e-mail: jamie@Professional-Magician.com

~Please comment after your visit~

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The Approach- A Complete Guide to Becoming a Working Magician

Have you ever wanted to make money with your magic? To become a professional Walkaround magician who gets paid to bring people joy and wonder? Well, now is your chance...

 

Free Shipping, anywhere in the world, for a limited time!

Not sure if it's for you? Get the first 12 chapters- ABSOLUTELY FREE! Just send me an e-mail at SendWonder@gmail.com with the heading "Free Dozen"!

"Jamie D. Grant writes with wit, intelligence and brevity – a rare trifecta. In this book he spills essential information that every walk-around performer needs to know. Sure, you already know some of this, but you don’t know it all.  And that makes this a required investment in your performing career.."

~Ken Weber, author of Maximum Entertainment

"If you've been doing walk-around forever or just bought an invisible deck yesterday - The Approach is the best investment you can make. Jamie's covered EVERYTHING based on self-actualized innovation as a worker in the trenches. Two thumb tips up!"

~Bill Abbott 

"If I only had this and the Tarbell course, my magic career would be in great hands..." 

~John H

"This is the book that every magician needs in their library . . . even seasoned pros (who will either just confirm what they already know, or if they're like me, manage to learn something new that hadn't occurred to them before). In a short amount of time, I'll be able to tell which performers have read this book, and those who haven't, just by the merits of their performance. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing this "gift of wonder" with the magic fraternity. I will look forward to seeing the majestic garden that will result from the seeds you have planted."

~Philemon Vanderbeck

"Invaluable information for the working magician. This is definitely one of the best buys I've purchased in my 24 years in magic. "

~J.M. 

Final Edited Version is AVAILABLE NOW!

Here it is! I actually can't believe it! I set out to do this project YEARS ago and here we are. So, where do we stand?

We, the final edition is complete and ready to ship!!


So let me tell you 5 reasons why I think you should spend your hard-earned money on this...



1) I just did a Walkaround gig last night for $1500. I did that, honestly, by doing all the things in this book.

2) To become a doctor, a single textbook, for a single class, can cost $200. The Approach is under $100 for my entire guideline.

3) There is a chapter called, "The Big Secret". Trust me when I tell you that, once you start doing gigs, will be worth the price of the book alone.

4) I've never believed in "outsourcing". Everything, from the layout, the design, and the printing, is done here in Vancouver, Canada. By buying this book, you're positively affecting a community.

5) You have my promise that, as a purchaser, you'll be able to ask me anything you need to help you with your career. It's ALL covered in the book but, if you hit a stumbling block, I'll be here to help. I guarantee it.




So, here we go!



NORTH AMERICA:

$75 + $11 (shipping)     FREE SHIPPING for a limited time!





Please ensure you clicked the correct "Buy Now". INTERNATIONAL is for anyone who doesn't live in NORTH AMERICA. Thanks!! 


______________________________

So, what's in it?

Well, I split the chapters up into the following formats:

Advice: Ideas that have worked for me over the years.
Essays: Longer pieces that I believe apply across the board.
Articles: Previous articles I've written before.
Tips: Quick ideas to apply.
Tricks: Secrets to making things easier for yourself.
Study: Introspective work to help make you a better performer.
Anecdotes: Stories from the road.
Lessons: Ideas to take things to the next level.

