Hi, I was wondering how people store all of their effects and items.

I'm a starting out coin magician and I find female jeans/dresses/tops as impractical for storing large numbers of coins/jumbo coins etc, whereas male clothing seem to just have much deeper/bigger pockets and more of them!

What props do you bring around (if you're a close up magician) and how do you store them?

I have a vest that is fully pocketed. It is worth it to get a seamstress to make and pocket up a vest.

I also use the pockets in my pants for flat things like $ bills or Ring and Ribbon. I always wear pants.

I also carry a very small black leather purse which is very solidly built and quite plain. 9 1/2"x3"x6 1/2"

Sometimes I will load my pockets and ditch the purse but if I'm not sure of my surroundings I'll carry it with me. It has a shoulder strap option but that looks bad on me.

Unfortunately this excellent close-up case is wearing out and is (apparently) irreplaceable. This currently carries 25 effects including Ninja Rings, and a contact juggling ball. (way more than I ever need or should carry. LOL) I really only need about 9 things for most gigs.

I have a friend who also does Close-Up but takes an entirely different path. She's much more feminine and wears haute couture cocktail dresses. She carries a HUGE purse and brings a portable drop down table to put it on. I've worked a gig with her and as unconventional as is sounds it worked great for her.

http://www.net-magic.fr/FOLDING-TABLE-METAL-ALUMINIUM

Good Luck.

-Mary Mowder

Thanks Mary. Yeah I wear trousers and have a bag with an accessible side pocket. I was definitely thinking of tailor-making a suit jacket or altering male jeans to fit. I was thinking more along the line of normal clothing, wondered if there was a way of not having to get specialised clothing for it. I was also wondering about creating a "mobile" topit that would have snap buttons and attach to some articles of clothing etc... Hmmm..

That's quite incredible, 25 items?!

Thanks!
Sam

I believe a woman should use the most natural close-up bag in history, the ladies purse. It is a perfect close-up case. Get one with the adjustable strap, over the shoulder or shorten for the grip. Section the inside for your different tricks you wish to carry. On the inside walls, attach small pockets form fit your tricks. Like Jumping Gems and Flash Rod, long narrow pocket, then sew or glue in on he wall of the purse.

As far as clothing, wear women's clothing. If men had the massive selection woman had, it would be a nightmare. Depending on your body type, I find nice pleated slacks and a nice contrasting blouse looks very smart. If you prefer a jacket, they make great ladies jackets and blazers, or whatever they are called. Remember, no elastic waist lines.

I believe you should dress like a casual business woman. Nice hair style and not much jewelry. Although there are some necklace tricks that you could wear as jewelry.

Liz Claiborne always had a nice sharp look for women.

I'll tell ya one sharp-looking lady magician! Miss Edith from Germany! She has a website:

http://www.missedith.de/indexEN.php

Doug

I guess you are talking walk around magic? Be sure to create a character that fits you. Then, match costuming and clothing to that character. Sew topits into your clothing for vanishes and carry an appropriate carry case (purse, belly bag, etc.). I bring a small bag with me when I do close up, but I mainly work stage shows and do not have to carry anything around for my performances.