Author: ChrisPilsworth

Magic Catalogues

When I began to learn magic, a great source of wonder and inspiration came from magic catalogues. Magic shops in North America and Europe would publish an annual catalogue with all the old tricks plus new ones that had been created during the year.

Louis Tannen is a magic company in New York City. The catalogue below was published over 50 years ago and the company is still in business. They have a great shop in NYC. If you visit the city and are interested in magic, it’s worth a visit.

Artwork in Magic Catalogues

Most catalogues were illustrated. A few would use photographs, but they were more expensive to produce. Usually, the company would have a few illustrators that would create the artwork for their catalogues. Some of the artists had a cartoon style, while others were more dramatic.

First Trick

The bottom trick from the above photo was one of the first tricks I ever bought. A dollar these days doesn’t seem like much, but when you’re 11 with a small allowance in the late ’70s, that was a few weeks of saving.

The trick, when it arrived was very disappointing because the method seemed too easy. I persisted and practiced and it made it into my show and was a really good trick!

The Tricky Bottles was a fun trick with a volunteer. They always had difficulty matching the magician’s actions, even though they followed along identically. It stayed into the show until I accidentally broke one of the bottles. I don’t recall why, but I never replaced the trick.

Catalogue Magic Created by Friends

The trick in the illustration below was invented by Don Wayne. He was a consultant for many years for David Copperfield. One or more of Don’s tricks would always be in one of David’s annual TV specials.

A few years before he died, I had a chance to work with Don Wayne. I consult for a great magician named Rick Wilcox. Every year I go to Rick’s theatre to help him improve the show. This time, Rick also invited Don. We had a blast that week creating some new mysteries for Rick’s show. I was really fortunate to get a glimpse of Don’s creative process!

Old Tricks in Magic Catalogues

The Dancing Cane trick has been around for many decades. Sometimes I like an old trick, but want it to look current. Take a look at the next photo and you can see how transitioning from a cane to an umbrella can do the trick.

Catalogue Magic has Changed

In a future blog, I’ll talk about how the catalogue is no longer in use and what replaced it in the digital age.

Canada Day Entertainer

Being a Canada Day entertainer means working while others are taking the day off and having fun. This goes for all the major holidays in Canada. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Canada Day entertainment usually takes place outdoors, so I’m usually at the mercy of the weather. Fortunately, July 1st, has been great over the past few years.

The setting for the show is crucial for it’s success. This is the start of setting up for a show in a community outside of Ottawa. I like to position myself so that the audience is in the shade. If I have the sun shining in my eyes, that is always preferable to the sun being in the audience’s eyes. A comfortable audience is a good audience.

Before the Canada Day Show

Below, you can see how the show will give the audience a good view and also keep them in the shade. It is also good for me that I have a flat surface for my tables and audio equipment.

I love the battery-powered audio speakers and microphones. This means I’m not tethered to a certain location that is close to power. Often, that can compromise the ideal location for the show.

Canada Day Activities

In addition to entertainment, there are usually face painters and balloon artists at Canada Day events. I love to see the kids’ faces painted with super heroes, stars, unicorns and other fantasy characters. There is a real art to being able to do amazing art on children’s faces.

Showtime for the Canada Day Entertainer

In the summer time it is important to stay cool and look cool. My outfit is less formal for these shows, but still bright enough to stand out. The photo below is at the beginning of the show when I’m building up my audience. I spend a bit of time to do this as there are lots of other activities happening. All in all, I really enjoy providing entertainment on Canada Day and help other Canadians celebrate our great country!

Magic Books

I love magic books. When I first started learning magic, the library was my first source. The small community, where I lived, had no magic shops and I was too young to join the magic club. You had to be 18 or older. That gave me 7 years to become really good for when I applied to join the club. Even with its small collection, the library was a great springboard to learning the tricks of the trade.

The Amateur Magician’s Handbook was the first book I bought at the bookstore. It is a classic of magic writing. Covering a broad range of topics, it remains, to this day a really great starting point for magicians, both amateur and professional.

Practical Magic Books

Bill Severn’s Big Book of Magic had a great cover and I also bought this at the book store. It was written with magic tricks that teens could make from supplies around the house. Some of the tricks took a bit longer to make, but a few from this book found their way into my working repertoire. Bill put out a whole series of books for the general public, each covering a different style of magic.

Gifts

In 1977, my Grandfather gave me this book for Christmas. He wrote in it, “Success to your fingers.” It was my first serious book that revealed secrets of close-up magic. Harry Lorayne, was a great writer and made the instructions very easy to understand. He wrote many magic books that contained his creations and also the tricks of other well-accomplished performers.

