How To Become A Magician: 9 Pros Share Their Secrets

Noah Fay, a magician who started his professional journey as a teenager, emphasizes the importance of enjoyable and consistent practice for excelling in the art of magic.

We sat down with nine professional magicians from See Magic Live to gain valuable insights and guidance for aspiring magicians. Based on their experiences, these accomplished performers shared advice on best practices and the essential elements of success in the magical world. Here is a comprehensive guide that will help aspiring magicians enchant audiences with their captivating performances.

1. Resist the temptation of the latest tricks and focus on the fundamentals

Eric Yuhasz, a renowned magician, cautions against the allure of new tricks: "This is very tough to do since new tricks are released almost daily and the temptation seems endless." Instead, he encourages magicians to learn the ins and outs of a few tricks, then build upon that foundation. By thoroughly understanding how to integrate new tricks into their routines, magicians can save both time and money.

Yuhasz also emphasizes the importance of practicing effectively, as "perfect practice makes perfect." By seeking feedback from more seasoned magicians, aspiring performers can grow exponentially in both technique and performance. He adds, "Go out and find a community of magicians. Many magicians are willing to give tips and pointers on how to be better."

2. Find your focus and prioritize quality over quantity

Keith Kong, another accomplished magician, recommends learning as much as possible in the beginning, then finding your focus. "Once you have a vast array of knowledge, start focusing on quality over quantity." By prioritizing quality over quantity, magicians can refine their skills and develop a unique, memorable act.

Kong also reminds magicians not to forget the business side of "Showbiz," as performers must often wear many hats, from sales and marketing to accounting and graphic design.

3. Trust your instincts, work hard, and surround yourself with inspiration

Daniel Giandoni advises magicians to follow their instincts, work hard, and avoid setting limits on themselves. "Follow your instinct, work as hard as you can, don't put limits on yourself, surround yourself with people you admire because they will make you better." By surrounding themselves with people they admire, aspiring magicians can draw inspiration and knowledge from the experiences of others, furthering their own development in the process.

4. Practice, practice, practice

Noah Fay emphasizes the importance of consistent and enjoyable practice: "Make the time you practice something enjoyable so you will do it." By making practice sessions enjoyable, magicians are more likely to commit to their craft and excel in their performances.

Ari Novick reiterates the value of practice: "Be prepared for the learning to never end." He also reminds performers that continued growth is essential to success.

5. Treat every show as your first

Terry Ward advises magicians always to remember that their last show or next show is always their first show: "They should never be treated differently." This mindset encourages magicians to maintain a consistent level of enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism with every performance.

6. Develop both personal and professional character

Meraux Dantes emphasizes the importance of balancing fun and hard work: "Have fun AND work hard." To develop both personal and professional character, he suggests taking acting and business classes and performing as often as possible.

7. Study, share, and be open to feedback

Jimmy Ichihana encourages magicians to study what they enjoy and share their passion with others: "Study what you enjoy, share what you enjoy, and be willing to listen to advice/criticism.” By being open to advice and criticism, performers can learn from their experiences and improve their craft.

8. Seek a mentor to guide you through the wealth of information

Kostya Kimlat, the CEO of See Magic Live, emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor to help aspiring magicians navigate the vast amount of information available. He advises, "Find a mentor to guide you which knowledge is truly helpful. There's too much information out there and you don't know what's truly important." By connecting with a knowledgeable mentor, aspiring magicians can gain valuable guidance on what to focus on, enabling them to refine their skills more effectively and efficiently.

Go Forth With Your Magic

The path to becoming a successful magician is paved with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn from others. By focusing on the fundamentals, prioritizing quality over quantity, surrounding yourself with inspiration, practicing diligently, treating every show as your first, developing both personal and professional character, and being open to feedback, aspiring magicians can unlock the world of magic and captivate audiences with their enchanting performances.

As Eric Yuhasz wisely advises, "Do not be afraid to fail. Once they have given ample amount of practice, go out and perform. They will learn so much from performing. If they do 'mess up', then use that as a catalyst to get better. Fail your way to success!"

So, take this advice from eight professional magicians to heart, and embark on your magical journey today. With the wisdom and guidance of these accomplished performers, you can captivate audiences and create unforgettable experiences in the enchanting world of magic.