Ellusionist

Today I am going to share with you one of my most prized secrets in magic. No, its not the secret of an illusionist, but rather a secret of one Ellusionist. Some of you may not know this, but the infamous Ellusionist actually keeps two servers on the internet. One, Ellusionist.com, which you most likely allready know, and the other, much more discreetly, is where they appear to keep allot of their media files. On this alternate server is a plethora of some really great digital media and if you know what your looking for, you may just dig up a surprise or two. In the past I have found high-resolution images of many of their original gaff decks as well as hi-res images of the “stained skin tattoos”. I’ve even come across an early look at a promo video or two as well. All of which I will provide you with links to along with my methods of search so that you may start pillaging through the server should you feel so inclined. Now there is really no reason to have a link referral show up in their server logs, so I will be posting everything in plain-text and its up to you to populate your bookmarks with the locations. Ok on to the goods.

The server in question?

• elusionist.com

Yup, thats it. Notice only one “l”. Now just going to this server will only display a “we have moved” page but as Exo artists, you know better than to be fooled by appearances. So how do we find the goods? Thats where Google comes in. If you are a savvy surfer, you will already know that google has a feature under the “advanced search” link that allows you to search within a site or domain. For those that have never done so, simply click on “advanced search” to the right of Google’s search box, and when the next page comes up, you should see a box towards the bottom called “Search within a site or domain”. Go ahead and pop the url mentioned above in there and you are ready to begin your excavation adventures (you can also just do a regular search with “site:elusionist.com” at the begining). One more quick tip, try leaving the search criteria blank, hit the search button, and when the search results come up, click on the “show options” link towards the top of the page just under the search box. On the left you should see some options, and you can now filter these results by date to see whats been posted or updated within a certain period of time. I like to set it to “Past week” and check in once a week. Do this and you will never be out of the loop. You may also wish to do some manual exploring by clinking on links and subtracting the html file at the end of the url and do some parent folder snooping. Enjoy Exo brothers and sisters and be sure to share your findings in the forums.

Here are the links I promised.

• UltraGaff: http://www.elusionist.com/galleries/UltraGaff_Gallery/
• Black Ghost 2nd Edition: http://www.elusionist.com/galleries/BlackGhost2/
• ShadowMasters: http://www.elusionist.com/galleries/shadowmasters/
• Stained Skin Tattoos: http://www.elusionist.com/galleries/stainedgallery/

-Mat

So whether you have plans or not…like any “holiday” you should always take advantage or people’s mind sets to take your Magic to the next level!

So what effects do I recommend for you to use this Valentine’s Day and the days leading up to it?

Simple. Here is a list of great effects to help you out…(Puns free for you to use too.)

First! FireStarters. Sankey has AMAZING effects and this DVD is no exception to learn some amazing Magic that will put a SPARK between you and your spectator. (Don’t forget the Flash Paper to heat things up!) Or Mesika’s Electric Touch to show off the REAL SPARK between the two of you…

Another thing to keep in mind… girls love the cute things in life. Butterflies actually fall under that category. Check out Caterpillar Love. It’s a sweet twist on Jim Pace’s The Web. Also, check out the effect; Life by Daniel Garcia (found on the Guerilla Guide to LOOPS VOL. 2). It’s an amazing routine, and if you want to learn how to work it without buying the whole Loops DVD at Ellusionist. Check out the source that Garcia learned parts of it from and was part of his inspiration; Folding Money Fooling. (Don’t forget to buy the Loops needed to make that butterfly…FLY.)

Why not show that special someone how they make your pulse race…or even…stop it dead in its tracks when they stare into your eyes. They really can take your breath away and your heart beat skip ALL its beats with CONTROL 2.0.

Wanna get something into your spectators mouth? HAHAHA! Or maybe just a kiss? FRENCH KISS! An amazing IN THE MOUTH transpo that will get your spectator thinking about swapping spit next.

I know! You want to impress that special someone by showing off your money. Don’t you? Hand Out 500 will allow you to do just that!

And my personal favorite love story… This effect works all the time. Girls get all excited about this one. Twilight Angles by Paul Harris. You can get the cards HERE. For learning how to use the gimmick and the routine…two sources. The Art of Astonishment Books or the amazing True Astonishment Project.

If you have any more ideas or thoughts…HIT THE FORUMS and let us know!

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

ExoMagic is a ever growing place. We change with the tide so we can bring you guys what you want and need.

So we have officially been making some changes and working the clock to add some new items to the ExoMagic Store.

