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DaveM Special user Germany 788 Posts |
I feel I may have ruined an otherwise good hobby. In putting together my tabled faro video, I practiced to the point where it just wasn't fun anymore (and just kept going like the energizer bunny). I kept doing the faros alone for a minimum of two hours daily. Once the camera stopped rolling, I haven't picked up a deck of cards since...going on two months now.
It may have taken this for me to realize that I may rather watch magic than perform. Buying the Ninja Rings set (one of the most magical effects I've seen recently) kind of ruined the effect for me, and should've been a sign. In my quest for the secrets, I have removed most of the charm and wonder I experienced. Dave |
Riceboi Regular user 144 Posts |
I'm sorry to hear this Dave. I say take a short break and come back. Maybe you should only stick to cards, or try something new like coins. Don't quit!
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eddieloughran Special user 942 Posts |
Your make two seperate observations here.
Regarding overpractice, just as Riceboi says, take a break. Two hours a day on one move is a bit much. Remember, some people have to do more boreing jobs eight hours a day, all their lives. Relax enjoy it. The second point, that once we know the secrets of tricks they lose there magic. I agree compleatly. I only learn tricks to perform, not through curiosity. I don`t ask how tricks are done. I don`t care! But it still saddens me when magic loses its surprise. Eddie |
MrCyNic Loyal user England 238 Posts |
Dave, I know exactly how you feel.
I got so burned out from working in magic a while back that I almost quit altogether. It wasn't a specific move that did me in, it was the systematic chipping away at my sense of wonder. I think all magicians, professional or not, are hobbyists at heart. I lost sight of that and it took a couple of years to recharge. Long story short: take whatever time you need and come back fresh. Sometimes all it takes is a small step back to remind you what brought you to the party. Cheers, Cy. |
DaveM Special user Germany 788 Posts |
I'm going on holiday later this month, either to Prague or southern Spain. That should let me "reset" somewhat.
I never imagined that I would become pretty proficient on tabled faros....then proceed to try and beat it completely into submission. I was completely obsessed. When I do return to cards, it will be "sans" table faro. Those six remaining tapes I have to mail out will be my only tie to this sleight. I'm just happy that I finished the tapes and am able to share the knowledge with fellow magicians. Though I haven't touched cards since the taping, I still can't put down "Ortiz at the Card Table"...so all isn't lost. His work keeps me coming back again and again. Dave |
hackmonkey Inner circle England 1093 Posts |
When I was a hobbist I used to ove doing magic any chance I got. If someone asked me I would be up straight away doing stuff. In the last few years since I have become a 'paid' professional performer, I no longer have this eagerness. I still love reading magic books and watching T.V specials, but now I don't always want to know how a certain effect I saw is done, I just enjoy watching it done. Now if people ask me do some stuff when I am 'off duty' so to speak I will do one effect. A few years ago they would have trouble getting rid of me.
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chrisis1 New user Amsterdam 70 Posts |
I know the feeling. But it always came back. I got two daughters and thought that's real magic, why should I care for those Bicycles? I practiced the on the McBride tapes untill I hated them...but still the magic came back!
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halcon Loyal user 251 Posts |
Ditto for me. I burned myself out. I went on a two year hiatus while I concentrated on other things. Now I am back, but not with the intensity I once had.
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Ozer4 Veteran user NYC 329 Posts |
I know exactly what you guys mean. I burned myself out about 2 or 3 years ago, and was doing tons of gigs then. Doing the same thing over and over really got to me, and I added new stuff to my act, but I found it wasn't so much the material, as magic becoming more work than fun. I took some time off, and last summer I got back into magic again. I became more creative and started making up my own effects and doing magic as a hobby more than doing shows all the time. I still do a fair number of shows, but it still is fun, so to speak.
-Oz |
marko Inner circle 2109 Posts |
I left magic for about three years. Didn't even touch a deck of cards for over a year (scary thought for some of you, I'm sure). It was very good for me. I came back more creative and informed. If you burn out don't force yourself to keep with it. You'll only grow more tired of magic. Allow yourself some time off. As long as you need. It'll come back to you when it's ready.
