Great fun refurbishing an old illusion!

We needed something for a "space" theme

Now that we have a warehouse/workshop space, I've been spending a lot of time there. I've done a few small projects, most of them to do with organizing the space. I'm also rebuilding my show case, I'll post about that once I'm done.

But the funnest project so far has been to refurbish an old dollhouse production illusion into a science fiction type of device, perhaps a space ship and a transporter pad combined.

Original front panel

The dollhouse illusion is typically an actual dollhouse that is shown empty, then a person appears from inside. There is also a version in the Victory Carton Illusions book, but this is not that type. As a side note, I did build a version of that illusion using heavy duty foam core. It's looks great and it still in good shape after more than 5 years of use. That book should be in every magician's library, it's a great source of low cost illusions made from cardboard.

This one was in just ok condition. It needed some hardware replaced and strengthened, especially the hinges on the front doors. The wood panels were in usable shape, no warping or breaks. The biggest problem to deal with was the design. It was pretty bad as you can see.

After a few weeks of intermittent designing (as my schedule at Circus Camp allowed), I went into full gear over this July 4th break to work on it full-time. Here's how it looks now...

Get started creating your own magic book to sell

You probably already have everything you need

Back Cover Sample

When commissioning a Learn Magic instant author kit, I'll need a few things from you to customize it and make it your own. You probably already have them, so it should be pretty easy.

I use Dropbox to transfer and store your files so you'll have access to them also. When our project is begun, I'll set up a folder and send you an invitation link so you can use it to send me files. There is plenty of storage space (about 1tb), so send the largest files you have.

Of course I'll need your contact info. Website link and phone number are usually all that's needed, sometimes not even the phone number. Email address also if you don't have a contact form on your site.

A hi-resolution (300dpi) logo is very helpful, especially on the front cover. If you don't have a logo, you're in luck. I love designing logos! When you purchase my instant author kit, I will create a logo for you at a reduced rate. See elsewhere in this blog where I created a logo for Kyle Groves and the Party People Magic Theater. You can also check out my portfolio to see samples of other logos I've designed. 

As you can see in the photo of the back cover, the third paragraph is a short bio highlighting your main "selling points". Keep it short and simple, no need to include many details. I can edit it to fit in the space.

Phil Ackerly's Magic You Can Do - Customization Project

Just finished customizing Phil Ackerly's book

click to embiggen

Phil Ackerly, from the San Francisco Bay Area in California, is ready to start selling his customized magic book to increase his show income. Phil has been voted the Bay Area’s best entertainer 5 times... pretty impressive! His site is www.MakePhilAppear.com, a pretty clever name for a magician's website.

He had very distinct ideas about how he wanted his book designed, and I was able to make it all happen. When I work with you to customize your book, I make sure it's just what you want.

His book is now available online, check it out at www.CreateSpace.com/7330454

In the process, Phil's attention to detail highlighted a few things that I updated in the main template, including an opening welcome page. Click below to see it...

Instant Author Kit - New & Improved!

You can be an author and not write a word!

One of the ten new cover designs available.

For years I've been selling my Learn Magic instant author kit. Up until now it's been a series of PDF files that the purchaser then edits themselves with their contact info, name, photos, etc. It's been well received critically...

This is without a doubt the BEST back of room sales book I have ever come across. What makes this so great is that you get SO many options to customize it. This is a no-brainer if you want to have a personalized magic product to sell after your show.
Paul Romhany, editor Vanish Magazine.
Review page 190
October/November 2013 issue.
VanishMagazine.com

But it hasn't sold nearly as many as I first expected. I got to thinking, how could I make this more appealing. Why are people hesitant to buy? Then I realized...

Customization project for Kyle Groves

Learn Magic with the Party People!

From Kyle Groves theater in Colorado.

I just finished customizing a Learn Magic book for Kyle Groves, it will be available on Amazon in a day or two. He also needed a logo. I enjoy designing logos.

UPDATE! The stores are live now...

CreateSpace

Amazon

Kyle and his father "Mr. E", run a really nice little theater in Pueblo, Colorado. It's a great idea for an event facility. Check it out... www.ColoradoMagician.com

He wanted a logo that was classy and fun. Kyle sent a lot of photos to me via DropBox. I was looking thru them getting ideas when I saw this photo.

That was a big help. I quickly came up with this logo...

Teach Magic - Get Routine

Developing a routine by teaching a trick.

I've been teaching beginner magic classes for many years, even before I started teaching with Circus Camp in 1992. I've compiled many of those tricks and other bits in my book Learn Magic with Mister Greggy. It's also an instant author system which I've been updating.