Check out the DVD section for what we have to offer. If you know of something you want that you don’t see in the store…NO WORRIES. Go to the forums HERE and tell us what you want either in the store of questions about the products. We CAN NOT WAIT for you to see what is coming. Day by day, we are adding more and more products. So tell your friends and family to check out ExoMagic’s Store front for theirs and YOUR Magic needs!

This Blog Article is for all you guys who ask me an other Magicians for help about buying products…I see posts on forums like this:

Bob747 says: “HEY! I have $200 to spend on Magic. I would love to know what effects your recommend. By the way,

how does the Gecko at Ellusionist Compared to Penguin Magic’s Stripper Deck. I only want one or the other though. Thanks!”

When ever I read these questions it makes me cringe.

I am going to try and help all of you guys out who have questions and I am going to give you the advice I never really got. So lets say Bob really needs our help, so this is what I tell Bob and all those other people who are dying to have these questions answered.

First off, it is very important for you to know this: We don’t know you, or your style.

Granted, we at ExoMagic like to get to know each and everyone one of you on the forums on a personal level by following your posts and asking you guys questions….but a lot of the time we don’t know YOU or how you perform or anything…so how can we tell you to buy a product to fit you and help you GROW as a Magician? (Heck, if you really want to throw money aroud…you can always just give it to me!)

Remember, specific questions about a product is different than recommendations. If you need to know specific information about something, thats different. You actually are doing a step in the “Guide to Buy.”

So now that you know that, here is a step-by-step guide that you can do to help you find the product for you!

• Step One: Figure out how much you want to spend MAX. Get a range, not a set dollar amount. This way if your under your max, your good, if your over…you wait. There is more than just the product you have to pay for; you also have to consider SHIPPING.

• Step Two: Now that you know how much money you want to spend, you have already limited your choices. The next question is…what do you want. It’s easy to ask forum members…”HEY! WHAT SHOULD I GET!” But it doesn’t really help YOU. What you need to do is look deep inside, look at what you already own and what you want to expand on. MAKE A LIST OF IDEAS. This way you have a fall back plans or you may be able to get MORE THAN ONE PRODUCT! Once you get some ideas written down…or mentally chosen…

• STEP THREE: RESEARCH! (I love this part.) First off, I always read the entire product’s page (including the small fine print), then do a search here on the ExoMagic forums and over the entire wide web. Look into as many reviews you can find and read them through. This way you have the forum reviews, other peoples reviews and the product page to learn from. When you read through a review, check for quality, reactions, comments on the teaching and gimmick if included. You want to find positive reviews and positive comments from Magicians who are like you. Look at bad reviews to see what people hated and see if it will apply to you. If I don’t understand something, I ASK A LOT OF SPECIFIC QUESTIONS about the product that I am educated on. Sometimes stupid questions. BUT THEY MEAN SOMETHING TO ME because I know the product now. I remember asking a friend if the smoke in US2000 lingered, raised, or sunk. It seemed like a weird question…but I wanted to know. (And I bet you want to know now too!) During this part, if you find out that a product isn’t for you…look into another one on your list. It doesn’t mean you never will own the effect or product. Maybe later on down the road, but for now…move on to a better product that you like!

***Side note***Instead of making a list..sometimes I just add it to my basket, and then remove it if I don’t like the idea anymore.***

• Step Four: So far, you have researched your ideas, and you were OH so TEMPTED to ask the other people which one to buy…that shiny product or the one that smells really good. (hahahaha) But you didn’t! That’s a huge pit fall. (not saying you can’t trust them…but pick a product is PERSONAL) It’s really like picking your underwear. Anyways…step four is looking at the price. I suggest you don’t look at that until your towards the end. DON’T let the price of a product make you not buy it. If you want something bad…don’t let anything get in your way. Make sure you shop around and look at the different prices around the web. It’s not a bad thing to find a product for less. But you can’t forget shipping! If you find you can’t afford the product…WAIT! Wait a while and get some more cash. It’s worth it. Remember, after all that research and decision making, you must have picked a sure fire hit!

• Step Five: Order it! Make sure you have enough cash to RUSH it to your door with over night…just kidding. I always do Priority Mail. That way I don’t have a LONG wait, but I am not spending an arm and a leg to get it here. You may be surprised to find special free cards or something that come with certain packages. Promos, give aways, and free-bees are always something to look out for. Bundles are also a great thing to do. Check out specials and other things to. Definitely worth looking into. Check out this post that actually has discounts for you already! (password is “seeker” without the quotes and case sensitive)

• Step Six: Wait on edge until your package arrives….then enjoy. (DON’T FORGET TO POST REVIEWS FOR EVERYONE!)