Some of the magic in this book became the foundation of magic that I present at ice-breakers and cocktail parties. When people witness magic up close, they always have strong reactions!

Advanced Magic Books

The Dai Vernon Book of Magic was one of the first books that I bought that was of an advanced level. Dai Vernon, is considered, by magicians to be the father of modern close-up magic. Many magicians made the trek to LA to study under the master.

When I was in my teens, I met him at a magic convention in Toronto. Dai would have been in his 70’s. I approached him and mentioned that I was from his hometown of Ottawa, Canada. He told me a few stories and gave me some encouragement to keep practicing and performing, and most importantly, to make the sleight-of-hand look as natural as possible. It is great advice from a master that I still follow to this day.

Old Books

Even though much of the new magic is explained on streaming and DVD’s, books continue to be a medium for disseminating new ideas in magic. As such, there is a healthy market for used magic books. Advanced performers try to find hidden gems that can be updated. This makes their act unique in the world of magic.

The book below is the oldest magic book I own. It was printed in 1902 in Britain. Even though the language is a little different, it is still easy to comprehend the tricks and explanations. I love how ideas from one magician can cross over centuries and generations.

During the last 20 years, I’ve been documenting tricks I’ve invented. Some of those tricks have found their way into lecture notes that I have when teaching other magicians. Eventually, all of my ideas will make it into a book. It will be a fitting conclusion to my career and will provide inspiration to future generations of magicians.

Making Magic

Making magic is something I’ve done since I started when I was 11. Many of the books that I borrowed from the library were meant for beginners and had plans to make some simple, but effective tricks. In those books, the materials were easy to find around the house and with some scissors, cardboard, tape and a bit of paint, I had the beginnings of my first tricks.

Making More Advanced Magic

As I progressed, the tricks I built became more complex and detailed. I ideated and sketched concepts. From there, I turned the sketch into reality. I’d like to say that after the first version I was done, however, usually I’d make one or two more with the necessary improvements.

Designing Illusions for the Big Stage

Sometimes ideas for larger tricks began with research. I’d modify existing ideas to make them fit a certain look I wanted to convey. The box in the photo, is one example. My assistant appeared in the box.

I wanted clean minimalistic lines and also a natural “IKEA” style table. It looked and worked beautifully in many of the larger shows I presented with my team in theatres across Canada.

Prototypes

Building multiple prototypes is a standard procedure for designers and engineers. In trying to discover the best form and function, multiple iterations are required. Below is an evolution of a mechanical component of a prop I designed and built. From the first prototype on the left the the one on the right was about two days of trial and error.

Modern Ways to Make Magic

Computer renderings are another tool in the designer’s took kit to make magic props. Below is a preliminary design for a classic trick called the Cups and Balls. I sent sketches to a design firm and they created life-like renderings. Once the design was resolved, a few variations were 3D printed to get a better sense of the functionality and proportions.

I’ve designed and built hundreds of tricks and illusions throughout my career. It is challenging to get the prop to create the illusion of magic. the reward is to present the new trick in front of an audience and hear the applause. That propels me forward to create more unique magic.

Newspaper Articles

You know you’re a big star when you Get your photo in the newspaper for the very first time! The article below was published in the Ottawa Citizen, in conjunction with a theatre show that I starred in called Disappearing Nightly. In the entertainment industry, it is important to have a prominent place in the paper. This article was at the top of the page, which they call that the “top of the fold”.

As an entertainer, it is important to give interesting answers to the questions of an interviewer. Sometimes, we brag a bit too, because ultimately, we’d like to have more people come out to the show. After the interview, the staff photographer attended one of the rehearsals to shoot some photos. My team had a bit of fun with the photographer. At the end of the shoot, I vanished into a cabinet. My team didn’t bring me back and the photographer left, scratching his head, wondering where I’d gone.

Great Photographs of a Big Star

One day I had an idea for a great publicity shot. I wanted to float over a field of sunflowers as I was watering them. My friend, Jean Clermont’s family had a hobby farm and that summer they had a great crop of sunflowers. We made plans to shoot first thing in the morning as the sun was coming up. As this was taken before digital photography, my older brother, Greg, and another photographer shot 6 rolls of film. The one below was the third last shot of the day and looked fantastic. As a designer, I love the composition. It is still my favourite photo!