Thought: Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage.
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Jonatan B Veteran user Gothenburg, Sweden 342 Posts |
Actually, you shouldn't practice if you don't want to - that way you´ll learn better when you feel enthusiastic about it.
Jonatan Bank
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Josh the Superfluous Inner circle The man of 1881 Posts |
Dave,
I recently got back in to magic after a 22 year break. It took about 3 months to get back up to speed. This time I started at the bottom and worked my way up, knowing exactly what bad habits to avoid. I see it in a whole new light and I'm having a blast. Your magical experience will contribute to your new life, and if you come back, your new life will contribute to your magic. I vote take a break. -Josh
What do you want in a site? "Honesty, integrity and decency." -Mike Doogan
"I hate it, I hate my ironic lovechild. I didn't even have anything to do with it" Josh #2 |
Kevin Ram Special user Travelling through Europe 791 Posts |
I came across this post whilst looking for something else.
I thought I'd restart it as it is something that interested me. I remember nearly burning out after practicing Riffle stacking. It has taken years, and I'm still not completely happy. It had frustrated me so much with marathon sessions day in day out. I nearly burnt out and at one point thought of jacking it in, I mean magic altogether. I left it a day or two and was OK to go again. For those two days, I was seriously thinking about other things to do with my life other than magic. This was a year ago and still going. Glad I kept with it. Got some interesting ideas for the future(magic wise). Anyone had this experience? Kukram
"Your the Italian stallion" As said by my g/friend
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T. Joseph O'Malley Inner circle Canada 1937 Posts |
It sounds like many of you are saying that practicing can burn you out if you overdo it, but maybe for some of you it's a lack of actually performing for people (though some of the posters address this too). Sort of like a band that rehearses in the garage all the time but rarely plays live. Playing live is usually more fun.
Maybe it would be good if you had another hobby that you could switch over to once in an while, ie a hobby that doesn't involve magic.
tjo'
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Angus New user 50 Posts |
I thinkI was one fo those that decided magic waswhat I wanted to do. The day I realized that I no longer was awed by the performance of others due to trying to figure out the trick is when I took some time off.
Now after a year I'm getting back into it hoping that I can not take it quite as serious and just have fun with it. |
T. Joseph O'Malley Inner circle Canada 1937 Posts |
Trying to figure out the trick:
My 2 cents would be to simply turn off that part of your brain that tries to figure out the trick when you're watching another performer, and sit back and simply enjoy the presentation of what it is they are performing. It is not all about secrets, right?? We know that you can watch one guy perform an effect and it isn't that great, but another person can perform the same effect and it is fantastic. Why? This has little to do with the secret and more to do with art. So if you're burning out maybe it's time to stop thinking about the technicality of things so much, and focus on other aspects.
tjo'
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Fayaad Manie Loyal user 237 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-07-19 19:22, kukram wrote: I feel exactly the same. I think I really practice too much, whether it is riffle stacking, table faro, new false shuffles,etc. I really think that I should'nt put my usual 6-8 hours of practice a day and I have slowed down because it can really cause some problems (if not big) with your relationships with people in that you do not dedicate enough time for them. But if you practice as much as I do, you tend to get bored. But even after just a short break you get right back into it. But I strongly believe that one should not practice to the point of exhaustion. You should stop practicing the moment you feel that you almost had enough. Fayaad |
Michael G Regular user 102 Posts |
I think I enjoy practicing because I don't have a set amount, or even practice everyday, just when I have some spare time I'll pick up the old pasteboards. I really enjoy trying to nail certain tricks and sleights ( even if I can't ). I still find practice rewarding, but then again I am a newcomer to magic. If I've had enough of cards, I'll try and refine my cups and balls routine, or whatever I feel like doing. I think I'll be a hobbyist forever, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still enjoying performing for people though, just not on a paid basis.
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mattisdx Inner circle 1614 Posts |
I've burned myself out practicing. all you have to do is sit down, relax, watch a movie, take a bath, anything that can get you back to the here and now so your not thinking about cards. when you go back to practice again, you'll be better than you were before
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