I've learned from a lot of sources but I really think the best source was a local magic store in Idaho Falls, Idaho (Black Jacks Magic).

The guy that owned the store was a great salesman. He would show me an effect and wait to see when my eyes bugged out. He would not reveal the secret until I purchased it. Once I did that he was a master teacher. He would not only show me the gimmick he would continue with tips and tricks for performing it right. He would tip me on all the little things that most people would miss reading the instructions alone. It was the polish, the fine tuning, the thought process, and the psychology behind magic.

Much of the psychology he gave me for a particular effect I purchased I still use today for other effects. Sound principles are transportable.

Don't over look your local Brick and Mortor shop. Ya, you can probably purchase the effect cheaper on the internet, but the advice you get from the person behind the counter is priceless.

Break a Wand,
Kipp Sherry

Mostly self taught. Books, videos, DVDs, etc...

I have also been fortunate over the last several years to be around other magicians. They have helped me a lot with things I have struggled with through encouragement and a willingness to help others who have "the magic bug."

Books, videos, and I am lucky enough to have a mentor!

Books, Mark Wilson's especially, and the internet mostly right here on the forum
73 Donnie

Books, self-taught for the first 10 to 12 years, then was fortunate to find a round table full of mentors!

My grandfather, Howard Brooks. Then much later Fred Donaldson of Austin, Texas. Of course books, dvds, videos, and experimentation.

When I was a kid, we had a family friend that was a Magician. She sort of guided me in my exploration. Now, I just use books and DVD's primarily.


Lloyd

Mostly self-taught through many many books. In the last year or so, I have made some very good friends in the magic community and have learned a lot from them. I love sitting down with my fellows of the craft and just jamming on new ideas, moves, etc.

Videos first... then books... then was mentored by a magician and voila!

Back in the 70's, there were no videos or DVD's... So the only avenue for me were magic sets, old books with way too much text and way too little pictures...

I have to say it used to be harder to learn magic back then... But once you did, it certainly was a lot of fun. Come to think of it, it still is!

Louis Jutras

I have learned like so many from books and DVDs. Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic, several books from Bob Longe, The Art of Modern Conjuring by Professor Henri Garenne, Vernon, Ellusionist, and of course the Café!

At 90 % I was my teacher :-0