MagicBunny.co.uk

I would like to offer a very warm welcome to our latest "Special Guest": Peter Eggink. Peter will be visiting this site during the week starting Monday 25th October and I for one shall be very interested to browse through any questions that you may wish to post in this forum and to read the replies that Peter may add.

Peter's name is well known in the field of magician, being synonymous with both the performance of magic and the creation of some of the most amazing magical effects.

Peter's interest in magic spans back to the age of four, when he was given a magic set by his parents. Since then he has won many prizes at numerous national and international magic conventions and has been involved with the professional performance of magic since the age of nineteen.

Many established magicians will have already heard of Peter's name through his involvement in the creation of some of the most creative and imaginative magical effects on the market:

Only last week, Peter's second (and latest) DVD was released, called "Invisible Reality." You may have also seen or heard of Peter's first DVD, "Strangers Like me," a compilation of previous marketed effects. To produce a DVD of magical effects is quite an accomplishment for any individual but to have two credited to your name is a remarkable achievement for anyone connected with this business.

If you are interested, you can find more about the above effects at:

http://www.murphysmagicsupplies.com

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his very kind offer in visiting this site and answering our questions. I am convinced that every member of Magic Bunny will find this stay interesting, as well as very enjoyable, and I am sure that there is a great deal that we can all learn from Peter's input.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us and I'm sure we will all learn something. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us, Peter. I look forward to reading the Q&A! Welcome to our forums.

Mike.

I'm looking forward to participating in my first Magic Bunny "Special Guest" event and what a magical time to have it too - Hallowe'en week!

Thank you for visiting these boards.

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, guys! I appreciate it.

I will do my best to answer all the questions you may have. I'm looking forward to hear from you, so let's get started!

Thanks for having me.

Later,

Peter

Admin,

Could we not find a more recent picture of Peter!
The existing one does him no justice!

Hello Lee - the photograph that you mentioned was passed to me by Peter yesterday evening. (Note the "edit" below my post when I added the photo!)

After having read your comments, Peter has now kindly passed a second photograph to me. This is now displayed above.

That's more like it!

I'm glad you like it, Lee

Peter

Welcome, Peter. Glad to have you around. Welcome aboard!

Michael

It’s good to read about someone who has such a wealth of experience in so many different fields. Which of these areas; the creation of effects, the retail sale of effects, the performance of magic, the production of DVDs... would you say gives you the most challenges and rewards

B Webster,

The most challenging part would be the creative part.

As for performing, I know what my abilities are presentational wise, but it's always a big challenge to "crack a nut", and to actually realize and visualise a desired effect. I never know which method I'm going to use
and if it will work though.

I get rewards from a lot of things. One of them is, of course, actually performing magic, but also the good reviews and endorsements that I receive for my products. That really makes all the hard work worth it, and the reason that I keep sharing my magic with the rest of the community.

Thanks for your question!

Peter

First of all, thank you for visiting these boards with your input – it is greatly appreciated.

May I ask about your business in the creation of magic effects? Copyright and the problems of intellectual theft are issues that concern me. Have any of your ideas been taken and modified without your consent. If they have, what actions (apart from the threat of an impeding lawsuit) have you been able to take against the offender?

Thanks, B Wester.

The only issue I experienced was with the "Meltchange" download link. Unfortunately there's a lot of web piracy going on these days and due to that fact the download link was traded around in no time.

I simply took it off the Internet and included it on my DVD "Strangers Like me". Of course they will copy the DVD's etc. but a download link is much easier to pass around - in fact it's only a few "clicks" away.

No, you can't do much about this as these things just happen.
The only thing you can do is hoping that the purchaser will respect the creator....

Peter

Although only a relatively small country Holland has its fair share of great names in magic, both today and in the past.

Who inspired you and how? In another post you say you lost a "childhood dream" when you sold your illusions. Who was it that put this dream in your head and how did you go about making this into your stage show?

