Commentary

Learning Magic Tricks – A Better Way to Practice

By Ken Ryan on January 3, 2018 0

People wanting to improve their ability to perform magic need to do one main task. That one main thing is practicing. The trick to this is to practice magic with your mind and not necessarily the number of hours that you put into it. Experts say that it takes over ten thousand hours to perfect any given domain and magic is no exception, although you can vary this time depending on how you are practicing it.

Key Takeaways:

There are three different distinct patterns magicians use, broken record, autopilot, and hybrid method.
Deliberate practice is a systematic and highly effective way to learn magic.
How one spends their time practicing is more important than how much time they spend practicing.

“Life is short. Time is our most valuable commodity. If you’re going to practice, you might as well do it right.”

The Impossibility Process

By Ken Ryan on December 29, 2017 0

The Impossibility Process is a film that explores what it means to be a magician. From the earliest stages of wonder and excitement about magic to learning the craft of magic to finally performing it for others, the film reveals the discovery process a human being goes through that ultimately leads them to practice the art of modern magic. It touches on the subjects of curiosity, apprenticeship, and stagecraft. It is a film that invites the audience to glimpse behind the scenes and see the craft behind the art.

Key Takeaways:

This work explores how a magician will progress through his craft.
Many people were involved in making The Impossibility Process into the work that it is
The Impossibility Process was filmed in Tannen’s Magic Shop, a place that has fostered magician development

“The feeling of impossibility surrounds the craft of magic, and magicians are the conduits for those moments.”

How Much!?! – How to Overcome Magicians Price Objections

By Ken Ryan on December 12, 2017 0

There are ways to overcome magicians price objections. It does not matter just how much you charge for your services as a magician you will always find some objections in your price quote. That is actually a good thing for you. If nobody questions how much you are charging, then you might be charging too little for your services. There are some secrets you need to know when it comes to people questioning your price.

Key Takeaways:

Magicians should handle objects to their price by staying silent 2-5 seconds, asking a question, and emphasizing their quality.
By replying with comments to the client that makes them explain themselves and shows your concern makes it more persuadable.
Objections to a magician’s price is common and to be a successful entertainer, you need to overcome them.

“An agent can play hardball far more than a performer talking directly to a client, so don’t push too hard, just find out WHY the client is hesitating.”

Magic Sets For Adults Do Exist – Here’s the Best Buys

By Ken Ryan on November 16, 2017 0

Magic kits are no longer for kids. Many of the best kits on the market are in fact targeted with adults in mind. One of the first is the one from Criss Angel’s Mindfreak line. He give great step by step and it is designed to help not only beginners but those more in the craft. There is also another one designed for close magic, specifically through sleight of hand actions. The last, called Dynamo, is strictly for adults and allows one to impress through updated skills and tricks.

Key Takeaways:

While most magic sets are created for kids, sets do exist with an adult target audience.
The top two recommended magic sets for adults are the Dynamo Magician’s Kit and Mindfreak Ultimate Magic Kit by Criss Angel.
The top rated sleight of hand set for adults is the Sleight of Hand Beginner Training Course.

“We’re pleased to tell you, magic sets for adults, do exist, and they’re pretty amazing if we may say so ourselves.”

The Next Step to Becoming a Magician – Most People Never Do This

By Ken Ryan on November 14, 2017 0

Learning magic and becoming a performing magician takes a lot of time, effort, and certainly skill. But there’s something else that every magician must include in his or her bag of tricks. Motivation. Of course it took motivation to get to the point where you can perform even some magic, which definitely puts you above most people who talk about learning a little bit of magic. But to take your act to the next level, and start striving for professional status, motivation needs to be just as strong as skill.

Key Takeaways:

You have to do decide what you want in life in order to make the next move
Motivation is the most important thing to have if you want to become a magician
Have the goal in mind ahead of time and use that goal when becoming a magician

“The next step is not about tricks at all. You already know enough. It’s about motivation.”

Why Magic Is Important TEDxVazhuthacaud

By Ken Ryan on October 7, 2017 0

Magic is fun. It is great entertainment for people of all ages. There are many reasons why you should have it as part of your life. It can delight and excite you in ways most other things can’t. Even if you’re an adult you can enjoy it. The importance of magic are described here so you know if you want to indulge in it. You don’t eed to worry about being too old or intellectual for it nowadays.

Key Takeaways:

The role of magic and a magician is more important in the world that you realize.
Taking your brain down the journey of wonder and exploration is a beautiful thing.
As we get older and learn and grow, wonders cease to exist. Magic helps us recapture those feelings of wonder.

“It’s a little long (as are most of the TEDxTalks), but it is always interesting to hear people explain their views on the importance of magic, doubly so when these views come from somewhere as far away as India.”