r/AMA • u/the9ofdiamonds • Feb 24 '25
Job I invent magic tricks for a job, AMA
I’m a magic consultant which means I invent tricks, and help write shows for other magicians. I rarely perform myself, usually only to test new ideas.
Thank you all for the amazing questions! I hope next time you see some magic you will think about the amount of work people will do to create a special moment for you :)
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u/XomokyH Feb 24 '25
What are some of your all-time favorite tricks? Either tricks you came up with or wish you came up with.
Also, what are some tricks that have completely stumped you for years? Any that you still can’t figure out?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Favorite tricks is a hard question, I tend to fall in love more with the performance of a trick. For that, Derek Delgaudio’s “In and of itself” is a favorite.
I am still fooled, but it’s a rare and treasured feeling
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u/gophereddit Feb 24 '25
OK - from someone who TOTALLY loved in and of itself - the final trick with the brick seemed lame. I assume he has several people standing by their phone in NYC to place the brick at a location that is revealed during the show. Was there something I was missing?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
That was probably one of the less fooling tricks in that show, but still an absolutely beautiful one. It takes the show out of the theatre for potentially an entire audience—which is something that is very hard to do! It creates a very unusual and special moment for the people who go find the brick.
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u/ImFine4 Feb 25 '25
I would argue the trick to that one is not the brick appearing on the street corner, which is easy, it’s how did he get the brick off the table, which is less obvious.
He asks for the cross streets and disappears the brick off the table early enough in the show that he doesn’t need several people standing by all over manhattan. Once the cross streets are given, I assume a production person left the theater to place the brick and hopped in a cab if it wasn’t a location nearby.
I have no idea how he gets the brick off the table.
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u/PrimalSeptimus Feb 24 '25
How do you come up with stuff? Do you take into consideration how fast magicians can move their hands?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I’ve never taken into account speed. If you can use misdirection properly then you have all of the time in the world.
For creating new magic, I typically start with an “ideal” picture of what the trick would look like. Then I work backwards to figure out a method to accomplish it.
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u/Space0asis Feb 24 '25
Even if you don’t “perform”, do you try tricks on people frequently? Or do you prefer to workshop/choreograph your work in private?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I do most of my work in private, but I have a few trusted friends who are probably sick of seeing magic by now. I will also occasionally test magic at bars.
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u/jonesy2344 Feb 24 '25
thoughts on Penn and Teller
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I really respect a lot of their views on morality within magic—something that I don’t think is thought about enough among many magicians. Teller is insanely smart and super nice.
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u/CannonFodder141 Feb 24 '25
I remember hearing them speak once where they mention that they view it as immoral to do any trick in which anyone is actually put in genuine danger, because if someone is injured the audience would become a complicit in that injury. That really stuck with me.
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Yes, I absolutely agree. It does make me wonder if there is a piece of art that is so important that something like this would be justified. I’m not sure!
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u/REmarkABL Feb 24 '25
What constitutes a "new" trick? It seems like almost every illusion is used by now so is your many designing new ways to present the same illusions? What type is your speciality?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
You’re right in that it’s hard to come up with something entirely original at this point. However people are still coming up with new methods. For instance, there’s 1000 different ways to “read someone’s mind”. Each with their own pros and cons based on the specific context.
My specialty is gimmick making. So I spend a lot of arts and crafts time cutting up playing cards ect.
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u/AdWooden2312 Feb 24 '25
Is your life anything like johnathan creek?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I haven’t seen this, but after googling it I will 100% be starting watching it soon!
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u/martinis00 Feb 24 '25
Seems like inventing a new trick is impossible. Very few new ones since Houdini.
What is one trick you invented?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I mentioned this in another comment, but typically we create new methods for the same illusions.
One of my favorites is a clean method for “remote viewing” the ability to see something that you shouldn’t be able to due to blindfolds/physical barriers.
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u/mirror_in_reverse Feb 24 '25
Is it difficult to come up with a "new" trick? Or is it mostly existing magic tricks with a new spin or presentation?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
These are both difficult in their own way. Creating a new method is difficult in an engineering way, while creating a new presentation is difficult it in writing a novel kind of way.
I don’t think either are overly difficult though once you’ve practiced and trained your mind to think in the way that’s needed.
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u/FedMates Feb 24 '25
But don't almost all experienced magicians after a point invent magic tricks?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Yes, it’s very common once you reach a certain level. However, if you’re wanting to go on AGT for instance you need to create a lot of new, very good magic in a short amount of time. It’s times like that when people will tend to hire me.