Tip: I always suggest waiting out on orders and buying a lot of products at once to cut down on shipping. Especially for Flat Rate Shipping. But if you can’t wait…you can’t wait.

If you have any more questions…POST THEM! And if you have tips to add…POST THEM!

I hope this helps and cuts down on the “Need Help Deciding” threads.

Free Card Clip from Ellusionist.Com

Hey guys,

You know we like to give you all the best deals around town, and here is another from our friends over at Ellusionist. How does a free stainless steel card clip FREE sound? It’s true! Get yours now over at Ellusionist on all orders over $50.00. What does that mean? Get your Christmas shopping done and get a card clip out of it!

Get them here

Cheers,

Joe Porper the creator of the Porper clip that many Magicians swear by, (us included) has worked with E to release a custom clip that allows you to show off your awesome ace through a “window.” (See Image)

What do we think? Porper Clips are AMAZING and a must have for any Magician. We have seen many people customize their clips with graphics, words, and reveals being laser etched into the nice black clip. But a WINDOW?

Now this will not be a clip to have with your ghost deck or regular bikes…so why be so selective?

In our mind…the new color; Silver with the Gunmetal is nice, and if you check out E’s Blog, you even see a metallic Red one…

So the colors would be nice to have on the market without the window…we can only hope to see them hit the market.

So our thoughts: Porper Clips are a MUST HAVE for any Magician. Yes…they are that good. But these with a window? No.

Check out the original below….

WINDOW by David Stone – $ 79.95 This is a Killer! It’s an amazing piece of magic that is visual and hard hitting. Take your Magic to a new level where people will cry that this was a camera trick…even if there are no cameras.

by Justin Miller

Ellusionist describes the effect as this:

“Two cards are signed and dated. Without any funny moves at all, your spectators VISIBLY see the two signatures change places. Then, both SEPARATE cards become one single card in their hand with your signature on one side, and their signature on the other.

Autograph takes the classic Anniversary Waltz to a new level, with a twisted ending that no one expects.”

They also advertise:

• Reset is instant
• So powerful you almost have to close your act with it
• Beautifully routined, not difficult, uses standard card handling methods
• Full gimmick included with DVD, ends clean, leave the signature card with your spectators

The DVD:

Ellusionist will send you a DVD with their signature “E” style. There are fancy cuts, flashes, pop-up tips and info. The DVD comes in a sweet red case. (See picture.) Of course it is shot with great care and no issues with sound, video, or distortion of any kind.

What more could you ask for?

The Effect:

Ellusionist boiled down the the effect to get an accurate description of the effect that happens, but I can argue with the presentation that Justin uses muddies the waters of the effect leading the spectators to a few dead ends. First time I watched it I was a bit confused with all the changes. I understood that Justin was going for a “human” approach to this effect, but I personally was surprised because the effect has great potential of being an amazing effect.

Just presents it in a “transposition” of the playing card and then changes the routine toward the end to a change of the signatures. (Again, some may argue this is so there is a surprise in the change of the signatures, but I feel like you can still achieve the surprise with different patter and routine.)

But what is perfect, Justin himself tells you in the DVD not to use his patter. His reason is he doesn’t want more Justin clones running around. But I do honestly feel that a more powerful patter can be set up.

Justin Miller goes into detail about how to achieve the effect. You will definitely learn the best set up and moves to use with this effect. The one area he does not go into is cleaning up the deck at the end…but common sense will help with that.

Another thing to mention, Justin does do this effect with a borrowed deck, this is an interesting moment to watch. I don’t believe he knew the person would be pulling out their deck of cards and this moment is a great opportunity to see how he sets up the effect right in front of the spectators. A great chance for many to learn from. I wish they showed him cleaning the deck up a bit more. But the fact this can be done with borrowed deck is great. But of course, they must understand they will be losing cards…more or less.

Highlights to mention that are taught include the Impulse Change, Riffle Force, Kenner’s Alternative Color Change.

The DVD goes over the information in a quick fashion, could a beginning Magician pick this up and perform it perfectly? In my thoughts…No. Not saying it can’t be done, but I don’t think they could do the effect justice. (Maybe why its in the advanced/intermediate section at E)

On the DVD there are 6 performances that are included. Each one a bit different with different reactions, “problems,” and what looks like different moves. Each performance is valuable to learning the effect in its whole. I love the fact E included these and hope they make this common practice.