Page Count: 280
Softcover


1|How many tricks you should know.Article
2|Who are you?Study
3|Developing your sets~ Part ILesson
4|How to practice.Essay
5|Your Magic Fridays.Anecdote
6|Business cards.Advice
7|Websites.Tip
8|How Do You Look?Study
9|What are you wearing?Advice
10|Funny or serious?Anecdote
11|Are you any good yet?Lesson
12|Starting Conversations.Advice
13|Touching people.Trick
14|How Much To Charge?Article
15|The Cocktail PartyEssay
16|Getting started.Advice
17|Volunteer gigs and charities.Advice
18|What to say in emails.Tip
19|The telephone call.Trick
20|Getting There.Lesson
21|Developing Sets- Part 2Article
22|Silence.Advice
23|What does my contract looks like?Anecdote
24|Transitions.Advice
25|Conquering nerves.Article
26|How to get gigs.Essay
27|Getting ready for your first one.Essay
28|Fingernail care.Trick
29|How much time to prepare.Tip
30|Pocket management.Article
31|Your list.Study
32|THE BIG SECRET.Trick
33|Your closeup bag/case.Advice
34|Things to never forget.Tip
35|Hat or No hat?Essay
36|The handshake.Tip
37|What to put in the lobby.Trick
38|Who to approach first?Article
39|My first effect.Advice
40|What rubberbands to use.Tip
41|Moving through a room.Article
42|The first words you (I) say.Essay
43|Highs and lows.Article
44|Getting applause.Essay
45|More transitionsStudy
46|Saying goodbye to your group.Essay
47|Tables versus standingAdvice
48|Dealing with the Alpha male.Article
49|Staying in one spot.Advice
50|Busted!Advice
51|Getting compliments.Tip
52|Letting spectators shuffle.Article
53|Reset. Reset.Study
54|Venue Staff.Tip
55|Kids at an event.Advice
56|Burning through material.Lesson
57|How many hours?Lesson
58|Remembering names.Article
59|When to show the event planner.Tip
60|The card force I always use.Anecdote
61|Accepting tips.Article
62|Wallets.Anecdote
63|Handing out business cards.Tip
64|What to never borrow.Anecdote
65|Someone wants to show a trick.Article
66|Regular decks.Study
67|Weddings.Lesson
68|Large tables.Anecdote
69|Do you join them for dinner?Anecdote
70|Vest or jacket?Tip
71|The second Big Secret.Trick
72|Do it again.Article
73|Another magician shows up.Anecdote
74|Gigs outside.Advice
75|When only ten people show up.Anecdote
76|Do you need a stage show?Study
77|Dance floors.Advice
78|Checking back in.Tip
79|Dropping cards.Tip
80|Sponge balls.Trick
81|Dealing with disappointment.Advice
82|Hecklers.Article
83|Open versus closed body language.Lesson
84|One handed spectators.Anecdote
85|Stick lines.Essay
86|Lone stragglers.Tip
87|Journal.Advice
88|Leaving them with something.Essay
89|Custom decks.Article
90|False memories.Article
91|Invoices.Article
92|How to get testimonials.Article
93|Getting all the money.Article
94|Increasing rates.Tip
95|Busking.Advice
96|Repeat gigs.Study
97|Pictures.Tip
98|Social media.Advice
99|Going full time.
100|Agents.Anecdote
101|Essay.Article
102|Go get it.Advice
100|The beginning.Thanks

I'll be the first to admit that, as I was writing, I thought, "There is no way I can, or should, devote a chapter to this. They're going to think I'm just putting in filler." But I made a promise that I would include everything I've learned, no matter how small. And, make no mistake, for everything I've included there was a time when I went, "How come nobody told me!", lol. 

And for those of you who pick up a copy, I just did the gig (last night) that I mention in the final chapter!

Walk Around magic: make people laugh, send people wonder, make new friends, meet the most amazing people in the world, get paid, and then watch one of the greatest bands on earth! Booyah!! 

  With Sarah MacLachlan (as a band walks onto the stage behind us) 

The band? The Red Hot Chili Peppers

After doing my 2 and a half hours, I was "off the clock" and told to just hang out and party. Amazing times at the front of the stage.

I can't wait for you to join me.

Magic Friday has a new home!

Hiya Gang!

I'll be keeping this blog up; so feel free to roam around for the old Magic Friday write-ups, but future Magic Friday videos can happily be found over here:

http://www.facebook.com/magicfridayreviews

Something a little different!

Hiya Gang!

Something a bit different this week for everyone who's thinking about adding a stage show to their repertoire~ fun!




Thanks for watching!

~jamie

LEGACY from The Underground Collective

Hiya Gang!

No time to write up anything, I'm afraid. I hope you enjoy it anyways!

All my best,

jamie

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Guest of Honour

Hiya Gang!

I'm "Guest Of honour" over at the Cafe this week. Come by and ask me a question!

