:: Creating Magic

So, you want to create a little 'magic'...

I mean, invent tricks and sleights and what-not. Sell them to Penguin and Ellusionist... sit back and count your moola.. Does this sound familiar?

The philosophy is and always has been... 'Find a need - and fill it'

Is this what you're doing? Trying to figure out what the magic world 'needs' and filling that need.

If you are, then I suggest you re-think your philosophy and adopt the following...

'Figure out what magicians WANT - and fill that Want..'

People don't buy what they need, they buy what they want. Oh sure, we buy insurance and medicine and siding for our homes. But when faced with a choice, we buy the double chili cheeseburger instead of the baked chicken sandwich.

We have to be pretty desperate to put our needs before our wants... It's just human nature.

So.. next time you sit down to 'invent' a trick or two, stop and think about your goals. Are you trying to come up with an easier way to learn or perform the 'pass' because you think this is what magicians need. Or, are you trying to develop a new trick that is simple to perform because that is what the majority of buyers want..?

Why do you think Scotch & Soda has been the most popular trick on the market the past several years? Could it be because it was something magicians needed? Or was it's ease of use, literally out of the package, what magicians wanted?

And, if during your period of creativity, you come up with the next Scotch & Soda, I want you to remember your 'ol pal Rick. I think the two of us can make your magic truly magical.. ;o)

Later..