I was inspired by Fred Kaps and Richard Ross, in fact I still am.

Both Kaps and Ross knew how to present magic - also because of their "Bold" style of magic. (They didn't make "steals" but they just "grabbed" it. Brilliant!)

Of course David Copperfield was of great influence during that time.
I wanted to be on stage and telling my audiences “stories” using the art of magic and beautiful female assistants. LOL

It was me who believed in that dream, and I still do, but now on a different level. You don't have to be an illusionist with a touring stage show to be a "star", to tell your audiences "stories" and receive the rewards and respect that we all need.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks, Lee

Peter

Many magicians I am sure are burning to ask the same question.

Where do you get Bicycle cards printed for packet effects - and what are the minimum quantities?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Lee,

The US Playing Card Company does custom print jobs. As far as I know they do a minimum run of 5000 cards.

Peter

When you started out did you just plunge in and get 5000 decks hoping to sell them or did a company fund you? It seems like a huge commitment to make.

When I decide to market an effect that needs a custom print job, I first make the wholesale arrangements with my distributor.

The agreement should be constructed in such way, that the distributor would purchase the amount of units from that particular effect, which will at least cover the costs for the print job involved. My distributor, (Murphy's in this case) also makes the arrangements with the USPCC.

I hope this answered your question.

All the best,

Peter

You have gone from strength to strength with your excellent booklets and card gimmicks. There is not a dealer who doesn't seem to supply your material. (For anyone who is not familiar with Peter Eggink's card work, it is presented in a top-notch way, which seeps quality, precise instructions and practability).

Could you give us a few pointers on how you went about bringing your ideas from being dreams to the hands of the customer (and all the stages in between)?

Hi Lee, nice talking to you again!

Well, marketing your own effects is an interesting process - for me that is. To start, allow me to try to explain the creative part.

I "found" my own creativity when I decided to sell my illusions, and to quit my stage show. Unfortunately at that time (3 years ago) I was a kind of forced to do so. Holland is a small country and there were too many illusionists touring (Hans Klok, Magic Unlimited) so I simply had no work. This was probably the worst time of my life! I had to sell my "child’s dream"! At this point I had absolutely no clue where this all was leading to and I even considered quitting magic in general.

Of course we all know that quitting is impossible, magic is an addiction and thank God it is! While sitting in front of the TV, I developed my handling of a colour change, which I called the "Meltchange" and I decided to offer my change/handling to the magic community as an instant download video. Man, this got me some huge reactions and endorsements from amateurs and professionals around the world! That was the moment that I found the button inside my head that said, "Be creative". "Transferred" followed soon afterwards.

I'm glad that my stage show never worked out after all.

Today, I have a very close relationship with Murphy's Magic. They have the worldwide distribution rights of my effects and DVDs. (It is a blast to work with these guys, not to mention that they are very helpful).

One of the most important things of marketing is research.
Is it new, done before, different enough? etc. Make sure your material is top notch: Strong, visual, good quality print work etc.

I have the luck, that my brother does all the artwork for me as it is his job. He creates all the packaging, cover designs etc.

I would be typing for hours to describe the whole process in detail, but I hope this has answered your question a bit?

Thanks, Lee!

Peter

Cheers Peter!

A great decision that you decided not to quit magic - the magic community would be a much sadder place without the young dynamic talent of creators such as yourself and Peter Loughran.

Keep up the good work buddy!

Thanks for the praise, Lee! I appreciate it.

Peter

When inventing new magic how do you go about creating them? Is there a special way to do it or do effects just come to you?

Tom

Hi Tom,

It's kind of hard to explain but I'll try.

It usually starts with an effect that I would like to accomplish and then I try to find the best method I can. This can take a couple of days - but also months and sometimes even years.

Ideas for effects can come from older existing ideas and principles, but mostly they just pop up in my mind.

Thanks for your question, Tom!

Later,

Peter

Hi Peter,

I think it's great you are taking the time to talk to us and I thank you very much.