That Looks Fantastic

From the photo below, you can appreciate how a great photo, submitted to a newspaper can really create a lot of interest for the article. This article, was part of the promotion for the Ottawa Children’s Festival. Without knowing beforehand, a horizontal photo format, lends itself well to a great placement. Sometimes, in life, we get a bit lucky.

Ongoing Series Features a Big Star

I loved the way this article looked. It was part of a series called, One In A Million. Bruce Deachman created this weekly series to showcase local individuals that were tops in their fields. After the interview, Bruce took a variety of photos and some were from magic books I have in my library. The photo of myself with a cactus in a balloon, was a trick that I invented in the mid 80’s.

I’m not sure how much articles in newspapers help an entertainer’s career, but as with all promotion, it is necessary to keep the ball rolling. Over time they help to build up the credibility of an entertainer and turned me into a big star. I love looking at these articles and they give me great satisfaction seeing how all my hard work has paid off over the years.

What are Gender Reveal Parties?

Gender reveal parties are celebrations held during pregnancy where expectant parents reveal the sex of their baby to friends and family — and often to themselves — in a fun or surprising way. These events have become popular in many cultures, especially in North America, and typically occur midway through the pregnancy, around 18–20 weeks, after the baby’s sex is determined via ultrasound or genetic testing

Performing at the First of Many Gender Reveal Parties

When I was asked to perform at my first one, I created a magic trick to conclude the show. The family, friends and relatives all watched the show and throughout the performance, I sprinkled some hints as to what gender the baby was. Intentionally, I made the hints somewhat ambiguous. This kept everyone on the edge of their seats! Once I revealed the gender, confetti was launched into the air as the crowd cheered.

Creating an Amazing way to Reveal the Gender

Since that first party, I’ve created many different tricks to reveal the gender of the new arrival. At the first party, a blank framed canvas was dropped into an empty envelope. When the frame was removed, the gender of the baby was written in bold script on the canvas. The audience went crazy!

Latest Reveal Party

At the last gender reveal party I attended, I wanted to create a reveal that was more incredible than the very first one. From a variety of categories, three people made a selection. Each of the categories were unrelated, however, when combined together, made perfect sense.

Magical Time

Having a new baby is a magical time and I’m always so honoured to be a part of the celebration. The gender reveal parties are very special and I’m looking forward to more in the future!

Chris Pilsworth’s Business Cards

Let’s take a look at all of Chris Pilsworth’s Business Cards from his career.

When I first started to perform magic shows, I knew that in order to be in business, I’d need a business card. Because I was 12 and just starting, there was no money in the graphic design budget to create some attractive artwork. From the looks of my first card, you can see that I wasn’t deterred by a lack of funds. I knew that a fancy magician’s name would trump poor artwork. For some reason or other, I’m not sure why I picked a cream coloured card stock. Onwards and upwards.

Chris Pilsworth’s Business Card #2

I’m not sure when the second card was produced, but probably after I ran out of the first printing of my first card. My dad had a typesetter create three options for the card below. I felt that this one was interesting and conveyed the appropriate message.

Third Time’s the Charm

By now, I was beginning to realize that a more professional look could lead to more lucrative shows. I designed this one while still studying product design at Carleton University in Ottawa. The logo reflected a crisp look (no pun intended) and also the way I combed my hair. The name “Chris Pilsworth” was created in the Avant Garde font. I’d used it before and liked its elegance. You could also see that I was travelling further from home, as I now included the area code in my phone number.

Hire a Professional

My next card was designed by a friend of mine, Glenn Gobuyan. We were classmates at University and Glenn had worked at the school newspaper. He’s a great graphic designer and has done some amazing work in his consultancy. I love how Glenn took an original photo portrait and converted it into a high-contrast black and white image. The details of the top of the hat and the left pinkie really make the image stand out. The slogan was also carried over from the previous card.

Why not Use a Photo?

The following card was created by Aerographics of Ottawa. David O’Malley’s firm is one of the top graphic design firms in the country. This card was a companion piece to a beautiful two-colour brochure. I love how using black and brown would give the card a life-like feel. This was before high-res computer printers and so full-colour printing wasn’t in my budget range.

How About a Postcard?

When low cost full-colour printing became available, I decided to start using postcards. They were inexpensive and packed a bigger punch. The one below is my current card. Kyle Leon is the designer of this card. He’s a graphic designer and a magician, so he knows how to add some pizazz to a card!

I’ll have a few more cards in my career. I love being able to update the look as I change and my performing changes. Looking at all the cards reminds me of where I started and how far I’ve come since my first card was produced when I was 12.

