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?
158 comments
Dave Nickodemus
. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
I had just started my family entertainment business: Puppet Tales. Created a website, started sending emails to try and book shows. Was making some great progress. . . and then the pandemic hit!
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
To build it into a full-time business.
3. What do you do for work now?
I’m still doing magic and entertaining. The business continues to grow with a very busy summer season. It’s my full-time job now, but need to scale it to make it more financially beneficial.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
Continue to grow my business brining high quality magic and puppet shows to thousands of people, continue to improve as a performer with better magic tricks, stronger puppetry, great show scripts.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
Just need to keep getting my name out there, get in front of people, let people see what I do!
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
Keep bringing amazing effects that amaze both kids and adults!
James Donaldson
I was working as a Customer Service Representative in 2019 / My Goal was to be able to perform Professionally when I retire in January 2026 / Still working as a Customer Service Representative / Current Goal is to be able to perform Professionally at my local Dinner Theatre by performing some close up magic in a parlor room prior to the show, then segway into performing table magic during Dinner Time and then finally performing for approximately 30 minutes on Stage just before the Main Show. In addition I want to be able to perform some close up magic at different performance Venue Lobbies while waiting for the Doors to open. I would also like to perform some Street Magic at my local Zoo throughout the Park and then have a Stage Show 2 times a day in between / Current still working full time, Stage Fright and Self Confidence are my Cripplers are what are standing in my way. / Ellusionist can help by allowing me to submit several email videos of my performances to give me Strong Critique so as to improve my performance level and style of Comedy Magic.
tom miller
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
I am retired.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
I wasn’t thinking of magic at that time.
3. What do you do for work now?
Still retired.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
I want to put a half-hour to an hour-long show in a parlor-type setting.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
Mostly me. Can’t decide on the illusions or how I want to present myself.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
Here, I am not sure. I don’t want someone else’s canned act. I want to stay away from cards. Leaning towards mentalism, but would like it to be on the light side with a laugh or two.
Steven R Sabo
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? Covid
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? Fool my club members
3. What do you do for work now? finance
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? Put together a 30 minute show
5. What’s standing in your way right now? Not enough time
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? Find great effects that I could build a story around.
Steve Sabo
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? Worked at California State Prison
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? Audition for the Magic Castle
3. What do you do for work now? medical service
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? Serious hobbyist, and become part time Pro.
5. What’s standing in your way right now? Lack of time, commitments to work and family
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? Magic effects that are fitting to my character
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