How many here make their living from mentalism?

DR. CHARLES GREEN · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 08:09 AM

Let's get this section started with a discussion of:

How many here make their living from mentalism?

Share how you do it.

Example, since I started this:

I am a full time psychic entertainer. I make my sole living from doing palmistry and tarot readings at different locations on the tiny island I live on.

My performing persona is that of a scottish psychic and I am easily recognizable as I walk about town. I use mini-readings in order to interest perspective sitters in scheduling longer readings.

If there is further interest in how I do what I do I will be glad to share.

STAY MYSTICAL

James L. Clark · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 07:08 PM

What part of Scotland are you from? I went to uni there.

Smoothini · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 03:02 AM

Not technically, but I do rely on ALOT of mentalism in my live shows. I do a 90 minute program and the last 35 minutes straight are both a Q&A routine and a two person telepathy routine with my girlfriend. I do PK stuff as well mixed with alot of comedy. It goes over well. I do this for around 50 to 90 people having dinner. I promote the show and so I get money from the door, and since this is where I make the majority of my money..... I sort of make my living doing mentalism.

Although when I network or get paid to do strolling stuff, I down play the mentalism.

Kipp Sherry · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 07:42 AM

I bill myself as a magician but I do a few mental routines in my show. So even though I use it some I don't try to sell myself as a pure mentalist like Uri Geller, Max Maven, or yourself. In 2005 I released a mentalism effect called P-PIK Prediction Cards and that made me some money too, but that was just part of my living, not all of it.

Until we appear again,
Kipp Sherry

Arnold Kelly · #5 (**permalink**) 12-28-2007, 01:09 PM

As someone who is new to mentalism, I'd like to ask something. What do you consider the difference between a "Psychic Entertainer" and a magician who does mentalism as part of their act? I'm really interested in mentalism effects and think it might be more of an attraction to call myself a "Psychic Entertainer", instead of simply a "Magician".

Please don't get me wrong...There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with calling yourself a magician. I'm just wondering if there's a real difference between the two or does it come down to being just a name.

DR. CHARLES GREEN · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 01:34 PM

Welcome Arnold,

I work in the world of psychic entertainment, so keep that in miind as I give you my answer.

My living comes from doing psychic readings. I never represent myself as a magician as I do not do "tricks". I read Tarot Cards, Regular Cards, ESP Cards and Palms. Unknown to the client, I also use graphology.

While in the past I have worked within the magic community, I now work outside of what is considered a "magician".

A simple answer to your question would be I use Sleight of Mind rather than Sleight of Hand.

This is one Psychic Entertainer opinion.

STAY MYSTICAL

James L. Clark · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 09:40 PM

I'm a mentalist for the most part but have been in magic for a long time and really have no issues with anyone using these skills to make a living, unless they take advantage of people. There are too many people do that... they start out as magicians and then become guys to "don't say anything" and then, can, become shut eyes. Next thing you know they are "real" psychics, etc. LOL. That is a slippery slope argument to be sure, but one that I've seen happen sadly.

#8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 03:00 PM

im starting out in mentalism and i got stigmata and gets good reactions can you guys recommend something to me

Randall Skinner · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:19 AM

I am fascinated by the effects of mentalism and psychic entertainers / psychological illusionists.... I am trying to learn more about this form of entertainment for amateur use.

I know a couple of "tricks" (a book test using the 1089 principle and a telepathy effect to "guess" a chosen playing card), but haven't been able to find what seems to be very reliable resources for learning and developing skills in mentalism.

How did some of you get your start in this particular discipline? When trying to learn a new effect (maybe one you've seen another performer do), how do you go about analyzing it and tailoring it for your own use?

James L. Clark · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 10:57 PM

13 steps is a good starter for anyone looking to learn. Anything put out by Banachek or Richard Osterlind. Get older material (still great stuff) by Theo Anammenn or his Jinx. Larry Becker is great, and a ton of others too. Read, read, read. But if you go with DVDs, drink lots of coffee and redbull. They tend to be full of GREAT ideas, but will put you to sleep! Of course, we have book tests (plug, plug) and I have a double DVD volume coming out this year for Christmas of some of my working material and other fun stuff. JC