Magic Conventions

Magic Conventions happen annually. The one that I love to attend is called the 4F convention. That stands for Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic. The original idea of holding a close-up magic convention was the brainchild of Eddie Fechter, Bill Okal, and Obie O’Brien.

After a weekend where a group of magicians came to visit Eddie in Buffalo, New York. He, Bill, and Obie spoke about how it would be nice if they could hold a formal gathering of close-up magicians.

Eddie agreed to volunteer his bar if Obie and Bill did all the work. Obie sent out around forty handwritten invitations and around 26 magicians arrived on the last weekend in April 1971.

As soon as word got out about the by-invitation-only event every well-known close-up magician in the world wanted to attend.

Early on Bill Okal moved to California to pursue a successful career as a close-up magician and in 1979 Eddie Fechter passed away. Obie continued to run the convention for its first 49 years until he passed away in 2021.

After the Forks Hotel closed, the convention moved to several locations and hotels allowing it to grow from the original gathering of 20+ magicians to around 225-250 attendees.

Performing at Magic Conventions

Every attendee needs to perform at the magic convention. Diplomas are handed out for the first three times a magician performs for his or her peers. The photo above was from my second time. Even though it is tough performing for other magicians, I always have fun knowing that my creations are really well received.

Saturday Night Magic Convention Banquet

At the end of the magic convention, a large banquet is held where all the magicians get together and talk about all the magic we’ve enjoyed over the 4 days. As the convention only allows 200-225 magicians to attend, over the years I’ve gotten to know many of the magicians that gather from all over the world.

Magic Conventions Friends

Below are some of the friends that I’ve made over the years of attending the convention. We are all great performers who share a love of magic. When we have a meal together, there are lots of great conversations about magic and life in general. We also have some jokes and stories that only other magicians can appreciate. Magicians are generally secretive, but when we are together there is great camaraderie and exchange of ideas. That’s what keeps me coming back, year after year!

Being on the road is part of the life of an entertainer. I love to sleep in my own bed at night, so I try to keep most of the shows within a 3 hour radius of my home town, Ottawa. Sometimes, when I’m on tour, I go further afield.

This week has been March Break, when the kids are out of school for a week. Libraries and day camps love to have entertainment as part of their special week activities. My first show of the week was another repeat customer. The library in Rockland is usually about 40 minutes away, however, the early show meant that I had to contend with the morning rush-hour to get across the city. Allowing enough time to get to a show is really important. That means taking into account construction, accidents on the highway and winter weather conditions. It’s all part of the game.

On the Road in Northern Quebec

The furthest I ever drove to a show was 14 hours, one way. It was on an Indian reserve on the shores of James Bay, in northern Quebec. That was the furthest north I’d ever travelled, but I was disappointed when I looked at a map and realized that it was only about a third of the way north. Someday, I may visit the territories.

Accidents Do Happen

Leaving early for a show is always a good idea. Once on the way to Pembroke, my truck’s alternator decided it didn’t want to work anymore. I wondered if I’d be able to make it to the show on time as I gently glided onto the gravel. Fortunately, I had CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). When they asked where I’d like my pick-up truck to be town, I replied, I’d like to go to my show. The flatbed tow truck arrived and myself, my assistant and the tow truck driver piled into his cab and proceeded to Pembroke. He unloaded the truck at the door of the venue and we were able to start the show only 10 minutes late. The following day the truck was repaired and we were back home.

Snowstorms in Canada

After a Christmas show in Toronto, myself and my assistant were heading back home. As luck would have it, a large snowstorm blew in off Lake Ontario. What normally would take four and a half hours, eventually took about 7. My approach is not to rush and arrive safely.

The Sites You’ll See

One aspect of travelling to shows is the benefit of visiting communities that I would never usually see. It is also great to dine at some of the local restaurants. I’d make a point of not going to a franchise, in order to support the independent business owners. Whenever I’d perform in Perth, Ontario, I’d always go to the Sunshine Bakery. When they were open, they had the best soup and sandwiches. I’d also indulge in a pastry, for which they were famous.

Open Road

Next month, I’m on a tour of Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m performing at 6 theatres with another magician, who is a friend of mine. I’ve never been out east, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the sites while on tour. Once we fly out, most of the travelling will be in a rental and I’m sure the scenery and sites are going to be amazing. Being an entertainer, brings a lot of joy to others and it also brings a lot of joy to me. Being able to visit different parts of the world is an amazing benefit!