$5,000-6,000 US

I'd say over the years if we are talking all expenses - about 15-20k. May have been different had I not taken a 15 year leave from it.

Doulos

A lot-ooh this reponse is getting just a tad cliche, meh.
Anyways, when I started it out, it was relatively expensive but I was young so simply couldn't afford ridiculous amount, but I was simply buying tricks I like. This method of purchasing, carried on for about 5 years, but eventually as I started thinking more and more about magic, it didn't take me to long to realise that I had to perform magic that was a representation of me, as opposed to me fitting the tricks. It was at this point I started designing my acts, full blown routines, patter effects everything. I would then go out and find the effects I need to meet my requirements, and if this isn't possible sitting round brainstorming methods, before taking ideas of to get built for me. This is expensive, and oftem means I buty massive bulk orders. but I will then go 6-18months with out making another purchase. However it also means I can be safe in the knowledge that the majority of props will end up on a dusty shelf, before they pay for themselves.
Nick

I've been doing magic close to 20 years now. I haven't spent on anything until recently. I have just spent about $2,000 (one shot) on expending my library. I think studying magic is most important in my cultivation. I'm always looking out for different performing views. I think understanding magic (not an easy feat though) make you more magical than you already are. Other than that, I think we should buy things that would increase the QUALITY of our repetoire,rather than the QUANTITY of it. In magic, the more does not lead to the merrier.

Yours sincerely
Sherman (www.powerfulcardmagic.com/blog)

Sadly I've spent thousands including accidently spending my gaffed coins. That really hurts!

Yeah there is nothing like putting a 25$ magnetic quarter in a soda machine...

:)

I think I've spent a few million dollars, but hey your not buying the props after all, your buying the secret!

Good secrets are expensive I guess.

Steven

I have spent around $250 on magic. I have been starting to get a lot smarter though and have stopped wasting my money on stupid tricks and gimmicks and been spending it on good books.

Good thing for me is I joined the magic Café before I started buying so I have only bought 2 books, I joined the magic club and they have a library, now I am assisting a proffesional so he gives me free lessons in return.

Just did a recap for tax purposes, so far this year I've spent $3,752.00.

Guess I should't have gone to the SAM convention.

Jim

I have'nt tallied it up lately and I have only been back involved and spending my money and time in magic for the last 7 or 8 years. I believe I am somewhere around $2500-4000 bucks. No end in sight either but I am picky about what I do get as I have a show all figured out and plenty for close-up or walkaround gigs. But there's always new and cool stuff out there. I hope I never feel like "I have enough", "I don't want to do anything new", "I do what I do" blah blah blah.

GlenD

You guys are just starting to spend lets see last year? $4000 new levitation, $500 dancing spring tables, $200 silks, Just ordered cose to $10,000 on feather flowers, new sound system with Ipod and air click $1500, The list goes on.
so let me say this. first Just buying an effect off the internet is a gamble. you cant see it or judge it just of the video clip. remeber internet dealers have to make their stuff look good or they will go out of business. unless you KNOW what it is Buyer beware. so turn to the good ol brick and mortar shops. That doesn't mean just order from shops like barry's or denny and lee's That means go to the shop and have the routines demoed aqnd then buy with knowledge. Most shops (the ones mentioned included) build a relationship with you and know you they can therefore steer you in a good direction and save you thousands of dollars. The next stop is lectures and conventions. you get to see the products and make decisions based on knowledge not just a video of some guy Hopping backwards in baggy pants.

I dropped close to $200 last week to fill in a few missing books. I guess I'm old fashion this way because while I have an extensive library of magic books, I don't have one DVD on magic.

I haven't spent much but that's because 'Micheal Taggert' The guy above is my dad and he shares if I help him set up his shows and things like that.
Ashley

When counting dollars, do you include the cost of conventions (registration, accommodation, etc)over the years? I'm attending MindVention this year. Travel from Australia, etc, totals to about $3000 fot two of us.

Richard

Woah, Richard has a point. I forgot about Lectures and Conventions. I'd say I've spent about $2000 US. Give or take a few hundred. Though, between the resteraunt and private strolling and creating the Black Tigers...I've made much more than I've spent. And that number grows with each night hopping and each gig strolling. But there is a lot out there left to buy.

How much have I spent on magic? I don't think I can count that high. Half the stuff that I bought I don't even use. I've also had to live on Ramen noodles because after I paid my bills first, I blew the rest of my paycheck on a magic shopping spree. Man, I'll never do that again....well, the wife won't let me do that again.

It wasn't so bad back when I was really performing, but now that I've been a hobbyist/collector for the last 20 years... real bad news for the wallet. I just purchased three Wolfsmagic props (all of which are incredible) and that really adds up.

Seriously though, its the nature of the game. The field of magic is overflowing with talented and creative minds constantly inventing and improving effects... most of which are billed as the most amazing trick of the moment. It's difficult, but essential, to be patient in spending because there are also those who's effects don't live up to their press. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and shell out the cash for another drawer sitter.

That said, I'm still hooked on this stuff... and will have a tough time keeping the wallet closed when the next incredible version of the hundred dollar bill switch comes out.

I started magic since I was 12 years old and now I am 16. So around four years is a good approximate. At first, I decided to take magic as a pure hobby, something that I would have fun with when I am bored, but this interest just keeps on growing and growing, and now I think I am too "over" it somehow. Well that's what my parents said, since school work is still my priority right now.

Best,
msc455magic

I’ve always kept my spending in proportion to my earnings through magic. Magic is not my full time profession, but it is also not a costly hobby. If I wish to spend $300 on a magic trick then I need to make $350 in magic shows prior to this. My desire to have more gets me off my butt to do shows. As Barry Michell once wrote, you need to ensure you have the three P ‘s….Practice, Performance, and Publicity. Magic can become a fruitless search for the perfect trick without any real progress if you aren’t performing enough.

Spent a lot for Magic equipt. in the 50's60's <> now all worth 25 times. I'm 85, Started doing Magic in the late 50's to help support Mom and sis - I was 14 and we were a Welfare Family. Was advised by welfare NOT to entertain for a living. GREAT Advise - when I had my own family still did/do Magic and Vent as an ad-vocation.SF Valley -LA, Calif.Then N.J. then Florida. Regular Jobs PAID< Medical ,vacations, etc. Saved Gig $$. When retired (from WDW)in the 90's bought a Home and also now debt free. Traveled in our RV doing Shows all over the States.-P>S> in the early 60's, for a month, Wife and I assisted Ken and Bert Griffin in their Illusion Show, have a photo in their Book, and several photos of Ken & Bert in our den. Now, just retired, do small gigs now and then. Best to ALL . Ralph ROUSSEAU