The Gimmick:

You are provided with 15-20 gimmicked Bicycle Playing cards with the order. Refills you ask? Yes, you will need them and you can get one gaffed card for a buck or a whole deck for $7.50.

The Gimmick is well made. And at the end, you give it away as the ultimate gift.

Final Thoughts:

Ellusionist Advertises “Instant Reset.” I always feel that is NEVER true in any effect. I do like to think of reset in two categories. One, will I have to go away from people and reset this effect making not suitable for table hopping. And two, can I reset this in my pockets with no real issues or even in front of my spectators.

This is a number 2. Its simple to reset and can be done as many times as you carry “set-ups” with you.

I again want to mention, this effect WILL require you to make a different patter set. The one provided by Justin does not do this effect justice. It may work for Justin, but I do strongly feel that it can be made into a much stronger effect.

E also mentions you “end clean.” Now this is kind of open ended. You are left clean in the end as in: the deck is out of play and they are holding an amazing piece of wonder. The only thing left “dirty” is the deck. Again, Justin does not go into cleaning up the deck except “pocketing” it. But of course, a competent Magician will be able to clean up the deck.

Another point to raise. Is the effect a closer? Should this effect be the only signed card trick in your routine? These two questions can be raised and with good points. In my thoughts (and Justin Miller’s) the fact that you end up giving the card away at the end is a very good note to end on. Now if you can top the effect and end with something that ends with a free piece of amazement… GO FOR IT. Who says stop? And while it may be a good idea to avoid other effects with signed cards, you can do more. But it may take away from the value of the effect…all depending on patter.

(I can also argue you can make a whole routine of nothing by signed cards and such, making it interesting if done well and with the right patter.)

But for using a common gaff, simple slights, and a great pay off…this effect is STRONG in the right hands.

Autograph by Justin Miller: A Visual Mind Twister: 8/10

Informational Guide for the Amazing Pen through Bill

“The Magician borrows a bill of any currency and then takes out a pen. After the bill is examined, the magician takes the pen and smashes it through the bill. Once done, the Magician pulls the pen out, leaving no hole.”

The Pen through bill is one of the first effects I really took time to perfect in my Magic. It’s also one that I still use today in many of my close up and walk around venues. There are MANY versions and spin-offs and ideas that all give root to the original gimmick.

Some History:

In 1993, John Cornelius released the Pen Through Anything, a special gimmicked pen that allowed the Magician to perform the above effect. The method differs greatly from that of Timothy Wenk’s Misled, a pencil through dollar effect made famous during a television performance by David Copperfield. And then taken to the extent of VOID by Daniel Garcia in his “Symphony” DVD. The effect is done (in DG’s version) with a bill and a drinking straw.

The original Pen Through Anything was a heavy, expensive, high quality “Mont Blanc” style pen. As cheaper take-offs began to hit the market, John switched to a less expensive pens himself.

There are metal, executive style executive pen that are for sail again today for about $15.

The original Pen Through Anything could not be examined directly. A second gimmicked pen was provided that can be written with and examined to every one’s content. Many did not like the switching. (This method is what I grew up with and never had a problem with.)

Side Note:

Although, the effect should not be presented in such a way that the focus is on the pen. Rather, other effects should be done, at least one of which uses the normal pen to allow the spectator to write something. In this, the pen is seen as “normal.” Later, when the pen through bill effect is presented, the gimmicked pen is used. Since the spectator has just used the pen to write with, little suspicion would be placed on the pen in use.

This idea of using the pen before you do the effect to introduce the item, may be the stem for the creation of the Sharpie Marker through Dollar Bill. So that you can know use your regular sharpies with card effects.

Back to a bit of History:

Nevertheless, being able to immediately hand the pen out was wanted by many, rather than risk being “caught” with a gimmick in your hand.

John Cornelius responded with the Perfect Pen. (Seen here) This was a version of the Pen Through Anything (Pictures seen Here.) could immediately be handed out for inspection. The pen could be “locked”, and the possibility for the spectator discovering the secret would be slim to none.

Near this same time, Doug Edwards developed an alternative approach to the Pen Through Anything using a commonly used ball-point style pen. This was a single pen, that with a simple sleight, could be handed out for inspection with no fear of the gimmick being discovered. Doug’s version is called the Wonder Pen-A-Tration. An additional feature of this pen is the ability to perform the Electronic Rating Pen or Double X effect or even Pointless by Gregory Wilson. The main fault with this style pen is that the penetration depth is necessarily less than with the switchable or mechanically locking pens.