However, if there was someone out there, (*wink wink, nudge nudge*) who was hoping to build their own tricks, what is the best piece (or pieces) of advice you could give them?
Once again, thank you Peter.

- Fin

If you want to create your own magic, first of all set your self a goal. This could be an effect or slight that you would like to establish. (Not too many, just one goal at the time.) Focus your mind only on your goal.

Once you have set you goal, set yourself a deadline; a date when you
want to have the method or solution for your desired effect.
Very important is that you should never want to rush this process. Allow yourself to think things over. (With this process, you will simply "program" your brain).

Don't give up if it doesn't work out the very first time. Try again and try again. Believe me, it really pays off. Every nut can be cracked.

The most important factor is that you'll have to believe.
Believe you can and you can

I hope this helps.

Success!

Peter

Hi Peter, I was wondering what new effects you are thinking of bringing out in the future? Also have you thought about releasing any large-scale illusions?

Your friend,

Peter.

Hey Peter, Nice to see you again!

Here are some new effects who are scheduled to be released from December 2004 through may 2005:

I do have ideas for large scale Illusions. (I believe that I have some rough drawings somewhere.)

Basically my mind is set on close-up magic, which is my "true love". Thereby, manufacturing of stage illusions can be a real issue. (I know you do a great job on manufacturing.)

But, as for me releasing large-scale illusions? Hmm, I'm not saying that it will never happen, but I don't have anything concrete planned for in the near future.

Maybe we can fuse our minds, and work on a project together someday.

Peter

Well it would be cool to see some of your ideas for stage be released! I will wait patiently my friend.

I was wondering though if you could give us any insight on the new effects you mentioned, if it doesn't spoil anything.

P.

No Problem, Peter.

Here are some brief descriptions:

"Ace Oddity" is my take on the four ace routine. The perfect ending for McDonalds Aces or just as a cool packet trick.

When the leader ace is placed facedown, the remaining aces turn magically facedown as well, one at the time. When they are turned face-up again all the pips are gone, leaving three blank cards! The leader ace is turned face-up, only to reveal that all the pips joined - the Ace of Spades!

"Touched by an Angel”: The angels on the back of a signed Bicycle card
visually become invisible, and re-appear!

"Ripped-Up" is a new "Flash Restoration" T&R card routine.

"Heatwave" allows you to "melt" the face image of a spectator's selection away!

"B-sandwiched" is my take on the classic "Sandwich" card plot.
The “wrong‘ card appears between two jokers. Visually and magically, the “wrong” card changes into the spectator’s signed selection! Seeing is (not) believing!

Cheers,

Peter

I love card magic. That's the reason why I come up with a lot of card stuff. However, I do have some other non-card projects up my sleeve.

Peter

I think we once spoke on "Sleightgeek" a little while ago, I don’t know if you have spoken to da5id, but the site has now been hacked twice and has been closed down for good. But back to the question:

What direction do you see magic in going in? I know we have seen a surge of TV programs like T.H.E.M and Monkey Magic appear but these seem to be knocked around on several forums. I would like to know your thoughts.

Hi Gareth,

Yes, we did spoke before on Sleightgeek. I know the site was hacked, but again? It's a shame.

Copperfield, David Blaine, Darren Brown, T.H.E.M and even our friend Valentino (aka the Masked magician) all contributed on their way to our little community and definitely helped making the art of magic more popular then ever before.

Personally I think magic stays "alive" this way, and even becomes "younger". I guess we'll have to wait and wonder in which direction it is exactly going to

Peter

Very true, it’s kind of funny but, with all the current trends in the films, television and even computer games, a lot of people still like to see live performances by magicians, something which technology cannot beat.

Technology is a great powerful "tool" in magic, especially for large stage productions. They simply can't run without it.

As for technology in platform and close-up magic, I do prefer to create miracles with my own hands though, but sometimes you don't have a choice. Thanks to technology we are almost able to perform some "real" magic. Yes, I use it too.

