Guys, I need some advice on this.

You see, all of us are learning magic. As time passes, the number of magic we can do/perform/perfect increases. Problem is, do you really use your super memory in remembering all of them or do you selectively remember the best ones which got the most out of the spectators or do you subconciously remember all of them through years of experience??

How about storing them? Do you have a dedicated room/cupboard/drawer/shoebox to store all your cards/ropes/coins/props? I think the answer is pretty obvious here but i just want to hear from you. ^_^

One more silly question. I know all of us saved hard to buy that dvd/vcd/vhs to learn our precious art. Somehow, i don't really trust digital world very much. What if our collections decides to break down one day and poof i can't watch the pointer given by Cellini anymore? Do you rip your videos into your CPUs? I'm just feeling insecure like how a child feels when his mommy is out of the country.

:( :( :(

Well, nyx, I try to remember in blocks, and i try to find similarites between effects, use your visualisation, they will remain in your head mcuh longer that way. ^_^ Just an advice that you can try out.

Oh yes, I have a drawer full of decks etc, all my magic stuff. I call it recreation lounge. :P

- Ling

I use Mnemonics and association to remember all my sh*t... hehe. For example, I'll be doing a routine, and each effect in the routine will remind me of what to do next... give me the 4 aces, and I can entertain you for ages. Like, 2 minutes an age :D

The power of memory is stronger than most of us think. Use it to the most of your ability, and you'll do well in all things factual ;)

-Kev

that was really fast replies~ hope to see more.. =)) as i read i'll have a better feeling of my brain.. haha

Well, for me, i type out the effects in point form and i print them. then i store them in a drawer. So every once in a whille, i'd go back to that stack of notes to refresh.

i remember them all... but forgets half of them.... so i saved a list of tricks in my com, updating it whenever i have the time...

as for storing the things, i have a little drawer and occasionally i take out everything and practice on each and everyone of them...

ya, i almost work like Alex. Write them down and keep them with me. And i bring them along in performance. So depends on situation, i use different kinds of magic.

As for storing, i dun have a problem. Cause all of them are decks and decks and decks again. But i will wish to have a drawer for keep things. My mom like to throw stuffs away.

Used to type out the effect name + the effect so that i could remember what to do. But somehow i didn't update it anymore, i just do the most commonly shown when i am asked to perform magic.

That's Ambitious Card Routine, unless it's a paid event or important event therefore i will take like 1 week to come out with a routine which flows with my effects.

For me I used to write on this little book every trick that I know how to perform and perfected. But after a while I've stopped writing and did it through memory. Opening my little book again, i suddenly recalled of many things I long forgotten that I can do.... haiZ....

I think its good to have a book to note things you learnt. I even have another book which I keep some ideas for exploring and possible rountines to explore further.

Hmm.. I guess it's noting down that'll work.. anyway, i'm trying to come out with a levitation effect. Sad to say, it'll be a vey expensiive illusion but it'll be a grand one.. Fill you guys in the details later~

I usually draw out diagrams for visual effects. And also I write down the setup of tricks so i won't forget them. Like where to place this and where to put that you know what I mean?

I'll write everything down and classify them....plus write some small comments or notes beside the trick..... Like killer effect... Heckler proof....Visual... not practical etc....

To me, there can only be so many tricks you can do. So, i simply remember the ones i need to, by practising them. And performing them.

I used to write the tricks down, but i realised i forgot the method. SO to heck with the notebook.

:lol: how i envy you people. I'm having trouble remembering how to even do the effect!! :o Kinda sad don't you think :huh:

hmm, you could attend 1 of those memory enhancing workshops. i did mine at pearl centre. it kinda helps,, a bit though ^_^

i would just jot the method to the effect down and shove it somewhere.
Tip #1---use images, our brain remembes images better than words.
Tip#2---use point form/mind map etc
Tip#3---file them in categories under "Must do effects, do-when-bored, never-do etc.
Tip#4---practise a few impromptu tricks that is hard hitting and can be done anywhere anytime.
Tip#5---keep those notes safe!!! :D

hope these help
Aaron

Use mindmaps!!
This method works because a lot of details can be put into one mindmap and one can actually put in about the effect so recalling the trick/effect is easier.
A. :g:

Mindmaps? Hmm, maybe you can show me in school some day.

Anyway, i realise that many things just go into your head and lie dormant there.

What i want to say is simple. Don't tell me you (in general) perform everything ALL your books/DVDs taught you?

I have a friend who does that. The problem is, he has so much stuff in his head that he cannot concentrate on a proper presentation for all of them. His patter is somewhat shoddy, and there isn't much flow. Of course, the laypeople are still pretty amazed, but hey, you gotta have pride in your work right? I personally remember how to do about 15 tricks only, and I only use 6 of them regularly. I think the most important thing is that they fit your performing style. of course, they have to be within your skill level too :D

Hahaha! Mind map?! Reminds me of torture in school.. Hm.. Well.. Can't possibly memorise everything you learn.. Just pick out tricks that fits your style and perform them... Don't have to remember 101 tricks.. Just do a handful well is good enough..

No, no, no. By drawing mindmap, i don't mean you have to show everything....
I mean use mindmap to keep track of whatever you have and with good details to keep the tricks at fingertips.. :)
As for what you are showing to the audience, it has to be well practised etc then perform..

:g: A.

A B) .

I think i may just be drawing mind maps this holidays till the new term starts in 2 months time. I was thinking of the mind map idea and it's pretty feasible.

Example, Krypt's Predict effect, i have it in a one page mind map format where i can quickly revise how it's done.

Also, it can be done with many effects on a one page format.

Actually, I agree with what some of you said, just remember the ones you like most. Focus on your "Top 10 Tricks" (actually this thing can be found in another of my thread..) so you don't have to encumber yourself with too much details. I will also make a list of the tricks I've learnt and then review it from time to time to find a trick that I've yet to performed and will remember to perform it next time.

Regarding storage, I think once you really master a routine, you don't really need the dvd again. It's like those martial arts manual, where the hero will not read it again once he master the moves.

Luckily, I only need to keep decks and coins (plus my latest addition, forks, which I kept in my kitchen). So not a big problem for me.

I find that tiny notebooks themselves are quite useful. It pens down what tricks i've learned or learning and you can also jot down youre patter and presentation style to those people.

So in case if you're outside, and your friends bugs you to show them something and your mind's just blank, just take out your notebook and thumb through them to see what you can cook up with.

And i think having the DVD itself would be sufficient. Why?

1st) The Digital world won't really break down, it just improves. ( So don't really worry)

2nd) I'm doing multimedia and IT ( Lol okay a little irrelevant. )

3rd) It kinda waste the space in our computer. ( If you know what i mean )

4th) Like you said, you scrimped and starved just to buy the DVD and in the end, to rip it?

Just an opinion of mine.

Just take some simple notes to refer to should you forget.

So if you are asked to perform, like what Freeze said, you can just refer to them (secretly) and see what you can perform.

But your major effects should be memorised, the more you practice, the more it goes into your head.