Is anyone else here starting to feel like fraud when it comes to buying effects and not inventing your own? I'm very proud of the twists I put on tricks, how I make them my own and my performance skills but I have this nagging thing in the back of my mind.

Anyone else feel like this or have any thoughts?

It's not really fraud. If it bothers you, then you need to slow down on your buying and figure out ways of making your tricks "you." Once you have started that, then you will begin to make up your own material.

Right now, you are at the stage of acquisition. Your next stage is modification. Then you will go on to creation.

Here's how creation works.

Figure out the ending. Then figure out the starting point. Then figure out how to get from the starting point to the ending.

You're bang on Bill and have summed up the stages exactly. My buying is actually quite reserved, as I only buy effects I think I can use in my act, though occasionally I get burned and find an effect is unusable.

I'm hovering between the acquisition, modification and creation stages but definitely feel the need to be more creative. Some effects I've incorporated straight out of the packet so to speak, others I've modified or added my own twists and elements to, including new gimmicks.

Acquisition, modification, creation. That's brilliant Bill and I think it's what I needed to hear, that there's a path people go through and hopefully I'm already on it.

I still acquire. I don't know why. I guess it's because some of the toys are so nifty.

Fortunately, one or two of the ones that were the most intriguing also apparently were a bit more difficult to make than the originators thought they would be, so they haven't appeared on the market.

Agree with that too, I still get the same buzz buying magic that I did when I was a kid and I can see how it can become an addiction. Luckily I've learned not to search for the holy grail, which is why I'm so much more selective now. I also see acquisition as research and education, even the effects I can't use.

I've already started coming up with effects, then working out how to get there and my goal is to come up with something I can use everyday, that fits my style perfectly and gets the same reactions I receive from the effects I already perform.

I'd feel such pride knowing something was my creation but I guess the downside will be that everyone will still assume it was a purchase and it'll quickly get ripped off. But it'll be nice to have those things to worry about

"Right now, you are at the stage of acquisition. Your next stage is modification. Then you will go on to creation."

Thanks for these thoughts Mr. Palmer, it reassures me! I was a little bit frustrated having difficulties conceptualizing effects. I guess, it will come eventually.

Best
Dom

I recently found myself unable to acquire any new goods so I was forced to enter a mode of creation If I wanted any new tricks at all. I never thought being on a tight budget would be such a good thing!

Cool! Did you invent new effects or replicate existing ones?

Kinda difficult to keep doing Magic if you easily feel like a fraud yah?

Anyway, I've quit doing Magic, concentrating on "real" demonstrations of Mental ability. Hypnosis, readings, stunts etc..

Yet I STILL buy some Magic stuff (sometimes), it's just ingrained by now I guess.

I think however, more on topic, the WHOLE FUN is in making it fit you! Unless you are an impersonator that is...

Houdini felt like a fraud and he passed through all the stages of performance art.
(All the puns in that sentence were intentional.)

If the people are entertained or you encouraged someone to look at the world through a creative or romantic filter, you have done something useful, earned your fee, and you are not a fraud.


Graham

Havens- this kind of honesty encourages me. An upcoming performance helps too

Plenty of people do this; even DC acquired help with all of his big illusions. Just make it your own and put your own touches on it

Thanks Magic1. Have been speaking to a few other magicians and it seems they're also moving to creating their own effects. Most are new twists on existing concepts but it's inspiring to hear others are thinking of creating. I've so far come up with loads of ideas, I just need to find one that is practical to make without Penn and Teller's budget. I'm getting there and am sure it'll be incredibly rewarding to have invented something truly great.

You sound like you're on the right track.

I see no point in feeling like a fraud most people don't create they just modify. Some of the best performers don't create at all.

I don't feel like a fraud quite so much any more as I've worked hard on my set and making it original. I think my initial thoughts came from playing mostly stand-up comedy clubs where, despite magic actually making things harder for yourself, people see it as easier and the respect from promoters and other acts is harder to be earned. I think I'm doing that though.

I still have then need to create though and am glad I have this.

It's all about giving you audience the best product you can.

In the same vein I was blessed with the inability to happily part with a dollar leading to many delights.

I have come up with some great ideas since I started this thread but most are are impractical due to budget. One idea though, while it won't be easy, I think is killer. It's incredibly simple and almost self-working but it's certainly original and quirky enough that no one else is doing it. The plans are drawn and the ideas are solid - now comes the hard part, making it.

Havens,

I went through the same process. I started reading magic books from the library. Then I started buying magic "tricks". I then combined my knowledge, with my budget (or lack thereof) and let my imagination run wild. I have created a few effects I presently use, and let me tell you, going from concept to performance in a show is fantastic. Keep up the good work!