The Magic Industry Changed. Did You?

1. In 2019, I was working at a mental health center doing intakes.
2. I was literally just learning card tricks on YouTube. Literally no goal.
3. Now I’m a social worker that does emergency response with police. Assessing safety for suicide and other mental health related emergencies.
4. My goal for magic was to do one paid magic performance a month this year. So far so good. I do mainly private parties.
5. Time is standing in my way. I have 2 kids and I’m married. So I don’t have all the time in the world.
6. I don’t know. But I love the content, how to control minds took my Mentalism show from 1-1000 over night!

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
1A. Working in Warehouse
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
2A. Actually I had kind of strayed. (had given away tricks to a magician)
But, once magic shop opened up again they started doing in person events etc.
3. What do you do for work now?
3A. Still at warehouse. (luckily was considered essential during pandemic)
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
4A. Just collecting magic books, decks, and used/cheap small tricks from local shop. Do simple tricks for nephews or holiday themed for family.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
5A. Have Diabetes and fingers and mind don’t always work right. LOL
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
6A. Simple or Shortcut tricks ways to do same thing VS medium to expert slight of hands. (costs as well)
Thanks so much for the chance to win and apply discount(s)
Would help me or anyone else
All the best, good luck all

I’ve been an educator for most of my adult life. I started out in magic as a hobbyist and a few years in, discovered that I don’t enjoy performing, so I considered myself a ‘magic historian’ or collector of stories and methods and left it at that.
During lockdown hours, I reconnected with a good friend and magic buddy and we got to talking about theory and how most magic performances of our youth weren’t the types of shows we actually wanted to see. With that as a catalyst, we started having weekly sessions where we would dig out old props or write new routines. It didn’t take long for us to have a full set of new ideas to share, and as the world was re-emerging, I approached our local SAM chapter about running a workshop/lecture. With the ball rolling, we gave our first lecture a little over a year ago and have since done a half-dozen more. He does the performances and I do the teaching portions and it works out great for both of us. We get to do what we want and don’t have to do the parts we don’t.
I always tell my students that not everyone is going to play major league sports, but if you want to be in the League, see what else you can do. Every sports team needs a good statistician just as much as they need a coach. Over lunch one day, Dr. Larry Hass walked me through seeing how magic is just the same. Some people are performers and some people design tricks, write reviews, produce shows, etc. I’m still a teacher full-time (new school but similar work) and I write curriculum in my spare work time. But in the magic world, I have consulted on several shows, helped produce a few more, and have another new lecture (with my co-creator) in the works.
So Ellusionist – what does it look like to get a lecture produced on the website? Or have a booklet picked up? Because the thing in our way right now is distribution and name recognition. We’re growing in that department, but still need some help.

1. I was a full time magician in 2019. 2. My biggest goal was to replace equipment. I lost 50 yeears of magic and over 100 books in a house fire Oct. 31, 2018. 3. Now I perform magic full time at paid gigs. 4. Goal is to settle into retirement, perform part time, and continue to replace burnt up props and books. 5. Standing in my way: Not much. Just more money to replace props. 6. Ellusionist can help me with gift cards to help replace props. Thank you.

1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?

In 2019, I was employed in security for Bristol-Myers Squibb, where I applied my background in workplace safety, organization, and leadership to help maintain a secure and professional environment.

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2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?

At that time, my primary goal with magic was to establish myself as a professional performer. I focused on creating opportunities to entertain at restaurants, bars, corporate events, trade shows, private parties, and weddings—building a solid foundation as a working magician and connecting with audiences across various settings.

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3. What do you do for work now?

I am currently employed in security with Lucid Motors, continuing to utilize over 16 years of experience in security and supervision. My role involves ensuring safety, maintaining high operational standards, and supporting organizational efficiency.

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4. What’s your goal with magic these days?

My current goal is to create “Magic with a Cause.” I’m focused on producing shows that promote cross-community collaboration, bringing together non-profit organizations and local businesses to benefit the communities they serve. Each event is designed to create a WIN, WIN, WIN—for the non-profit, the local businesses, and the community. Through these partnerships, my goal is to use magic as a bridge for connection, awareness, and positive impact.

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5. What’s standing in your way right now?

The main challenge I’m facing is finding the right partners who see the value and opportunity in what I’m building. I’m seeking individuals and organizations who share the vision of using entertainment as a tool for community growth and mutual benefit.

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6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?

Ellusionist could help by providing creative resources, professional guidance, and visibility to amplify my message. Access to innovative effects, professional collaboration, and marketing support would strengthen my ability to reach larger audiences and expand my mission of creating meaningful, cause-driven magic that inspires and unites communities.