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THE 52 VS JOKER PROJECT by Gary Jones and Chris Congreave

What The Audience Sees:

“So Jamie asks me to think of a card and say it out loud. Nothing crazy. I picked the seven of clubs. He tells me, though, that he took that card out of the deck this morning and left it at home. No way, right! Well, he says he’s going to use the two Jokers to go home and get it! He shows me the two Jokers when, all of a sudden, there’s a card between them. But you know what?! It wasn’t the seven of clubs- no, it was this crazy card that had all fifty-two on it! It was hilarious!! But then Jamie, as always, tells me to hold on…and THE FIFTY-TWO CARD CHANGED INTO MINE! It was outta control!!!!!”

How It Went:

Okay, what can I tell you- I love easy magic. There, I said it. Sometimes faros just give me a migraine and all I want is some self-worker. Guilty! And the 52 vs Joker Project is pretty much that. Not only is it dead easy, but it also does nothing to my deck- super bonus! So to say Friday was a pleasure is an understatement. It was just a majorly fun day. And, for reasons I’m not even sure of myself, it was because of that 52 on 1 card. You wouldn’t believe the laughs it got! Why? It’s not like it’s funny or anything but, for whatever reason, people simply laughed when they saw it. Weird, yet awesome.

And, as you’ll see by watching the video here in a second, it goes off without a hitch. When I did it all day last week, there was nary a problem as there’s almost nothing to catch. Even the appearance of the 52 card is a shocker- it just looks really good.

The Difficulty:

If you can hold a deck of cards in your hand, you should be good to go.

Best Lines:

”Chris! Chris! Did you see that?!”

~Whenever people look to their friends for validation that they’re not hallucinating, I know I’ve got a winner.

“HAHAHAHAHAH. Look at that! That’s awesome!”

~I had no idea the 52 on 1 card is so popular amongst lay people.

Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.

“Yeah yeah, my card’s going to appear between the Jokers, m&#tha(^&^. Big deal…wha?! What the %^@^ is this &@*. Find my card idiot!…^#%^#, how did you do that!" 4.5/5.

My Rating:

Magic Friday Approved!

By simply tossing an extra card into my deck, I’m good to go! Fantastic!

The JDG Tip:

The iTricks Idea:

Read it here!

Closing Thoughts:

Friday was just such a fun day- great work gang!

Have a Great Week Everyone!

Jamie D. Grant

www.Professional-Magician.com

Home of the Impossible Bottle~ the "Anything Is Possible" bottle.

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SUPER SLIM HIP POCKET MULLICA by Paul Harris & Tim Trono

What The Audience Sees:

“So I was trying to turn the screws to Jamie this week, you know, hassling him about how if he was any good, he would take my watch or something. Well, he looks at me and tells me that he didn’t need my watch, as he had my identity. He told me that he had already taken my Driver’s License! He asked me to take it out of my wallet but, if possible, to not look at it. I know exactly where it is, so I took it out without looking and handed it to him. What a sucker I was! Because he laughed and simply said, “Well, that was easy. I told you I had your driver’s license! And you gave it to me! That means it’s mine now…” Now here’s the thing- when he turned it around, it was actually his. It was HIS LICENSE!!! He somehow put his license in my wallet! And then he took his wallet, opened up a zippered compartment and pulled mine out!!! It was nuts!! I’m never wearing my watch around him again. Or bringing my wallet!!!”


How It Went:

If you’ve been following Magic Friday for any length of time, you probably know that I have a serious wallet problem. I mean, serious. I have enough wallets to start my own leather goods store. I could probably take them all apart and have enough leather for some sort of tent. But what can you do? I’m an addict! And I switch them from time to time as the seasons change. But now? Whoowee. I might have one that I’ll be using for a veeeeeery long time. I love this wallet. And the routine with the license is absolutely killer! Not only did I do this all day on Friday, but I’ve been using this all throughout December at my holiday gigs. And it’s awesome.

What I love most is the ability to bust something out, immediately, whenever someone comments on their wallet or watch after learning that I’m a magician. Egad, I get tired of that! Well, not any more, lol~ because this plays so strong! It really is a premise that strikes home, because the spec has already planted the seed in their own minds that I have the ability that I’m about to show. The craziest part is when people were trying to take their license out without looking at it- it was funny to see how many people could actually do it. I would then follow it with the simple line, “Are you sure this is yours?” before going into the, “That was easy!” premise.