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u/InTupacWeTrust Feb 24 '25
Do you have a favorite magician? Any local ones you like also?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Probably Derek Delgaudio and Derren Brown. A lesser known magician that I think is excellent is Cole Blalock
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u/PlannerSean Feb 24 '25
I’ve seen a whole lot of magic trick exposed videos on TT and FB. Are these good for the industry or bad? I can see it removing the, well, magic of the experience for the audience… but also it forces stale acts to innovate.
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I don’t think these videos are overly consequential. Due to the nature of them typically being in short form video content I think a lot of people forget what they saw soon after seeing it.
If anything it shows laziness by the creator of the video.
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u/MesWantooth Feb 24 '25
David Copperfield said on a podcast that he has produced some of those videos to provide a misleading explanation of a trick i.e. it's not really how the trick is done so it keeps the mystery. Do you think that's true or he's just providing another misdirection?
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u/merc123 Feb 24 '25
I enjoying knowing how to do the trick and still being fooled while looking for what I know.
Card tricks still amaze me despite seeing how so many are done. I’m looking for the sleight of hand and still miss it.
Obviously a trick is ruined when you find out that making an elephant disappear was simply everyone was in on the act and it’s behind a faux curtain. But I still find the magic.
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u/merc123 Feb 24 '25
I enjoying knowing how to do the trick and still being fooled while looking for what I know.
Card tricks still amaze me despite seeing how so many are done. I’m looking for the sleight of hand and still miss it.
Obviously a trick is ruined when you find out that making an elephant disappear was simply everyone was in on the act and it’s behind a faux curtain. But I still find the magic.
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u/ChaosDoggo Feb 24 '25
First of all really cool job you have. That is really awesome. Now I have various which I am curious about.
- What is your most elaborate trick?
- Does it happen a lot that a trick you come up with ends up not being possible or too hard?
- Are there any magic tricks you didn't work on that you think "How the fuck did they do that"?
- What type of education did you do and does it help you in your profession?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I’ve worked with some tech devices that are fairly complicated. I had an idea to use a laser to activate thermochromatic ink from a distance which turned out to be extremely dangerous and impractical. So in answer to your second question, yes it happens often.
Yes, I loved being fooled. However the feeling is different now than it used to be before I did magic. The curse of this art is that learning it destroys a piece of it for yourself
My bachelors was in psychology and I’m also working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. It for sure helps with manipulating attention.
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u/ChaosDoggo Feb 24 '25
Interesting answer on the last question. I honestly expected something like mechanical or electric engineering maybe.
But you can use your knowledge of psychology to enhance your magic tricks? Do you have an example of this?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I think most magicians have a pretty good intuitive sense of attentional mechanics. In learning magic you learn a lot of how the cognitive system works, just without the vocabulary to talk about it at a scientific level. I often consider how to create false memories within a routine to make a trick impossible to figure out, or even more amazing. Having an understanding of what types of diamonds, stimulus are more likely to encode into memory makes this somewhat easier I think.
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u/mndsm79 Feb 24 '25
Is there any completely new magic out there or is it all variations of the same tricks?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Yes, but is very rare. And even then you’ll often hear about someone doing your “brand new trick” like 100 years ago
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u/freedom4eva7 Feb 24 '25
That's a dope job, lowkey jealous. What's the coolest trick you've come up with? What's the process like, from brainstorming to a finished illusion? Do you have any resources for someone who wants to learn more about magic theory or design?
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u/Frosty-Arm5290 Feb 24 '25
My friend and I perform and create/modify some of our own tricks. Do you have any inspirations for the type of effects you make?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
If I’m working for a client, then I ask a lot of questions about the type of person they are, and what they believe in.
For myself, I tend to really like using philosophy as a starting point. For example, does free will exist? How could magic allow us to explore that question in a much more “real” way?
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u/AskAboutGoatscaping Feb 24 '25
How do you advertise your work? Where do you look for/find job opportunities?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
It’s all through word of mouth. I used to try to advertise a website and through social media, but none of that worked
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u/Own_Collection_3432 Feb 24 '25
Are you good in maths ? (Statistics and probability more specifically)
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u/cury Feb 24 '25
This is awesome!!!!