Peter

I am now starting use more slight of hand than gimmicks but I still love to use them. I would also like to know what you think of the Black Tiger decks, some seem to love them (me included) and other seem to have a great hate for them. I have noticed those who don’t like Ellusionist, don’t like anything they do. I do like Brad Christian and have several of his DVDs.

The Black Tiger decks look great, but personally I would never use them
in real life performances, because they have a kind of "suspicious" look. That's not what you want your spectators to think. Just my opinion though.

I'm not that familiar with Ellusionist, but from what I've heard Brad does a great job on teaching.

Peter

Hi Peter!

Let me say that I am really enjoying reading the various questions and your responses.

As for Black Tigers looking 'suspicious', this has been echoed a hundred times over, but what do you think of reversing the psychology and using it to your advantage?

For example I like to use them for some small packet effects that are almost sleight free, tell the spectators that I bought these in a magic shop and that they are by no means ordinary cards.

One of my favourites is "Follow me" by Ron Fredrick. Here the spectator’s selection always turns face up in their own hands with no sleights at all!
Afterwards however, they can examine the cards and still spend a long time wondering just how they are gimmicked when actually there is none.

So, if the suspicion is there, justify it in reverse and keep them guessing.

Good luck with your new effects.

Terry.

Hi Terry, thanks for dropping a line!

I'm positive that you can take advantage of their "suspicious" look, and make it work somehow. No doubt about that. Personally I would not use them in general, I guess it's a personal thing though.

Best,

Peter

What cards do you use Peter? Just being curious?

Gareth,

I prefer regular Bikes or Aviators.

Peter

I like Bikes the best then black backed bikes (which feel like Bees but have the Bike design) and the normal Bees, then the old Tiger decks, which after six months of use still fan and feel like new.

Cheers dude

Hello Peter...

First, thank you so much for taking out time to be here.

My questions are:

Now that you have achieved a measurable amount of accomplishment and success do you feel that there is something still on the horizon yet to be experienced for you in magic?

Do you have a dream unattained that carries you forward?

How would you like to see yourself in the future and also how would you like to be remembered?

Felix,

Thanks for your time to post your questions.

There are definitely some things on the horizon. I would love to perform in Las Vegas someday and it would be awesome to do a world lecture tour (which will probably start next year.)

My dream is to maintain my happiness and healthiness.
I'm also looking forward to marry my girlfriend and to have a baby child
with her. (A little Peter of course so I can give him a magic set when he's four years old. Lol.)

I truly think that our goal in our lives is to "find" ourselves and to become happy as a human being.

I would like to see myself in the future as a happy and healthy human being and a successful magician, who keeps contributing to our community and trying to raise the bar in magic.

How I would like to be remembered? I hope that I will have a lot of time left to work on that

Peter

But my wife and I have just come back from Las Vegas. Do go there Peter, you'll love it and the people as well. They are very laid back.

I've been in Vegas three times but not for actual performances.
It indeed is a great place to be. I'm planning to go back in July next year.

Peter

So are we. We have only done half the strip but go to the Paris Hilton and check out the Star Trek Interactive rides - they are ace!

We hope to go back next year but will need to save. It could mean cutting down on spending for magic but I do have a lot of DVDs to go through and learn from (and our local magic club) so it’s not so bad.

Thank you, Peter, for the great answers.

As, for being remembered, I know you still have a lifetime to work on it but I am sure it will be for your integrity as a human being as well as your contribution to the art of magic.

I was in Vegas in July. It was 46 degrees C. Great fun just the same. I stayed at the Mirage. Sig and Roy’s white tigers are in the lobby - not running loose of course. Good luck with all of your upcoming plan.

Please keep us posted on your lecture schedule.

Kindest Regards, Felix.

Well, Thank you Felix

I'll sure keep you all posted!

