Back in 2019, I had one goal: perform magic full-time.
No backup plan. No “safety net.” Just a deck of cards and a head full of delusion that passion alone could pay the bills.
Then the world shut down. Venues closed. Gigs vanished. And suddenly, “being a performer” felt more like a dream than a job description.
Five years later, I prefer the stability of a paycheck. The structure. The security. The comfort of knowing rent will get paid, even if I don’t pick up a deck for a month.
But I started wondering… am I alone in that?
Did the pandemic change how you see magic too?Did it make the dream smaller - or sharper?Did it turn your passion into a hobby again?
I want to know where the community stands now.Not just the pros, but everyone - from bedroom cardists to working mentalists.
So tell me:
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?3. What do you do for work now?4. What’s your goal with magic these days?5. What’s standing in your way right now?6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
Respond below with your answers and we'll pick one comment at random to win a $100 Ellusionist Gift Card. (Yes, really. No catch. We just want to hear from you.)
158 comments
Chance Gonzalez
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? I was doing magic and agriculture
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? To stick a needle through my hand and sew my mouth shut – which I did
3. What do you do for work now? Construction and magic
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? I want to do a crazy stunt just need to save for it
5. What’s standing in your way right now? The funds to pay for the training and equipment
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? Keep producing things that excite me and others in the field! Love this site and the people that run it
Ritchy Flo
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
I was doing music and limited magic gigs but I started performing by way of word of mouth mainly a few gigs a month.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?I just wanted to perform self produced magic shows. I was working towards that.
3. What do you do for work now? I teach making beats at a music school and magic gigs.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? Scale my business and get less of the gigs I don’t want and work towards more magic shows and work on my internet magic series’.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?Time is always the biggest factor. Finding resources to pursue the dreams.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? Keep putting out quality magic to keep magic living and keep magicians excited about performing magic. The more magicians feel like they have good material the more likely they are to show magic to people which pushes the art the most. I’d say people get the tricks and are successful but a lot of people don’t know how to open up to groups of people and not only show them compelling magic but how to keep their attention in order to create the best moments.
Stephen Baxley
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
Back in 2019, I was working in ministry, serving with youth and kids at my church. I was also beginning to do more with magic and entertainment on the side — mostly performing at church events, community gatherings, and small shows.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
My main goal back then was simply to earn some extra money— and in the process, learning how to connect with people through magic and bring joy and wonder to my audiences. I wanted to use it as a tool to engage people, spark curiosity, and build relationships, especially in ministry settings.
3. What do you do for work now?
I’m still in ministry, leading youth and kids programs at my church in IA. I am also building my mentalism and performance skills more seriously, including building a presence on social media.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
Now my goal is to take my performing to the next level — crafting a professional, engaging show that blends entertainment, mentalism, and storytelling with meaning. I want to perform more regularly and make magic and mentalism a bigger part of my career.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
Time and resources are the biggest challenges. Between ministry, mentoring, and magic, it’s tough to consistently refine my act, develop new material, and get in front of the right audiences. I also want to improve my marketing and overall stage presence.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
Ellusionist could help by providing tools, routines, and mentorship that elevate my performance — not just tricks, but guidance on presentation, creativity, and structure. Access to resources that focus on storytelling, audience connection, and stagecraft would be huge in helping me reach the next level.
Bill Fry
1. IT
2. It was just about hobby.
3. I’m retired from the military and I busk on the weekends
4. Book shows and pursue Magic as a full-time gig.
5. marketing and booking gig consistently.
6. A product was sorely needed in the Magic community right now is actually how to book shows consistently.
Ethan Knespel
Back in 2019 I just got out of the Army trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do now. My goal with Magic was to be a full time performer. I’m a Welder now. My goal with magic is still the same I want to perform full time. I’m standing in my way, I’ve lost motivation. I’m not sure how Ellusionist could help, but I would love to hear back from someone who many have some ideas or advice on how they stay motivated or advice on what steps I should take to be a performer. Thank you
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