I really enjoy teaching, and I'm getting pretty good at it. One of the things I've noticed is I develop simple routines with each trick I teach, so I can use those tricks when I do strolling work (since they are all close-up).

The latest trick I've been teaching, not included in the book, it a ring climbing up a rubber-band. Very simple in technique, most kids 7 and older can do it after just a bit of practice.

When I first demonstrate the trick I do a short routine so they know what trick I'm teaching. I don't have a video of my actual routine, but here's a kid online demonstrating the trick so you have a better idea what I'm talking about.

 

TAGSmagic channel on Youtube

Balloons, balloons, more balloons!

GREAT Idea for a balloon gag!

I joined many magicians and entertainers groups on Facebook, tons of interesting information. Just today I saw a great idea for a gag by Paul Kitchen from Kingston upon Hull in England. The Facebook group is Trix in the Stix, based in the UK.

Here's a short video of Paul's idea: I don't know why there is no sound.

Video critiques, baby raccoons, and hoops of fire

Video Critiques

Sometimes I hear somebody say they hate watching their acts on video. Never understood why. If you're going to develop a good act, you have to know what the audience is seeing. Doing the act alone in your room in front of the mirror will only get you so far.

If I had the opportunity to hire a Broadway director to watch my show and make it better, I would jump at the chance. Hopefully there are others who feel the same way. However, since I don't know any Broadway directors, I'd like to start a Facebook page where people agree to give honest friendly critiques of other videos and their own. We would all then post videos and other members would add their comments.

I remember years ago at the monthly magic meetings when a magician would present a routine they're working on and everybody would say how great it was. Even if it wasn't. Even if it was horrible. Even when the performer asked for critique. Nothing but congratulations. Such a missed opportunity to improve and learn from others, many of whom are professionals with years more experience.

We have office spaces available for rent!

Circus Camp Workshop Space... looking promising!

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UPDATE (06-02-2017): Sad to report, we were not able to lease the building. While in the process of finalizing the paperwork, somebody swooped in and purchased the entire building. Bummer.

HOWEVER... We are still looking for a workshop/warehouse space! Very interested in sharing and/or subleasing. Contact me for details.
-------------------------------------------------- 

One of my favorite things to do is create stuff. Web sites, posters, logos, comedy routines, magician tables, props, backdrops, comic strips, etc etc. I even enjoy building things that don't actually exist in the real world because they only exist in the virtual world Second Life. Since I'm working with Circus Camp basically full time now, many of the projects are for our summer camps and other classes.

However, having a place to build has always been an issue. I have been looking for a space over the last few years. Our ultimate goal is to find a permanent location for Circus Camp so we can teach year-round classes under the name Circus Campus (I already bought the domain name). But for now, a workshop space is much needed, around 800 - 1200 square feet.

Well, I found a great spot in Chamblee near 285, 85, P'tree Ind, and Buford Hwy. Easy to drive to and an easy bike ride from the Chamblee Marta Station. It's plenty big enough for the many many projects I have waiting in the wings.

Plus, there are 4 small office spaces available that we will be renting out... with lots of perks!

Click below for a floor plan of the spaces and how you can rent them...

Stage Curtains & Steampunk Stuff

Stage curtain information

Click here to check it out yourself

I used a great program called Hype from Tumult. It makes it really easy to create web animations without using flash.

On a totally different subject, I'm a big fan of Steampunk. My usual reply, when asked what's steampunk is "It's what the past would have been like if the future had happened earlier". Sometimes this will suffice, but I recently discovered a great video featuring one of my favorite entertainers Professor Elemental. For me, this video describes steampunk much better than I ever could. Check it out...

Back to Design Work

October and November were busy, and painful!

It's been awhile since I've updated anything on this blog. My work (performing) schedule picked up quite a bit during October, which is usual for that season. There's also exciting news coming soon about Circus Camp, but it's all hush-hush for now until some deals are finalized. Really looking forward to announcing it when ready!

Lately I've had problems with kidney stones. I do NOT suggest anybody get these... very painful. A few days ago I had a kidney stone making it's presence known while I was in the middle of a show. Not fun, but the show ended up being one of the best I've done. Go figure.

Anyway, I have not updated my portfolio site, not even added the new logo. I'll do that in the next day or two, perhaps even today.

I will be updating the promo materials for my friend Charles Watson in West Virginia, "Tricky Chaz". He's a magician, juggler and balloon twister working very hard to support his family. Nice guy.

Here's a banner I did for his website (Click on them to embiggen):

www.TrickyChaz.com

I designed the banner, not the site. I also put together other materials, here's some of them...

