Magic - The Enigma

[wZEnigma]

I thought it would be nice to have a collective thread about improvement, and what magic truly is. Over time I'm going to link threads in here that are important to the magic society that is Theory11. I may not be the most qualified individual to do this, but, darn it, I'll do my best.

(For what it's worth, my username did not mean to reflect on the title - magic encompasses all, and obviously my username encompasses 8 characters. :P)

1. Do the real thing
If you turn over a single card, how would you normally do it? If you were a layman who had some experience shuffling cards and the like, how would you act? Maybe at the next game of poker you and your buddies have, you can observe a little. That's what magicians are, observers of people. So if you're turning over a double, make it look like a single, and make your singles look like doubles.

Another good example of this is regular riffle shuffles vs. fake. I recently discovered a good false shuffle which I think may be identical to the Manfred Shuffle, but took time to refine it. Then I made a habit of shuffling regularly, then performing the false shuffle. Shuffling for real, then fake. Real, fake, real, fake. It became kind of an unconscious action and I found I could multitask while repeating the cycle. This just makes the two actions almost synonymous, so when you do perform the false shuffle, it looks all that much more like the legitimate shuffle.

2. Disappoint yourself
Be critical of yourself. This might sound like a no-brainer, but in today's digital world that runs on Adobe Flash, we desire instant gratification and want to learn an effect and then immediately perform it. That cheapens the whole art of magic. Practice, practice, practice. That's the whole point of doing something. You build it up and then show it off.

However, in order to do so, be critical of yourself, to the point where you just almost give up, but that desire motivates you and fuels you to practice more. You'll have a lot less room for error, better reactions, and more confidence if you practice more than not. Now, I'm not saying you can't get that side steal down in a couple of weeks, but I'm saying you should know when to really show it.

Architecture and Magic: How Are They Related by Luis Vega
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=23749
(Luis has a few good points in here, they're just under a bit of talk of architecture.)


3. Go.Out.Perform
Read that entire thread. I can't stress this enough: you'll never be the best magician you can be unless you actually do something about it. Go out there and do something about it. Perform for humans - with a pulse and no webcam, gasp! - and show some friggin' respect for your art.

Performance is the best practice.

Also, in RD's thread he says this:

This thread and it's purpose are already dead man.....

Don't keep it that way. Bump that thread without the extravagant usage of LOLcats. Don't keep magic dead.

The Importance of Presentation and Performing by Sherlock
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=23875

September 2009 Cerca Trova: That Feeling of Wonder
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=21863
(Create a moment for your spectators! And they're equal - I'll elaborate on this later.)

4. Overcome your obstacles
I only have a webcam. But, darn it, I have friends with cameras. And who's to say an hour or so of their time filming their friend will not be ill spent? Buy 'em some ice cream, for crying out loud.

My point is, sometimes we feel like we can't accomplish something because of our limitations. That is false. You can do most things (obviously not something like rearranging molecules or eating the Great Wall of China) when you set your mind on it. Having a positive attitude actually changes the chemical reactions in your brain. If you think it, you are it. Think magic. You can rise above limitations in your life, just do it.

Effects for Special Needs or Handicapped Children by Reverhart
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=23873

This is Magic - Aim High by praetoritevong
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=21993

And I ALWAYS go back and watch this video:
http://www.theory11.com/beginners.php
It gives me insight into what magic truly is. The advice in that video is worth its weight in Chris Kenners.

I also make a point of reading. Magic history is magic's future. Too many new magicians who are 13 years old are butchering effects due to ignorance. Don't do that. Care about what you do. Come on!

Magic-Con 2010: Recommended Reading List by jonraiker
http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=23930
(Every book in here is worth reading. Check them out!)

So, I'll probably be editing this thread A LOT in the near future, so don't be afraid to suggest links to threads, videos, or even Twitter accounts that help magic grow. Challenge my perspective, and everyone else's. Help the magic community here on the forums.

That's it for now. Don't be afraid to help!

Ian

[Nino]

Great thread Ian, you should post some books and dvd about showship and presantion. Also books about the history of magic.

[MarcusDark]

This was great, thanks man, this is great for beginners and experinced alike.

[wZEnigma]

Thanks for the comments guys! I added the reading stuff.

Ian

[canadamagic]

It's good to see people helping others. It shows a real sign of maturity. Good work.

[RDChopper]

Really cool idea dude, and thanks for the mention, BTW I need to apologise because I had to take down all the videos of me performing (because the place where Im working asked me for it) but I may upload them in the future :P.


I can see great things and improvement coming from this thread. Thanks man.

[Luis Vega]

Here something interesting:

http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?t=23749

even when the title might discourage you to read it, there some good point in there, like how fear affects our magic, selfcriticism applied to yourself and why you should never stop trying new things

I really didn´t like that I got very little replies, hopefully you might wanna check it out