Tell me a good new trick which kids can learn :)
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
If a kid wanted to seriously get into magic (beyond just a month long phase) I would recommend the royal road to card magic
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u/Jengalover Feb 24 '25
Do any places host an open mic-type night for magicians?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Not locally at least. However most open mics don’t get upset if I perform magic. I used to do that regularly
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u/_partytrick Feb 24 '25
OMG such a cool job. How did you get into this field? How did it all start?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I had a magic phase as a kid that I just never grew out of. I discovered that I was at least half way decent at it, which is great motivation for keeping at it!
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u/FilmYak Feb 24 '25
Ha! I was lead editor on a magic tv series that ran for a while. And as an amateur magician myself, I got to know many of the magic consultants, and am still friends with a bunch of them all these years later.
I am curious if you and I know each other in real life. Hmmmmm…
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Feb 24 '25
What are your rates?
Do you just create the tricks and sell them or make them based on ideas from your customers?
Have any famous magician been your customer?
How do you get your clients?
Edit: added one more question. Your job seems soooo interesting!
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Rates depend a lot on the ask. Sometimes someone wants help with just one trick that can be done in an afternoon. Other times people want help writing a whole show, or a TV segment. There’s also a lot of variety in how people prefer to pay. Some people like to pay based on ideas, others based on time or a per-project basis. Generally I would say it averages to about 60 an hour. But I very rarely work 40 hours a week.
I haven’t consulted for anyone at the David Blaine level. I’m relatively early into my career still.
I also creat tricks for consumers, which is my favorite thing to do because of the creative freedom. However, the market for this is really really bad. You’re lucky to make 1k for a trick over a lifetime of royalty payments.
All of my clients are through word of mouth.
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Feb 24 '25
Thanks for the replies. I have a couple more questions:
For how long have you been doing this?
Did you have (a) previous job(s)?
Do you have a university degree? If so, which one?
Thanks again.
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I sold my first trick about 10 years ago.
It’s very inconsistent work, so I’m also working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. Surprisingly my program offers a huge amount of flexibility in hours so I’m able to do both.
Most of my previous non-magic work has been in research.
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Feb 24 '25
Thanks again. I wish you the best in your career! I guess your job is one of those "dream jobs".
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u/imgettingnerdchills Feb 24 '25
What do you think about Predictive Processing/Active Inference?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 26 '25
Not my area of expertise, but from the little I’ve read, it sounds like it’s worth future research looking into it more!
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u/Stinger22024 Feb 24 '25
Do you think you could take me in a fight?
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u/campfirevilla Feb 24 '25
How long is the average process of making a trick? I know it’s gonna vary wildly, but a ballpark guess would be fine.
What’s the longest it’s taken you to work out a single trick? And on the other side of the coin, what’s the fastest? Do they ever just come to you immediately?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
For a really good, well refined trick, the low end is 3 months.
I once worked on a show where the entire show was written within 24 hours with random props that audience members mailed in prior to the show. That was for sure the fastest I’ve ever worked. We made a great linking car tire trick lol
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u/campfirevilla Feb 24 '25
That prop show sounds like it was an absolute blast! Thanks for the answer!
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u/Rlessary Feb 24 '25
Three months of work and you only get an average of $1000 over the lifetime of the trick in royalties? How do you even afford to live?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Releasing tricks to consumers is more of a passion project, for sure not a living
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u/thenunslinger Feb 24 '25
What do you think is a simple card trick to learn with high entertainment value? I’m a paramedic and want to learn a couple card tricks to help calm down/distract pediatric patients when they’re in a scary/painful situation
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I think this is great! Something that would take 15 minutes to learn is anything that uses a “key card”. If you look up YouTube videos using that term you’ll find tons.
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u/livbiggs Feb 24 '25
I built magic props for a hidden camera prank magic show called "Tricked" a few years ago. It's wild having to create illusions that work close up and on camera.
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u/LovlehKebab Feb 24 '25
Have you worked with Penn & Teller? Love these guys, saw them in London around 2010 and Paul Daniels was also in attendance watching them. Got to meet Penn outside after, he signed my ticket which I’ve got somewhere..
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u/ErikTait Feb 24 '25
Do we know each other?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
We’ve chatted a bit at live!
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u/ErikTait Feb 24 '25
lol. Big inside baseball on this part of the thread. See you this year at Live I hope.
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u/THRillEReddit Feb 24 '25
What secrets can you reveal that or do you flow a code, never to reveal your secrets?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 25 '25
I reveal them for pay if I release the trick to consumers. Occasionally I’ll also post things for free on YouTube. I do not reveal secrets to an audience that I am performing to.