Magician Problems

More funny stuff at www.Zazzle.com/MagicTrickShirts

The Classics of Magic... Bring a Towel

Here's a fun little comic panel I put together using a stock photo (probably from istockphoto.com) and a funny idea.

Years ago I used a rabbit in my act. Named Sebastian. Wore a spiked collar. This was very early in my career as a magician, so I didn't have very many gigs. Sebastian got to appear maybe 4 times before I sold him to an older more experienced magician.

The biggest show was at a magicians convention in northern Ohio, maybe Massilon. I was booked to appear in the close-up contest, very exciting. My act consisted of a card trick with my pet rock finding the chosen card, a dice matrix routine set to music, cups and balls and a cut & restored rope. I ended the routine by producing Sebastian from a crumbled up paper bag (which had been used earlier in the show). I did the performance and everything went fine.

Until I was told to move over to the next table and do it again...

Designing for Fun

Work in progress of the Ludlow Theatre logo

This is just for fun

I'm in the midst of designing the website for the Ludlow Theatre in Ludlow, KY for Circus Mojo. They have a person already working on the logo, but while waiting for him to finish it I went ahead and started designing one myself. It's an old theatre that they are renovating, and it's really cool. I did a show there back on September 14. Lots of fun!

Paul (the owner) and myself liked the idea of incorporating a theater marquee in the logo. The theater is on a main street in Ludlow, so many people will see the marque as they drive by. By making the logo match what the residents see will help to connect the two images.

I looked at lots of photos of marquees, until I found one at just the right angle. I wanted to logo to really give the impression that you were standing right there outside the theatre looking up at the marquee, or driving by.

A little tuck here, a snip there

Draft 1 from 10-3-2012

Draft 2 from 10-5-2012

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Draft 1 from 10-3-2012

Draft 2 from 10-5-2012

Sometimes it's the little things

Yesterday I let the logo settle into my head, churn around in the back of mind and prepare itself to be updated. Which it was. As you can see from the before/after images, I lightened the logo a lot. It was just way too heavy. Just click the image to zoom in.

I adjusted the blue in the color palette to a lighter saturation, but I may have made it too light. When the logo is small it's kind of hard to read the word, especially the one with my photo. I'll play arond with that to fix it.

Once I got rid of the overpowering black borders, the dark blue looked too strong. I kept the outline for "Designer" dark for better visibility and to highlight the hand drawn feel of the font. It's called Caitlyn and even though it looks hand drawn it's also carefully done, letting clients know that I put a lot of attention on their projects right from the start.

The font for "Magician" and "Greg McMahan" is called Blox. I use it in my Mister Greggy logo, so I used it again to add that connection. It's a little less childish here so clients will feel they are dealing with an adult.

Of the two, I prefer the one without my photo because it's simpler. However for larger applications I can see how the logo with my photo would work well.

I will continue churning the ideas for this logo, and see what else I come up with. Looking forward to what happens!

Tomorrow I'll show you a logo I'm playing around with for the Ludlow Theatre in Ludlow, Kentucky. That's where Circus Mojo is based, and I'm also in the process of designing their website. Right now it's just an image and a few links I slapped up there until we could plan out the  rest of the site. I did not design the image there or the Circus Mojo site.

I Like to Start with the Logo

Tossing around some logo ideas

Here's a couple of 1st drafts I came up with today. I like to start with a logo when I'm designing a site, or just about anything for that matter. Logos are so important. I use them to set the style of the design I'm working on, the color palette, font, text effects, etc.

These are first drafts, I'm sure I'll change them as I go along. But it's a start. I like the colors, a softer look for the primary colors. Since most of the design work I do is for children's entertainers, I tend to use primary colors a lot so I figured tey should be a part of my portfolio's look.

My original ideas involved retro and vintage images. That silly magician character from my previous post is a good example. I'd like to include a bit of that, but not the overall theme as I had originally intended. As much as I like that look, it doesn't represent what most of my designs are.

One idea which I pursued for awhile was to make the site look like the back page ad of an old comic book, selling everything from fake doggy-do to smoke pellets and of course a fair amount of cheap magic tricks. I'll keep my clip file on that, because I think it will come in handy some time for another magician looking for that type of image in their marketing materials.

Please let me know if you think I'm on the right track with the logos above. Any and all comments are welcome!

Site Update Status - Looking At Layouts

This magician needs a name... any ideas?

So far so good!

Here's a funny image I found on a public domain site recently. I would love to use it in my site update, it's just so goofy! Maybe I'll replace the bunny with a steampunk iPad that has my face on the screen.

