This weekend was eventful as I performed over two hours of walk-around magic for our local PBS Broadcast station; KIXE-TV, at their annual volunteer appreciation banquet. It put me in touch with some great new leads for potential bookings. I was also able to get a few pictures around the studio with the fancy cameras and PBS logo in the background. I know these kinds of pictures will look great on my website (under construction).
I also learned a great way to get my name out there locally. I donated a 30-45 minute show to the Make A Wish Foundation's annual silent auction. Several of the local radio stations covered the event (held at our mall) and read off names of the numerous people donating services, etc. for the foundation. Of those... Elegant Illusion Entertainment! It was a great way to give back to the community; as well as, put my name out there for the people evolved with these events that normally hold a high number of business men and women looking for quality entertainment.
Tomorrow, I go back to my nine-to-five only to daydream about going full time with the magic... as usual...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Keith Stickley's book: "The Fairs and Festival Entertainer"
I hate to give away one of my secrets; however, I've learned a great deal about booking events and presenting my "product" in a way that is fool proof with this book. I would recommend it to anyone looking to target fairs and festivals in your area (I mean... everywhere except the West Coast *wink-wink*)!
Back on track and moving forward!
Wow. Its absolutely amazing how much a flu can knock you over! I'm feeling a lot better now and getting back on track! Thankfully, I was able to make some progress towards my magic career-goals while recovering.
In the past week, I've corresponded with several illusion builders discussing a few items I have been wanting to "upgrade" in my show. I've come into a little extra cash and have been weighing out the importance of some of my "needs" and "wants". In this day and age, I've come to learn the importance of marketing and appearance. With that said, I took my performance costume (a royal blue men's suit) to the local JC Penneys for alterations. I use to work in the men's suits department and have found it is a best kept secret for fast and affordable alterations. For hemming of the trousers, shortening of the sleeves, and taking in the back of the suit coat- it only came to $22.00 and some change!
I've also scheduled some time with a local photographer and am excited to finally have professional pictures done in his studio. Say goodbye to the countless amateur photos taken under harsh lighting and cameo shots in mid-speech!!! I think any images of you (as a performer) should be done professionally; after all, these best represent you and the work you do... Why not look like a pro if you plan to be a pro, right?
Part of writing my new show and developing a workable performance has really helped me re-evaluate the importance of practical vs. impractical equipment. Take for instance a magician's podium... I perform a complete 45min. show out of my podium. It has a drawer to hold the smaller items and an area below with a shelf for storing the larger items. It s a nice looking piece; however, a pain in the keester to transport to and from shows (not to mention- it is not approved for shipping items in). I've been trying to eliminate the "bulk" and found the perfect solution... The "Deluxe 10-Second Table" by Charvet Magic. It's large enough to store my complete act in and can be set-up/ torn-down in seconds. It also doubles as a flight case should I need to travel by air for a show. (I am keeping in mind that travel is not a bad idea for performing more gigs!). The price was a little big; on-the-other-hand, it will house my "tools of the trade" and protect my "investments". With a few tabs of Velcro and a little time in Photoshop, I plan to have a vinyl sign made with my name and contact info on it so I can attach it to the table for shows.
What else?.... thinking... Oh yah!
I highly recommend the work of Dan Wolfe at www.SmokeyMtMagic.com. Dan is customizing a parlor effect offered on his website to cater my color-scheme for next to nothing in price! His customer service has been impeccable and superior to most other builders I've come across. I'll post pictures of his work upon arrival of the order...
Thats all for now... I should post a new blog in the next few days as orders start coming in!
In the past week, I've corresponded with several illusion builders discussing a few items I have been wanting to "upgrade" in my show. I've come into a little extra cash and have been weighing out the importance of some of my "needs" and "wants". In this day and age, I've come to learn the importance of marketing and appearance. With that said, I took my performance costume (a royal blue men's suit) to the local JC Penneys for alterations. I use to work in the men's suits department and have found it is a best kept secret for fast and affordable alterations. For hemming of the trousers, shortening of the sleeves, and taking in the back of the suit coat- it only came to $22.00 and some change!
I've also scheduled some time with a local photographer and am excited to finally have professional pictures done in his studio. Say goodbye to the countless amateur photos taken under harsh lighting and cameo shots in mid-speech!!! I think any images of you (as a performer) should be done professionally; after all, these best represent you and the work you do... Why not look like a pro if you plan to be a pro, right?
Part of writing my new show and developing a workable performance has really helped me re-evaluate the importance of practical vs. impractical equipment. Take for instance a magician's podium... I perform a complete 45min. show out of my podium. It has a drawer to hold the smaller items and an area below with a shelf for storing the larger items. It s a nice looking piece; however, a pain in the keester to transport to and from shows (not to mention- it is not approved for shipping items in). I've been trying to eliminate the "bulk" and found the perfect solution... The "Deluxe 10-Second Table" by Charvet Magic. It's large enough to store my complete act in and can be set-up/ torn-down in seconds. It also doubles as a flight case should I need to travel by air for a show. (I am keeping in mind that travel is not a bad idea for performing more gigs!). The price was a little big; on-the-other-hand, it will house my "tools of the trade" and protect my "investments". With a few tabs of Velcro and a little time in Photoshop, I plan to have a vinyl sign made with my name and contact info on it so I can attach it to the table for shows.
What else?.... thinking... Oh yah!
I highly recommend the work of Dan Wolfe at www.SmokeyMtMagic.com. Dan is customizing a parlor effect offered on his website to cater my color-scheme for next to nothing in price! His customer service has been impeccable and superior to most other builders I've come across. I'll post pictures of his work upon arrival of the order...
Thats all for now... I should post a new blog in the next few days as orders start coming in!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Flu... Waiting to feel better
This past week hasn't been as productive as I had hoped. My 1 yr. old seems to bring home every cold or stomach bug going around his day care...
I did; however, finish writing out all of my riders and contracts for the various venues I hope to market to this year. I guess this flu hasn't been all that bad. It's allowed me to slow down and re-focus on my goals.
More later...
-Bryan
I did; however, finish writing out all of my riders and contracts for the various venues I hope to market to this year. I guess this flu hasn't been all that bad. It's allowed me to slow down and re-focus on my goals.
More later...
-Bryan
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