23 Observed “Rules” or “Suggestions” for Magicians by Sharpo!® Types Of Magical Effect Categories
Hi, I'm Eric Howell Sharp aka "Sharpo". Here are some lessons I have learned about magic and life. I would like to share them with you. If you like them, use them!
1. Magic is a state of mind.2. Learn your Faro with an old crusty deck for two reasons: First, if you use a new deck you will turn it into a old crusty deck quickly as you practice. Second: If you can do a faro with an old deck then a perfect faro will come easier when you do pick up a new deck.3. Practice. It won't work at all in the beginning. Do it 1000 times but you will be see the impossible work long before that. Eventually the fingers and hands learn exactly how much pressure to apply to make a sleight work.4. Slow down and take each routine step by step and practice each step until your brain hurts. (Check with your doctor first!)5. Don't overlook self working tricks because fellow compeers may say they require no skill. The magic is the script. It is in the presentation or “selling” the routine to the audience.6...and Sell it you must! Being a great magician means being part snake oil salesman. Remember - Magic is a sweet deception...(Comedy is the ugly truth!)7. Simple tricks are fantastic and often new to spectators because other magicians dismiss them as too easy.8. Even if a spectator knows the secret, if you do it well you will impress them.9. I f a spectator wants to show you a trick - LET THEM! First of all it shows you have a connection by your mutual love of magic. Secondly you may learn a new trick to show others. Third: If they are doing it wrong you could assist in some corrections so they can improve.10. Practice no less than 2 hours every day and practice the tricks you are afraid to do in front of an audience. Eventually they will be so second nature and so easy for you that you will step up and add them to your act.11. Throw old decks into old shoe boxes so you can use cards to create fun new routines or make gimmick cards.12. Keep polishing old gems and creating new patter.13. If your routine is too complicated it won't seem magical. Make it accessible and the plot easy enough to follow that even if they are drunk they can still get it!14. When you aren't doing something? Do something! Roll quarters across your knuckles or practice different palms.15. If you screw up a trick in front of a spectator, don't panic. Clear your mind and improvise your way out of it or laugh it off and try again. Remember sacred alchemy. Turning lead into gold has specific steps and if it doesn't work - start over or go onto another trick.16. Don't take yourself too seriously.17. Believe in miracles.18. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Study, appreciate and respect those who came before you.19. Be ready at any time to do 30 minutes with a borrowed deck.20. I love card tricks and do tons of them BUT I'm telling you: Do something besides card tricks.21. Be yourself - but the most magical version of yourself.22. Be kind. Never belittle or embarrass another magician for their skill level or work. Help them if you can and remember that you both love magic.23. Always remember that our job is to entertain others. That is the most useful thing we can do with our gifts and talents. While we love what we do and our passion is huge - make it your business to share your passion and love and you will improve the lives of others.
© 2017 Eric Howell SharpSharpo!® Entertainment Productions
Hi, I'm Eric Howell Sharp aka "Sharpo". Here are some lessons I have learned about magic and life. I would like to share them with you. If you like them, use them!
1. Magic is a state of mind.2. Learn your Faro with an old crusty deck for two reasons: First, if you use a new deck you will turn it into a old crusty deck quickly as you practice. Second: If you can do a faro with an old deck then a perfect faro will come easier when you do pick up a new deck.3. Practice. It won't work at all in the beginning. Do it 1000 times but you will be see the impossible work long before that. Eventually the fingers and hands learn exactly how much pressure to apply to make a sleight work.4. Slow down and take each routine step by step and practice each step until your brain hurts. (Check with your doctor first!)5. Don't overlook self working tricks because fellow compeers may say they require no skill. The magic is the script. It is in the presentation or “selling” the routine to the audience.6...and Sell it you must! Being a great magician means being part snake oil salesman. Remember - Magic is a sweet deception...(Comedy is the ugly truth!)7. Simple tricks are fantastic and often new to spectators because other magicians dismiss them as too easy.8. Even if a spectator knows the secret, if you do it well you will impress them.9. I f a spectator wants to show you a trick - LET THEM! First of all it shows you have a connection by your mutual love of magic. Secondly you may learn a new trick to show others. Third: If they are doing it wrong you could assist in some corrections so they can improve.10. Practice no less than 2 hours every day and practice the tricks you are afraid to do in front of an audience. Eventually they will be so second nature and so easy for you that you will step up and add them to your act.11. Throw old decks into old shoe boxes so you can use cards to create fun new routines or make gimmick cards.12. Keep polishing old gems and creating new patter.13. If your routine is too complicated it won't seem magical. Make it accessible and the plot easy enough to follow that even if they are drunk they can still get it!14. When you aren't doing something? Do something! Roll quarters across your knuckles or practice different palms.15. If you screw up a trick in front of a spectator, don't panic. Clear your mind and improvise your way out of it or laugh it off and try again. Remember sacred alchemy. Turning lead into gold has specific steps and if it doesn't work - start over or go onto another trick.16. Don't take yourself too seriously.17. Believe in miracles.18. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Study, appreciate and respect those who came before you.19. Be ready at any time to do 30 minutes with a borrowed deck.20. I love card tricks and do tons of them BUT I'm telling you: Do something besides card tricks.21. Be yourself - but the most magical version of yourself.22. Be kind. Never belittle or embarrass another magician for their skill level or work. Help them if you can and remember that you both love magic.23. Always remember that our job is to entertain others. That is the most useful thing we can do with our gifts and talents. While we love what we do and our passion is huge - make it your business to share your passion and love and you will improve the lives of others.
© 2017 Eric Howell SharpSharpo!® Entertainment Productions