I found a very useful flexible grid system on which to layout my updated portfolio site. My favorite feature is it's flexibility. Hence the name. What that means is it adapts to any size screen. When viewed on a regular size computer screen it has a nice layout. When viewed on a smaller screen (like a smartphone), it rearranges itself to make more efficient use of the space available. It even adapts well to a very large screen.

It's based on this page I found. When you load it, re-size your browser window and you'll see how it adapts. Pretty cool huh! However, it's more difficult to work with and requires a lot of fiddling with the CSS to get everything looking good.

Another option is a fixed size grid system. There are lots of them available, mostly based on a 960 pixel width divided into 12 or 16 columns. I use a similar system with my existing sites, keeping them to 960 pixels (or is it 940, I'd have to check) which scales well on a smart phone.

If I stick with the 960 grid system I'm using now, it will speed up my work a lot. However, taking the time to learn the flexible grid will be a good step towards developing more skills to offer future clients.

I'll think about it tonight, play around some more with the various frameworks and figure it out.

My Portfolio Needs an Update

I'll be updating my portfolio
at www.GregMcMahan.com

I Can Do Better!

I've been looking at my design portfolio recently. It's a decent looking site, easy to navigate, but a bit boring and it contains too many samples.

My tagline is "The Magician Designer", but except for my top hat nothing really emphasizes the magician part. Being a professional magician and a designer is a good image to use for branding my services, so I'm going to re-design my site to take advantage of that.

When I create a new design, I prefer to start with the visual. I've been scanning as many images of "magic" and "magician" I can find, online and in my collection here at home and office. Lots of ideas, including some fun unobtrusive HTML5 animations to add a bit of fun to the site.

I've also decided to simplify the back-end procedure for updating my portfolio. Right now there's a lot of steps involved, and I want to make it much easier to do. Upload an image, update a file and I'm done. Let the coding take care of the rest, including the thumbnail creation.

The new site will showcase fewer samples of my work so I can focus on the ones I feel best show my strengths as a designer. Here's one I'm really proud of that I'll be placing up front: www.SunshineIslandShow.com. I was so happy with the way it turned out I used the same basic layout, with Mike's permission, when I updated my entertainer site. It may be best to stick with that basic design to create consistency. Or not. I'll research that.

My plan is to use PHP, jQuery, HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript. I like these languages and I'm comfortable with them. Not an expert by any means, but there are so many open source/public domain scripts available to choose from that I'm sure I'll find exactly what I want that require the minimum of editing. Why reinvent the wheel?

I'll keep you updated as the site is progressing... this will be fun!

Death Defying Rifle Catch Trick

Just something silly to enjoy while getting ready for the weekend.

Would You Like Fries With That Poodle?

Yours truly presenting his balloon lecture
at a children's entertainer convention.

How to twist up to 100 balloons per hour and nobody waits in line.

For some reason many balloon twisters get defensive when they read this article I wrote. They spend more energy figuring out why it won't work instead of actually giving it a try. Odd.

Imagine you've been booked to entertain hundreds of families, mostly children, and you decide that the entire group must wait in line while you amaze and amuse them ONE AT A TIME! Sounds absurd? It is, but that's exactly what the vast majority of balloon twisters do at every gig.

Nobody likes waiting in line, especially parents with children eager to get a balloon. Waiting makes people edgy, irritable and generally unpleasant. So why do balloon twisters force their audience to stand in a line? I suppose because everybody else does it that way. I think it's mainly because balloon twisters don't see what they do as entertainment. They think of themselves as balloon factories, no more than  a refreshment booth at a festival or a fast food restaurant... you want fries with that poodle? For them, the emphasis is on the balloon not the entertainment factor.

Years ago I got a great gig... twisting balloons in the food court of a large mall every Saturday and Sunday, about 5 hours each day. I averaged about 70-100 balloons per hour, or 700-1000 balloons each weekend. It was hard work, but incredibly fun! I was paid directly by the mall, and they even covered the cost of the balloons. This gig lasted about 3 years. Here's what happened...

Why reinvent the wheel

My web coding skills include
HTML5 • CSS3 • PHP • jQuery • Javascript

I learn what I need for that particular design project.

That's how I've taught myself web coding. I'm not college trained, but I am smart about it. Once I've figured out the basic outline of a website, it's features, user flow, interface and other logistical concerns, I make a list of the types of functions I'll need.

Then I go hunting. First in my local files, since I've saved all the code used in previous projects. Many times I already have the scripts I need. If not, I search for public domain scripts out there in the interwebz. And there are LOTS of them. It's much easier for me to edit a script that does close to what I need than it is to write it from scratch. Why reinvent the wheel?

Once I've got what I need, I start editing. This is my favorite part, because as I'm doing this I'm also learning more skills that will help me in the next project.