All the best,

Peter

What is the music that inspires you and makes you create? Just now for me it is heavy metal; Orbital but don’t ask. Since I was the one who got you here with out any credit I feel I should ask!

Alan

Hi Alan, Nice to hear from you

I love music from the 80s and, since I'm a huge Phil Collins fan, I play his records most of the time. For me, his "sound" creates the perfect atmosphere, and it gives me inspiration.

Cheers,

Peter

Actually Peter was tempted to the boards by member Lee Alex, who is fast becoming a sort of on-line Ali-Bongo

Is that good or bad?

Well, if you find yourself wearing crazy stage costumes and increasingly outrageous woolly jumpers in real life and attending every convention on the planet then it's a bad thing If however it's because you seem to know everyone then take it as a good thing.

I am very grateful to Lee who started the ball rolling by contacting Peter privately to see whether he would be receptive for me to email him with more details about this “Special Guest” project. Lee has been very active behind the scenes with his vast directory of relevant contacts and he established several new and exciting future contacts for Magic Bunny. Some of these will be visiting these boards over the next six months or so in the form of our next "Special Guests."

Hi Alan,

Yes, I remember that you contacted me a while back, with the question if I would be willing to "guest speak" on a magic board. However I didn't knew you where talking about Magic Bunny as you didn't mentioned which board. LOL! Well, I guess Lee was simply ahead of you.

Cheers,

Peter

Thank you Nigel for Magic Bunny and thank you Tom (Chabang) but outside I don't wear strange jumpers - so I guess it is a good thing!

This is just to remind you that Peter's time will be coming to an end very soon. If you have any burning questions, please get them posted by Saturday evening (GMT) so that Peter may have an opportunity to respond before the end of the week.

This has been a thoroughly interesting week. It has been a delightful insight, investigating how the world of magic and the creation of effects work together and I have certainly enjoyed reading the questions and replies of all the posts in this forum - I hope that you have too.

A very warm thank you to Peter for his input so far, to what has been a remarkable week of thoroughly enjoyable discussions.

I also would like to take the opportunity to thank the Magic Bunny team and all Magic Bunny members for making the last week a great week.

It was really a very enjoyable experience and I absolutely will return to this great board sometimes.

Thanks again everyone!

All the best,

Peter Eggink

Peter.

Don't know when your week will end, but in advance a big thank you for all the time you put into the forum this week.

I am sure it has made interesting reading for all, and I for one have certainly enjoyed having you here.

Here's to a bright future and wishing you continued success.

I shall be contacting you privately very soon.

I would also like to thank you for taking your time on these forums Peter. It's been a pleasure having you here and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your well thought answers to the questions that have been posed. I hope that your road is always smooth for you Peter and wish you great success in all that you do.

Take care.

Mike.

Thanks, Guys.

I'm glad to hear that it was as enjoyable for you, as it was for me!
Thanks for making it work.

All the best,

Peter Eggink

Normally, at this stage at the end of a week, I start a thread called “Thank you” in order to publicly thank the guest speaker for their time and input. This “Thank you” thread is left open for a few days in an otherwise locked forum so that other members may add their thanks as well. The other threads in the forum are then locked so that the “Special Guest” is not embarrassed by having further submitted questions or comments that need replying – at a time when their busy schedule dictates that it is time for them to move onto their own work. This week, I see that Lee (and Mike) have beaten me to this chore. What a kind gesture for Peter – it is so very rare that other members are so grateful for a guest’s input that they beat me to the construction of a “Thank you” thread. This just goes to show how receptive and appreciative Magic Bunny members have been of Peter’s input to these boards.

No thread in this forum has gathered less than 40 views, members have been very quick to thank Peter for his time and I have witnessed a great deal of positive feedback regarding this project – what a great complement for Peter.

May I add my own voice of thanks to Peter for his time spent at these boards and the input that he has provided. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable week and I have learnt a great deal in the process. Thank you Peter for your input I am very grateful.