scripting would you use to present it.
Now this isn't directed at anyone in particular because the "what is the best...." threads pop up a lot. those threads show a genuine interest and excitement in magic and a genuine interest in using the community here at T11 to help you progress. However, the search for new effects will be more productive if you focus on what is the best trick for you and not for someone else.
My last piece of advice is what I call the 6 month rule. Keep a list of things that catch your interest and that you want to add to your collection. If after 6 months you are still interested, buy it. You will find that a lot of what is initially exciting and seems to be the "best" will fade with time. This is especially true of newer magicians. As you learn more your tastes in magic will change.
