I figured this would be the best place to put this post. Not so much related to patter. However. It should be fine.

So under "Job Title" or how you would describe yourself. What are some words or phrases that make what we do sound more "spiffy" rather then "Magician"

Sleight-of-Hand Artist
Illusionist
Conjurer
Mind Reader
Mentalist

These are the typical names used, rather than "magician"

What are some other words or phrases that make it sound cooler. more professional. more artistic. (However you would like to phrase it). Phrases that make it sounds more dramatic even. Anything would work, just looking for ideas.

Thanks!

Y not just magician?

Musician's don't look for new names.

Actors don't

Do waiters? Or engineers?

Just a thought.

Because Magician has a lot of "baggage" that comes with the word. And misconceptions.

Facilitator of the Unusual.

A magician is not a mind reader. A mind reader is a mind reader.

Magical entertainer
Entertainer

If you look at the top guys they still call themselves magicians.

Just be good.

I understand your point, Im trying to get an Idea so I can come up with a clever twist on words. Lets just say. Im trying to find another way to say it without using the basic terms "Magician", "Mind-Reader" Etc. I know a magician isn't a mind reader and vise-versa. that's not the point of this. lol

Vernon used Prestidigitator

I have always used Sleight-of-hand artist

I was just listening to a Penn&Teller interview and found out that their first shows avoided the use of the words magic and magician, so I can see your reasoning. Still, in the 20+ years since then, I think the words have lost some of the negative connotations that came from people associating them with Uri Geller. A look at America's Got Talent should show that at least some of the stigma is worn off.

Still, I see words like illusionist and mentalist more frequently in print than I do magician.

Prestidigitator

Ray

Maybe we shouldn't self-apply labels that could fit other performers. Reminds me of that horrid bumper sticker, "Hire a Magician for Your Next Party", implying all magicians are the same and it matters not whom you hire. I'm not a magician. I'm Mike Ince first and a performer second. I do read thoughts, influence choices and control minds. If I knew what to call myself other than mentalist or magician I'd keep it to myself. Journalists and clients can categorize us but as John C pointed out if a performer is good he stands apart.

"Be so good they can't ignore you." - Steve Martin

What baggage and misconceptions?

I couldn't agree more! What a wonderful approach - VERY well thought out. You've found a great way to stand apart from the crowd, and you have really inspired me. From now on when anyone asks I'm going to tell them "I'm Mike Ince".

.

Seriously? It isn't difficult to figure out. I have my own ways of identifying myself but I haven't used magician for decades and always correct people when they use that term. You can't buy what I do at a magic shop.

I don't think it is fair to compare to Penn and Teller or other big names. People generally know what they are getting with them.

That said spend some time deciding what you want other people to think of you and go from there.

Just chucking some ideas out ...

A legend of legerdemain
A prodigy of prestidigitation
Maestro of the macabre
Master of the mysterious

Gambler; Huckster; Storyteller; Magic-User; Warlock; Jester; Raconteur; Mind-Witch; Curator; Psychic Investigator; Funambulator; Professional Charlatan; Mentalist; Snake-Oil Salesman; Harlequin; Cardist; Mind Reader; Illusionist; Sorcerer; Mystery Entertainer; Grimoire Keeper; Wizard; Necromancer; Cheat; Card Sharp (or Shark); Fool; Clown; Conjuror; Summoner; Teacher of the Hidden Arts; Loremaster; Swindler; Pick Pocket; Mind Manipulator; Reality Bender; Magician; Hypno-Artist; Wonder Worker; Seer; Oracle; Divinationist; Shaman; Magister; Fortune Teller; Magic-Weaver ...

Soooooo many options

(Yet more) ... Hustler; reformed con-man; beguiler; enchanter (or -tress or -trix); escapologist; jongleurs; invoker; magi; magus; archmage; carnie king; sideshow worker; circus freak; gypsy queen; Lord of Misrule; Svengali; Fortean explorer; ghost hunter; cardician; cartomancer; scam artist; flim-flam man; acolyte; hoodoo-man; skald; vampirologist; psylock; psion; telekineticist; mysteriologist; archivist; librarian; stage psychic; street magician; -dini (as Houdini, Slydini, Voodoini, Cardini, etc); exposer; fraudster; medium; bizzarist; magic evangelist; gospel magician; fakir; mastermind; mathemagician; number wizard; memory expert; medicine man; witch doctor; bokor; time traveller; dream weaver; initiate; alchemist; deceptionist; prince of shadows; diabolist; bard; ritualist; evoker; arcanist; master of misdirection; spiritist; paranormalist; disciple; savant; mystic; parapsychologist; debunker; thaumaturge; guru; visionary; mambo; stage illusionist; trickster, mesmericist; glammarian; ...

I like Charlatan.

I like "close-up illusionist".

Maybe it's the marketer in me, but I think no matter what other word you use, when (if) people tell someone else about you, they will say "I saw this magician..." In the internet era of keyword searches, I'm not sure using an unusual term (unlikely to be searched) would be in your best interest. It matters less what you call yourself, more what others call you.