A great friend of mine told me the best wallet a magician can have is the wallet he uses. And, even though I’m happy to say I’ve used all of my wallets, I can honestly say that I’ve never used one as much as the Super Slim. Normally I never bring my wallet to gigs (pocket space is crucial!) but this has made the exclusive Pocket List. Not only that, but I use it all the time in my regular life as well. Awesomenss all around.


The Difficulty:

You need to practice. That’s a given for this one. That said, it’s not like your doing a hundred faros in a row or something. You just need to have a certain smoothness of action.. 2/5.


Best Lines:

”...silence....”
~He slowly took his license back and starting looking through his wallet to see if anything else was missing, lol.

“When did you do it?! I didn’t feel a thing!”
~There’s something about this effect that really has a ring of truth to the whole thing. They honestly believe you put your own license into their wallet, and took theirs.

Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.

This is a hard one to rate. Angry Bob has seen Card to Wallet before, so it was hard to gauge if it “fooled” him. He only started talking about this time his uncle took someone’s wallet for real, blah, blah, blah. 3/5.


My Rating:

Magic Friday Approved!

Any time something makes my working gig pocket list, it’s a keeper. A true find!

The JDG Tip:

 
I’ll also list everything that can go into the wallet (in case you’d like to use it as your everyday, like myself). Let’s see what I’ve got in here…

Left side: Pen. NFW, Powerball 60, an envelope with prediction, various paper money (folded), Extreme Burn.

Right side: Driver’s license, 20 business cards, 4 plastic cards (Atm, CC, etc.)

Mullica Pull Out: I actually keep my 3 Card Monte in the window.

I could fit a bit more, but I’m trying to slim down my wallet life, lol.

The iTricks Idea:

Read it here!


Closing Thoughts:

A new year, a new wallet, and a lot of Magic Fridays to come. It’s going to be great, I can tell!

Have a Great Week Everyone!

Jamie D. Grant
http://www.Professional-Magician.com

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Magic Friday needs your help!

Well gang, it's been a crazy year. So much has gone on and I've seen so much magic! It's been awesome. And now, like the rest of you, I'm deep into the season's gigs and am looking forward to hitting the Magic Friday blog with some regularity once we come out the other side. 

But, in order for me to do that- I need your help! What magic would you like to see reviewed here? Are their any particular DVDs, books, and tricks that you know of, that play super strong that I may have missed? If so, please comment below!

Magic Friday is going to be a main focus for me in 2011 and I think you're all going to be happy with what you find here. Interviews, ideas, Angry Bob, and a place that you can come to only find strong magic. That's always been the plan, since I started this column years ago-  to provide all of you with somewhere that you can come and not have to sort through thousands of posts and negativity. Somewhere where you can come and read or watch an episode and know, with confidence, that you'll get something you like. 2011 is going to be a fantastic year- I can tell...

In the meantime, you can take a listen to this podcast, if you're interested, as it gives some insight into who I am, what I do, and the point of it all...

Thanks for your suggestions! Without you, none of this would be possible...

 Jamie D. Grant

www.Professional-Magician.com

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The JDG Fundamental Cups!

The JDG Fundamental Cups ~ from Jamie D. Grant & RNT2 from Jamie D. Grant on Vimeo.

http://www.rnt2.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=30335

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ALICE'S REVENGE by Bob Farmer

What The Audience Sees:

“Man, where’s Jamie been? He’s been gone for a while, man! We were missing our magic fix. But he was back on Friday, yo. And he can still read those minds, you know what I’m sayin’?! Check it- he busts into our office and tells us he’s in a rush but that he’s been thinking about us. He said that this morning he was convinced that one of us was going to be able to name a Queen, any Queen, and that it would be gone from his wallet, where he had put three of them when he woke up. So I pipe up and say the Queen of Diamonds and you know what? Jamie pulled the cards out and she was gone! But here’s the crazy part!!! In her place was a blank card…and it had writing on it…and it said that he knew I’d be right!!! How does he do this?! Man!!!"


How It Went:

As I mention in my video review, I’ve been trying to only do card magic that doesn't require any gaffs, special decks, etc. However, I allow myself one exception~ packet tricks! I cycle through what goes into my wallet every couple of months, so packet are fair game. And, let me tell you, this one’s a winner! Why?