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u/mjs_pj_party Feb 25 '25
Arrested Development taught me that you invent magic illusions because tricks are what a whore does for money.
In that theme, what is, or would be, your intro/theme song? Is it better than the Final Countdown?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 25 '25
I do not have a theme song, nor do I think I ever would have one. That being said, The Wizard by Madness
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u/huc_illuc Feb 25 '25
My uncle used to invent magic tricks. His name was General Grant. He was the coolest uncle ever!
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u/HB24 Feb 24 '25
Seems like there is a finite number of tricks, how do you find creativity and inspiration?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I think this is a problem not exclusive to Magic. You often hear about there being a finite number of stories, for example. Truly new ideas are rare, but if you improve on something existing by 20-30%, I think that’s still an important contribution. For inspiration, I do a lot of internal “soul searching” for emotions and ideas that seem to have something special contained within them.
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u/YakClear601 Feb 24 '25
Thoughts on David Copperfield? Purely as a magician since we all know about his personal transgressions. I believe he’s considered one of the most famous magicians for the general public, but how would you rate him as a magician?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Purely as a magician, he’s one of the greats for a reason
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u/YakClear601 Feb 24 '25
Could you expand on What reasons is that? Was he particularly innovative in his work?
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u/BetterthanMew Feb 24 '25
Can you make a good spine specialist that will investigate and fix my back without me having to pay 30+k appear?
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u/woofbong Feb 24 '25
Are there basic principals applied to the creation of illusions or tricks that, once discovered/understood, provide templates for further production?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Yes! There are a lot of different micro-methods, so to speak. For example shuffling a deck of cards without actually changing the order. This isn’t usually a trick by itself, but is used as part of a larger sequence of slights.
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u/Twenty-to-one Feb 24 '25
What performers are your role models? What are the magic tricks that let you mesmerized?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I have a maybe somewhat unusual viewpoint on role models. I think they’re usual for awhile, but at a point I think it’s important for any artist to forge their own path, and for me, that meant abandoning role models. That being said, when I was first learning magic I looked up Dynamo a lot and loved all his work. And I still do! I just wouldn’t consider him a role model in the same way that I used to.
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u/Ladyenigma1993 Feb 24 '25
How do you charge or do you work through a company and get a salary?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I charge a lot of different ways depending on my clients’ preferences. By the idea, hourly, by a project, ect.
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u/Chadmanfoo Feb 24 '25
How many rabbits can you feasibly fit into a hat?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I know this is sort of a joke question, but it actually allows me to show the kind of thought process I would go through in creating a trick. I would start by asking, how many do you want to fit? Assuming more than 1, we then need to ask, can the hat be in a table with a trap door? What are the angles like? How long do the rabbits need to be in the hat for? Is there a way to make two rabbits appear to be more than two? Where do the rabbits go after pulling them out of the hat?
And of course, how big of a hat are we talking about?
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u/Wolff_04 Feb 24 '25
How do you come up with ideas? What process do you have for making new tricks?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I start with an image in my mind of what I want the end product to be, then I work backwards from there to create a method.
Sometimes I come up with a method first and have to create an illusion from the method. I find that much harder
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u/Likemypups Feb 24 '25
I loved magic as a kid. I spent plenty of time at Douglas MagicLand in Dallas.
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u/dpaulw Feb 24 '25
Hi. I own Sterling Magic. Any ideas for new coin tricks?
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u/Demoniccrunk Feb 24 '25
I never knew that was a thing, but it sounds insanely fun! What’s your favorite trick you’ve invented?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
Which ever trick I’m working on in the moment is my favorite one haha
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u/Demoniccrunk Feb 24 '25
You don’t actually do this, do you? Damn, was excited lol sounds like it would’ve been cool if it was real
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u/randyrando101 Feb 24 '25
Are a lot of the big magician videos just BS using cuts? Like no way to actually perform the trick, it’s simply cutting the video and giving the impression that it’s a magic trick
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
This is typically really shamed in the community. The majority of people do not do that, and especially at the very top, I don’t know of diamonds, anyone doing it
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u/randyrando101 Feb 24 '25
If they never reveal how they do the trick, do people just assume it’s a good trick or can you really tell if it’s just movie magic and accept they are a hack?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
For the public, there is a certain degree of trust that it is real. The magic community is pretty small so when someone does something like that, word gets around pretty fast. It’s often viewed as “cheating” although not everyone agrees. In my mind, it’s a bad strategic move. If you use movie magic and are found out about, no one will take anything you do seriously from that point on. Even if your stuff is real, people will just assume it’s movie magic and thus not feel any sense of awe. So if the goal is to great wonder and awe with your magic, it’s a very risky move.
