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
Jason
Working at Stewart Marchman in 2019 doing piece work
I was just having fun learning illusions from the Internet
I don’t have a job.
To be a full time magician would be a nice goal to have.
I can’t get an agent.
Ellusionist could get me an agent.
Austin Alby
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019? I was a Patriot missile defense system enhanced operator/maintainer.
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time? I was inventing different effects when time was allotted.
3. What do you do for work now? I’m getting certified as a reiki master and in the spinal flow technique.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days? To continue to learn, develop and share effects that bring joy and amazement to people.
5. What’s standing in your way right now? I’d have to say most likely “this economy”.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there? By potentially working with me to make a dream come true or if you guys are hiring remote etc I’m all in.
Jack
1. What were you doing for work back in 2019?
Retail Marketing Manager
2. What was your big goal with magic at that time?
To engage with that magic community at large. To go to Blackpool Magic etc. and eventually go pro.
3. What do you do for work now?
I have just quit my job to pursue magic full time.
4. What’s your goal with magic these days?
I need to make it into a sustainable business that can support myself and my family.
5. What’s standing in your way right now?
I need to increase my bookings and improve my marketing.
6. How could Ellusionist help you get there?
I’m not sure. Perhaps some content on going pro would be great!
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