Because it’s so easy, lol. Really, it’s the easiest trick you’ll do. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not awesome, because it is. I did this all day Friday to great results. Maybe not of the “I’ve just changed your life” variety but still a fun time. The biggest challenge was creating some sort of buildup/tension. Because of the lack of process (there’s no equivoque, or dealing, etc), it was almost too fast. Name a Queen. Look, it’s gone. So I really built up the “are you sure”, “what made you pick that one? Were you by chance sneaking around my bedroom this morning?” type of lines. By the end of the day, however, I discovered the most important thing about this effect…

The examinable blank card. Genius. In the beginning of the day I simply didn’t use it to it’s full potential, but by the end of the day I got it. (See Video Review). Basically, this needs to given away. It’s such a wonderful moment when people grab that card and turn it over, especially if you’ve written a note on it. I love it.


The Difficulty:

It’s not difficult at all. If you can hold a pack of four cards (and only fours cards) in your hand, then you’re good to go.. 1/5.


Best Lines:

“How do you always know?”
~When I do magic on Friday, and if it’s someone whose seen me before, you can only imagine what they think.

“GIVE ME THAT!
~This guy grabbed the blank card so fast I couldn’t even react. Hilarious!


Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.

This is tough to say, I’m not really sure. At first, Angry Bob wanted the blank card. A look of confusion spread across his brow and I thought he was going to hit me. Then he asked for the rest, to which I replied, “Forget it. You won’t give them back.” Not a bad line, but not as good as a switched packet. That said, when I did it for laypeople, everyone was so busy talking about the blank card that no one asked to see the others. Perfect.[3]/5[/5].


My Rating:

Magic Friday Approved!

Nothing makes me happier than coming across a new trick that I can carry with me for a while. The handling of Alice’s Revenge is also so clean, it’s silly. Bob Farmer obviously put some wonderful thought into this and came up with a terrific result!


The JDG Tip:

Closing Thoughts:

I’m up for future Magic Friday suggestions so, if you have any or if you have anything to say at all, please leave a comment~ I read them all!


Have a Great Week Everyone!


jamie d. grant
www.Professional-Magician.com

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The Six~ by Jamie D. Grant

Hiya Gang!

I'm heading out for a while and won't be back until mid-October. So I thought I'd leave you with some essays I've been writing over on Theory 11. I hope you like them:

The Six~ by Jamie D. Grant

All my best,

jamie 

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FINGERS-NOSE DO AS I DO from Martin Gardner/via The Magical Arts Journal

(Sorry gang! I'm just so crazy busy writing my book for the Send Wonder campaign, that I'm just putting up the video review. If you have any questions, just comment here, though, and I'll respond!)

 Best Lines:

“NHNNHSNNSH!"

~They were squeezing their nose so hard, lol.


“DO IT AGAIN!"

~The ultimate compliment.


Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.

Doo doo de do- yah yah yah! That was my happy dance right there, lol. Angry Bob was decimated. Just do it once, though.

"I want you to go outside, grab a $@%@ and @$%@ with a @^%@." 5/5.


Have a great week everyone!


~jamie d. grant
www.Professional-Magician.com

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"Mr.E Takes A Stroll" from ONE DEGREE by John Guastaferro

(Sorry gang! I'm just so crazy busy with my Send Wonder campaign, that I'm just putting up the video review. If you have any questions, just comment here, though, and I'll respond!)

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HEIRLOOM WALLET from Alakazam

Video Review Only This Week!

(Sorry gang! I'm just so crazy busy with my Send Wonder campaign, that I'm just putting up the video review. If you have any questions, just comment here, though, and I'll respond!)

Angry Bob Rating:

For those of you reading this article for the first time, Angry Bob is a co-worker who has an understanding of some magic because his uncle was a magician. Angry Bob knows that TT’s exist, for example, but he has no desire to become a magician himself. He also has an anger management problem that can be experienced first hand if he can’t figure out how a trick is done. A high rating means he has no idea.


I did this trick quite a while ago (KK) and brought it back to try and use this wallet. Angry Bob remembered it from before but seemed to be more angry than before. I think that I somehow canceled out what he thought took place the first time around and, as a result, he was fooled. 4/5.


Note: I just scrolled back through my original review of KK from 2006! I have to disagree with I wrote the first time around, however. The video review is a more accurate assessment of my current thoughts and beliefs. Funny how things can change!

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