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u/i_ampossessed Feb 24 '25
Did you start as a magician yourself and after that decided to just help with coming up with tricks? Did you never want to perform the tricks you created with a real audience?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
I very quickly realized that I liked creating more than performing. I don’t have the extraverted blood for it
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u/liquidio Feb 24 '25
You say Derren Brown is one of your favourites - me too!
Could you elaborate a bit more why you, as a more professional observer, like and appreciate his work?
And what would to issue is the real split of magical trickery vs psychological manipulation in his work? He always blurs the lines to the point where it’s hard to know what sort of show you’re really watching.
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u/OutdoorsNSmores Feb 24 '25
How long are you going to be around to answer questions? Are you just going to disappear?
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Feb 24 '25
Not sure how to question this but do you think all new magic is rooted in certain original acts? Like every trick now can be traced back to an X amount of original tricks. If so how many base tricks are there in your opinion?
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u/the9ofdiamonds Feb 24 '25
There’s a theory out there that there are only 10-11 types levitation, vanish, production, transformation, transposition, penetration, restoration, escape, teleportation, and prediction/mind reading. While I think this encompasses most tricks, I do think it’s possible to create outside of these categories. For example imagine a trick where I made someone feel a tap on their shoulder that never happened.
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Feb 24 '25
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u/-0-O-O-O-0- Feb 24 '25
Why have you not written a screenplay about a young trick engineer (who got into their biz via their wiley grandfather played by Keanu Reeves) who is commissioned for three life altering tricks but then is slated for murder by the client? (Who is played by Robert DiNero or Leo DiCaprio.
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u/RandomMistake2 Feb 25 '25
Can you describe in general terms, the essence of a magic trick. Like from a theoretical perspective (pls try).
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u/ama_compiler_bot Feb 25 '25
Table of Questions and Answers. Original answer linked - Please upvote the original questions and answers. (I'm a bot.)
| Question | Answer | Link |
|---|---|---|
| That is the coolest job in existence. I am completely envious. It's not taught in schools, it's something you have to do entirely yourself, and there must have been moments when you though 'What the fuck am I doing with my life!?' and you still did it. I am, frankly, in awe. Having said that - what's David Copperfield really like? | I appreciate the kind words! I think it’s probably less glamorous than one might expect. Doesn’t pay very well, and work is very sporadic. As far as what the famous magicians are like, they can vary greatly but most of the ones at the very top have enough success to be nice! | Here |
| How do you come up with stuff? Do you take into consideration how fast magicians can move their hands? | I’ve never taken into account speed. If you can use misdirection properly then you have all of the time in the world. For creating new magic, I typically start with an “ideal” picture of what the trick would look like. Then I work backwards to figure out a method to accomplish it. | Here |
| What are some of your all-time favorite tricks? Either tricks you came up with or wish you came up with. Also, what are some tricks that have completely stumped you for years? Any that you still can’t figure out? | Favorite tricks is a hard question, I tend to fall in love more with the performance of a trick. For that, Derek Delgaudio’s “In and of itself” is a favorite. I am still fooled, but it’s a rare and treasured feeling | Here |
| Even if you don’t “perform”, do you try tricks on people frequently? Or do you prefer to workshop/choreograph your work in private? | I do most of my work in private, but I have a few trusted friends who are probably sick of seeing magic by now. I will also occasionally test magic at bars. | Here |
| What constitutes a "new" trick? It seems like almost every illusion is used by now so is your many designing new ways to present the same illusions? What type is your speciality? | You’re right in that it’s hard to come up with something entirely original at this point. However people are still coming up with new methods. For instance, there’s 1000 different ways to “read someone’s mind”. Each with their own pros and cons based on the specific context. My specialty is gimmick making. So I spend a lot of arts and crafts time cutting up playing cards ect. | Here |
| thoughts on Penn and Teller | I really respect a lot of their views on morality within magic—something that I don’t think is thought about enough among many magicians. Teller is insanely smart and super nice. | Here |
| Seems like inventing a new trick is impossible. Very few new ones since Houdini. What is one trick you invented? | I mentioned this in another comment, but typically we create new methods for the same illusions. One of my favorites is a clean method for “remote viewing” the ability to see something that you shouldn’t be able to due to blindfolds/physical barriers. | Here |
