How to Get Magic Gigs

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

"If you have been considering making the jump into part-time or full-time pro status, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Highway to Success by Elliott Smith and Ian Quick…

This is simply one of the best expositions of this type of material that I have ever read. Whatever your performing area, you'll find information that will move you toward your goals… best book on the nuts-and-bolts of entertaining as a profession that have been published in recent times. Highly recommended." – MAGIC Magazine – Micheal Close

The book originally sold for over £40 and repeatedly sold out. It's not been available for some time now, but because the advice and practical tips are perfectly in line with what we teach here on the blog, the Merchant of Magic has done a deal with the publisher directly, so you can download Highway to Success as a full ebook for just £12.99

Download your copy here

The complete guide to the business of being an entertainer.

Highway to success is the essential business system for any magician or independent entertainer.

HIGHWAY TO SUCCESS was written specifically for entertainers whether you are a magician, clown, juggler or any other type of performing artist. This common sense system will equip you with the knowledge to successfully set up, operate and thrive as a part-time or full-time professional entertainer. Highway to Success will teach you how to get magic gigs.

From basic business structures to legalities, from advertising to closing the sale, this system will refine your business practices and increase clientele, putting more money in your pocket. Based on tried methods and practical experience, this effective system will work!

How to get magic gigs

With over 45 years of combined experience as professional entertainers and businessmen, Elliott Smith and Ian Quick have put together for you an effective business system that works. Based on tried methods and practical experience, this common sense approach will equip you with the knowledge to successfully operate your business.

When you purchase "Highway to Success," you are automatically eligible to receive your Secret Password to access the "Extended Warranty" page including practical, easy-to-use, ready to use business forms and samples in word, excel and .pdf formats. These include:

Performance Contracts
Entertainment Agreements
Letters of Introduction
Invoices
Business Cards
Sponsorship Agreements
Telephone Scripts
Daily, weekly, and monthly Activity Checklists
Call Tracking Form
Sales Forecasting Form
Expense and Budget Worksheet
Spreadsheets (Excel format): Call Tracking – Sales Forecasting – Expense and Budget

Know Your PK Ring Size – Magnetic Ring Size Chart

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

How to pick the right size magnetic PK Ring

The magnetic PK ring has become an essential part of every close-up magicians tool kit. Now that the market has been blown out for the water with the release of the Kinetic PK Ring, magicians all over the world are looking to upgrade their existing PK rings, or taking their first jump into using a PK ring in their routines.

Which magnetic pk ring should I choose?

When choosing a PK ring it really boils down to how much you are prepared to pay for your ring. After Jim Trainer made the magnetic PK ring popular with the original Wizard G2 Ring, there have been a whole host of low grade clone versions flooding the magic market. Most of these quickly die away as word gets out about their limited durability and resistance to shattering. Because the best PK Rings are a complete magnet, rather that being just a metal band with a magnet attached, it's well worth investing in the most durable version available. Cheap PK rings will easily shatter if dropped or banged against a hard object.

If you already own a G2 Wizard PK Ring, then you probably don't need to upgrade until your current ring starts to look worn or it cracks/shatters. However, once you upgrade, you will notice a significant difference in magnet strengh and durability.

If you own a cheap clone ring from China/India, then we recommend upgrading to a professional quality PK ring as soon as possible. The difference in performance and durability is considerable.

The Kinetic PK Ring

From customer feedback and our own experience, we always recommend the high grade professional version of the magnetic PK Ring. The best on the market is the Kinetic PK Ring. It's not cheap, but worth every penny. If you are going to wear your ring often, then it's worth spending a little more from the start.

Road test your magnetic PK Ring

It's worth choosing a supplier that will allow you to try out you ring before you decide if you want to keep it. Some magic dealers provide a trial period for your purchase, so you can wear the ring, see how it looks, and make sure it is strong enough for your needs. The Merchant of Magic offer a 365 day return policy on their PK Rings, so you can take up to a year to decide if the ring is right for you!

Which size magnetic PK Ring? – Knowing your ring size

The first step is to either mesure your finger diameter, or go to a jewelry shop and have your UK ring size measured. Once you have those stats you can use the chart below to find out which size ring to order.

If you get your measurments wrong, don't worry. Good magic shops will allow you to send the ring back for an alternative size.

Three Shells Game Problems – Grip

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

Mark writes: 'I recently purchased a DVD and a set for the three shells game. The shells I picked are very smooth and when I pick up the shell as shown on the DVD it just slips out of my fingers. No matter how I try to grip it I cannot pick it up. Can you help?'

Hi Mark,

A good grip is very important with the three shell game. You will be moving the shells around quite quickly, so you need to make sure you select a set of shells that is easy to handle. There are a huge range of shells on the market. Some shells look stunning, but can be quite smooth. The Antique Copper Three Shells Game can be tricky to master until you get used to gripping the shells. Others are designed to give a strong grip and be easy to manipulate.

A good inexpensive practice set is the Vernet Three Shell Game

This Street Shells Set is great to handle and is one of the most popular sets we recommend.

For a more traditional look and feel, the Superior Three Shell Game Set is worth consideration

Improving your grip for the three shells game

If you are new to the three shells game, we recommend that you choose a set that has a defined set of ridges in the walnet style. They are light and easy to slide and grip.

You can also improve the grip by using a roughing gel or by applying a touch or Octopalm to your fingers.