But that problem is not seen in Fantasma Magic’s Pen-O-tration.

There is one “flaw” in the Pen through Bill effect, which is not usually thought about at first. In reality, if you really pushed a pen through a dollar bill, you would then push the pen back and forth through the hole. With the above effects, the pen is clearly seen penetrating the bill, but the pen stays stationary.(DG’s effect shows the straw in a possible moving motion.) And there are methods that allow the pen/pencil to be slid back and forth in the hole, but most also require strange folds of the bill, or require covering the bill with a paper or other objects.

The Three Gimmicks:

The Originals (These are the pens that require a switch with a regular Pen)

• John Cornelius “Pen Through Anything.” The original. The pen is a well made, metal executive style, thin pen. $20
• Funtime Innovations Pvt. Ltd. (India):$15-20
• Magic Max’s “Laser Pen.” Grey PaperMate Flexgrip style pen. $44.95.
• Penguin Magic Pen Through Dollar. Pen is a grey PaperMate Flexgrip Pen in style of Magic Max Laser Pen. $17.96
• The Sharpie We Use at Penguin Magic. Pen is a Sharpie marker. $11.95

Double Sides: These pens don’t need to be switched, but clean up with a slight.

• Stealth Pen at Penguin Magic. $14.95
• Pen-O-tration from Fantasma Magic. $19.99
• Pen Through Bill at ExoMagic. The BEST deal on Price! $10.95 (Also good for a cheap Pointless.)

The Others: (Different with same idea that you should check out!)

• The Perfect Pen by John C. This one shows the paper ripped. $40.00
• Misled by Timothy Wenk. $15.00
• Driven by Cameron Francis (Impromptu:: No Gimmick) $12.00
• Dough by Jay Sankey. $16.99

Remember when you order a product to mention ExoMagic.com/blog when check out at a store. You never know what you might get!

The Hover Card is a personal favorite. This effect is simple, hard hitting and astonishing. An amazing levitation that packs small and plays big.

The Effect:

You have your spectator select a card, or you can select the card. You show them the card and ask them to step back. You then pause and focus on the deck…all eyes are on the deck. Silence and raw anticipation pour through the air. With all attention focused on the deck, one card begins to visibly RISE. The motion is slow; the force is under your complete command at all times.

The card seems to slowly float itself up and off the deck in mid air, separating itself from the pack. It lingers for a moment there, in mid air. Then slowly it floats its way back onto the top of the deck. (This is the point where the Jaws of your spectators are on the ground. They don’t know what just happened) You then give your specs the card that was just moments ago…. hanging in mid-air.

There are no strings. There are no wires. No magnets. There is nothing but you, your audience, a crisp deck and of course…a small gimmick. With only that, you have the power to knock ‘em dead.

The Gimmick:

The gimmick is not made of steel. Over time it will get old and may need to be replaced. But the method is great. It’s very small and self contained. It is also very easy to make one yourself once you know the principles and a little practice. You can also buy “refill” gimmicks from Ellusionist.

The gimmick can and usually is stored in the deck itself and is easy to palm off to clean the deck.

And yes, the gimmick is contained to one specific card, so if you want to repeat the trick (though you NEVER should) you can get extra gimmicks to do the effect with other cards.

Teaching:

The effect is described in detail for you to learn the ins and outs. And there is a DVD available from Ellusionist where Brad Christian will go into detail on how to make this effect really work for you.

Brad goes into great detail about the ins and outs of the effect, with routin it from start to finish.

Final Thoughts?

Like I said, this effect is a personal favorite. I have performed it for many occasions! I even incorporated it into a audition monologue for an acting college was excepted with an almost full ride! They were floored! The absolutely loved my performance and they had NEVER seen ANYTHING like it.

The effect is simple to perform and requires very little set-up. Everything you need to perform comes WITH the order.

We at ExoMagic highly recommend this effect to you if you do card magic and are looking for that special card levitation to blow people away. We are positive that this effect, when executed right, will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Hover Card by Dan Harlan: It’s eligant, it’s beautiful, its brilliant. 8/10

Retail Value: $24.95 with DVD and $19.95 for just the gimmick.

Make sure you check out the ExoMagic Forums for more details and information about the Hover Card.

Hovercard – DVD The Trick – No strings, threads or wires. The lifting motion is slow; the force is under your control. Someone chooses a card, then you take the card from them and float it off the deck. You can hand the card out to your audience. This trick is more powerful than you can imagine.