Ten Ways to Use Vintage Magic Magazines To Spark Your Creativity, Grow Your Repertoire, and Solve Magic’s Most Pressing Problems!

One of the things I love to do is pick up something that’s been around for years and breathe new life into it. It’s a fun exercise in creativity and innovation, sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration. During one of my magic estate purchases I obtained a large number of vintage magic magazines. They’re filled with articles, reviews, effects and ads – all of which can act as a catalyst to get those creative juices jumping. Not to mention they’re just plain fun to thumb through!

I realize that many of you may have your own stash of magic magazines lying around so here's some ideas to use those magazines to generate a little creative inspiration...

1. Learn a new trick from the teaching columns. Try applying the technique to something other than its intended props. If it’s a card trick—could it be something else? Can it be applied to photos, books, postcards, trading cards, currency, letters, etc.
   
2. Read an article that addresses a problem in magic. What can be done to resolve the issue? Is it really a problem that needs solving? Has the problem been addressed in other fields? If so, what can we adapt to our community?
   
3. Find an intriguing ad. Can you recreate the effect without knowing the actual method? Can you develop it further? Can you create a meaningful presentation for it?
   
4. Look at a photograph. Does it show an image of magic that still persists today? Is that good or bad? How can we update the image for a modern audience?
   
5. Read “Ring or Assembly Reports”. Do you see common threads, complaints, or comments? Have you addressed those issues with you magic and your approach to the magic community? Can you?
   
6. Analyze a magic product review. What can be done to address the criticisms of a product? Can you create a similar effect that solves those criticisms?
   
7. Absorb an article about magic history. Discover where we’ve been and where we’re heading. Does the direction need to change? How can you help?
   
8. Study a convention review. What kind of acts and events seem to generate the most enthusiastic responses? Can you build a better convention? What features would it have and how would you address the issues in the review?
   
9. Find an article about act promotion. Can you apply the ideas to modern show marketing? If the idea is dated, what about it is a truism that still applies today? Does the vehicle of promotion still exist, is there a current equivalent? Can it be brought back as an offbeat and nostalgic marketing tool?
   
10. What else? To be creative you will often need to self inspire! What other paths do you find or doors do you open by paging through those pages? Don’t focus only on your own interests within our field - broaden your perspective and get input from as many sources as possible.