Blog Page

Struggling with Dry Hands When Handling Playing Cards

By Ken Ryan on August 12, 2017 0

Many external lubricants can be applied to your hands in order to better handle the grip and release of playing cards. The amount of effectiveness from the oils varies from individual to individual. It is important to understand the different effects each of the lubricants can have on a person. Some are more strong than others. Lubricants can have negative side effects that may outweigh the grip of the playing cards. There is always alternative methods to gripping the playing cards.

Magicians Training – Bottom Up Vs Top Down

By Ken Ryan on August 12, 2017 0

The bottom up approach for magicians is a very difficult thing for many magicians to master. It is like a chef going to the super market and buying different herbs that they like, but they do not actually need. If you were a chef, you would want to come up with the dish first and then go to the market and buy the things that you need. The bottom up is about selecting individual moves to work on and then tie them together in the final act.

Key Takeaways:

Decide what magic trick you want to perform and then assemble the “ingredients” of the trick, as you would with a meal.
Developing a master plan for an act, and then fitting together separate elements is a much more fruitful “Top Down” approach.
The “Show” you present to the audience is the most important thing, the techniques used to get there should be invisible to any spectators.

“When a magician works ‘bottom up’, he is selecting individual moves and techniques to work on, then he tries to tie them together into magic effects and ultimately an act.”

How Do Magicians Approach People With Confidence?

By Ken Ryan on August 10, 2017 0

Magicians need to approach people with confidence, if they are going to be successful. You need top focus on what kind of body language you have when you are walking around. Asking a friend to show you how you approach people in a good idea, as it will give some insight into what you need to change when trying to show people magic on the streets. You need to appear confident when you are approaching people.

Key Takeaways:

using body language is key to projecting confidence when one is going to perform a magic trick in public
acting and looking confident are essential, while actually feeling confident is not essential
using positive self talk can help you generate a confident mindset when you’re feeling nervous

“It’s a ROLE, and part of that is that you have to use the mindset that you are one of the most important people in the room.”

Me Doing Jay Sankey’s “The Messiah Vanish”

By MagicKen on August 10, 2017 0

I recently – finally – got my hands on Jay Sankey’s video, “Revolutionary Coin Magic.” Woot!

I learned a routine called Mr. Clean Coins Across from this video last year. Now I have access to all the routines! Buwahahahahaa!

Someone over at The Magicians forum requested that I do a quick video of me doing something I learned form this DVD, so I did a quick and dirty iPhone video of myself doing The Messiah Vanish. Here is the result of that.

As I mentioned, this trick can be found on Jay Sankey’s Revolutionary Coin Magic DVD, which is one of the best learning resources for coin magic ever, as far as I’m concerned. Granted, I’ve only been doing magic for a little over two and a half years at this point, but coin magic has been my main focus and I do have many of the recommended coin magic books and DVDs.

This DVD is harder to find than some of the newer ones, coming out as it did in the early 2000s – ca 2004 I think. But you can get it from Jay Sankey’s site here. Or try eBay, which is where I got my copy. Here is a link to it on eBay for one on sale right now.

I’m Shy Doing Magic Tricks For Friends

By Ken Ryan on August 6, 2017 0

In response to the question “what are you struggling with right now?” Scott replies with the following answer: he (Scott) is a working professional, who, in his day-to-day job presents material in front of crowds. However, as a beginner magician, he is shy to perform magic tricks in front of his friends. This affects his practice and performance.

In response to Scott’s answer, the following opinion is given- while Scott is playing a role in his professional life, there is a different tone when he performs magic for friends because they know him personally and are comfortable openly critiquing him on his magic.

This type of scrutiny can shake a magician as their toughest audience is friends and family.

If this is an issue in your own life, read this free ebook for strategies that might help.

Best Valentines Day Magic Tricks for Couples

By Ken Ryan on August 6, 2017 0

Magic tricks are fitting for Valentine’s day. There are several different tricks you can use which are appropriate for the occasion and also create a long-lasting memory. The tricks come primarily from magic playing card decks. Some of the items contain setd of tricks from . variety of well,known magicians. These tricks are versatile. While the intent is that they can be used for Valentine’s day they can also be used,for other romantic occasions such as a wedding.