Competition

I would have uploaded the pictures of my other two competitions but for some strange and Sad reason, I  can't seem to locate the pics. Oh wells. I've been thinking for a long time... Toying with an idea. And I've asked myself...What have magic competitions done for me?

Before I go on, allow me to list the awards I've acquired... Because I can :)

1. Mentalism - Magic Unlimited 3rd Place
2. Mask Act - Magic Unlimited 1st place
3. Mask and Dove Act - SAM stage magic 1st place
4. People's Choice Magician of the Year 2007
5. Best Magic Act - Mumbai, India
6. Most Outstanding Magician 2011 - Fly Ent./Concept Magic/Sinema Media

So yea, 6 awards. I do plan to add a closeup award to this list. Far too many magicians think I'm not a very Closeup guy. We'll see how that goes. HaHaHa. 

For the past few months, since my return from the International Khul Jaa Sim Sim convention in Mumbai, I've been very itchy for another international competition. Which made me think...what should I perform?

I'd love to present my new Mask act for my competitions but the question in my head screams, for what!? True... Why compete? What do these competitions bring me?

So far, here's how these competitions have served me. They are very useful in marketing, they help Event Emcees introduce me better, they establish me within the local magic scene and (very honestly) they make me feel good!

I figured, most of us compete for the ego gratification it brings when you win a prize. It really does nothing besides gain respect amongst magicians (who do not pay your bills), win you some money ( usually never enough to even reimburse 10% of your spending on the acts) and probably create some buzz amongst your lay friends. 

To me, a Magic Competition is the perfect Ego boost for a magician, and myself too! I'm guilty of it. Dreaming of the perks of Winning FISM. Then again, that award still brings you JUST bragging rights. Magicians that buy your products feel safer to get them when you do have a string of products to sell them. 

For me, I believe in the works of some here that I do respect. A master businessman, a deeply involved theatre practitioner, a speaker using magic to make a difference etc... These men treat magic the way it is in reality. A BUSINESS. Competitions don't do much for me personally. I am thankful for my winnings but I've gone to a stage when I've realised bookings and my sales matter more than winning the next award. 

My goals for the future? Im a businessman. My goal is to improve my business! With so much out there, learning is easy and should be done constantly. I only have my girlfriend to thank for instilling this in me time after time. 

Think about your worth...what is your aim? Think about how far you go, or what you gain from what you do... 

Till Next time, 

Kyle Ravin

Working on my closeup magic act... ooops! (I didn't say I wont try to flatter my ego!)