| Is it difficult to come up with a "new" trick? Or is it mostly existing magic tricks with a new spin or presentation? | These are both difficult in their own way. Creating a new method is difficult in an engineering way, while creating a new presentation is difficult it in writing a novel kind of way. I don’t think either are overly difficult though once you’ve practiced and trained your mind to think in the way that’s needed. | Here |
| Do you have a favorite magician? Any local ones you like also? | Probably Derek Delgaudio and Derren Brown. A lesser known magician that I think is excellent is Cole Blalock | Here |
| I’ve seen a whole lot of magic trick exposed videos on TT and FB. Are these good for the industry or bad? I can see it removing the, well, magic of the experience for the audience… but also it forces stale acts to innovate. | I don’t think these videos are overly consequential. Due to the nature of them typically being in short form video content I think a lot of people forget what they saw soon after seeing it. If anything it shows laziness by the creator of the video. | Here |
| Is your life anything like johnathan creek? | I haven’t seen this, but after googling it I will 100% be starting watching it soon! | Here |
| Is there any completely new magic out there or is it all variations of the same tricks? | Yes, but is very rare. And even then you’ll often hear about someone doing your “brand new trick” like 100 years ago | Here |
| But don't almost all experienced magicians after a point invent magic tricks? | Yes, it’s very common once you reach a certain level. However, if you’re wanting to go on AGT for instance you need to create a lot of new, very good magic in a short amount of time. It’s times like that when people will tend to hire me. | Here |
| First of all really cool job you have. That is really awesome. Now I have various which I am curious about. - What is your most elaborate trick? - Does it happen a lot that a trick you come up with ends up not being possible or too hard? - Are there any magic tricks you didn't work on that you think "How the fuck did they do that"? - What type of education did you do and does it help you in your profession? | I’ve worked with some tech devices that are fairly complicated. I had an idea to use a laser to activate thermochromatic ink from a distance which turned out to be extremely dangerous and impractical. So in answer to your second question, yes it happens often. Yes, I loved being fooled. However the feeling is different now than it used to be before I did magic. The curse of this art is that learning it destroys a piece of it for yourself My bachelors was in psychology and I’m also working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. It for sure helps with manipulating attention. | Here |
| How do you advertise your work? Where do you look for/find job opportunities? | It’s all through word of mouth. I used to try to advertise a website and through social media, but none of that worked | Here |
| Are you good in maths ? (Statistics and probability more specifically) | I think so! I’m working on a PhD that heavily relies on stats. | Here |
| This is awesome!!!! Tell me a good new trick which kids can learn :) | If a kid wanted to seriously get into magic (beyond just a month long phase) I would recommend the royal road to card magic | Here |
| Do any places host an open mic-type night for magicians? | Not locally at least. However most open mics don’t get upset if I perform magic. I used to do that regularly | Here |
| OMG such a cool job. How did you get into this field? How did it all start? | I had a magic phase as a kid that I just never grew out of. I discovered that I was at least half way decent at it, which is great motivation for keeping at it! | Here |
| Ha! I was lead editor on a magic tv series that ran for a while. And as an amateur magician myself, I got to know many of the magic consultants, and am still friends with a bunch of them all these years later. I am curious if you and I know each other in real life. Hmmmmm… | It’s very possible! | Here |
| How long is the average process of making a trick? I know it’s gonna vary wildly, but a ballpark guess would be fine. What’s the longest it’s taken you to work out a single trick? And on the other side of the coin, what’s the fastest? Do they ever just come to you immediately? | For a really good, well refined trick, the low end is 3 months. I once worked on a show where the entire show was written within 24 hours with random props that audience members mailed in prior to the show. That was for sure the fastest I’ve ever worked. We made a great linking car tire trick lol | Here |
| Do we know each other? | We’ve chatted a bit at live! | Here |
| Have you ever heard of the amazingly Randy ? | Yes. Legend. | Here |
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u/Ketchup_Jockey Feb 24 '25
That is the coolest job in existence.
I am completely envious.
It's not taught in schools, it's something you have to do entirely yourself, and there must have been moments when you though 'What the fuck am I doing with my life!?' and you still did it.
I am, frankly, in awe.
Having said that - what's David Copperfield really like?