Learn to perform Close up Magic from a member of the Magic Circle and International Magician with over 10 years' experience.

Find out more about Maximillian

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I have always been interested in magic and had learned a few effects while growing up. However, it wasn't until I was at University when I was watching YouTube videos of people performing magic tricks that one, in particular, caught my eye. It was a performance of "This & That", a simple effect with three cards and it annoyed me so much that I couldn't figure it out, I had to learn it. So I learnt it, and after performing it to a few friends, I got an excellent reaction and thought to myself that maybe I should know a bit more. That was in 2010, and I've never really stopped since then!

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  Being a member of the Magic Circle means I get to spend time with lots of magicians who I have always looked up to, and continue to do so. Over the years I've been lucky enough to spend time with and meet some of the best in the business such as Fay Presto, David Penn (of Penn and Teller), Drummond Money Coutts, Michael Vincent and many more.
  
  When it comes to magic, I am always most affected and intrigued by "close-up" magic. I believe it is because the magic happens right in front of the audience, so close that there can be no explanation for it other than "it's magic". I also feel this way because of the natural and spontaneous reactions and interactions you as the performer gets to experience and take part in with your audience. No performance is ever the same when it's that personal.
  
  Not to diminish the fantastic and impressive work that stage and TV magicians do, I love their work as well. Still, it's very hard not to allow yourself to blame the "magic" as only happening because it's behind a camera or on a stage, so I prefer magic where that kind of explanation just doesn't fit.

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  Magic requires an incredible mix and blend of skills for success to take place. However, that depends on what success looks like for you as a magician. I have known many hobbyist and casual magicians who love what they do and get incredible enjoyment out of practice and performing. I've also known professional magicians who never see themselves as successful magicians.
  
  For me, success in magic comes from continually improving and learning as much as possible. I am always working to improve my performances, my sleights, my effects, the character I portray, my marketing, social media, website, blogging, audience interactions and a host of other skills. As a close-up magician, I am a one-person army who has to juggle many different tasks and skills to get the most out of what I do. If you become a stage magician, then an entire other world of skills have to be mastered, lighting, sound, stage management, wiring, transport of bulky props and so on.
  
  The main thing you need, though, is a love of the art form. Magic is the art of hiding your art from people, spending hours, days, weeks or even years behind closed doors, perfecting every minor detail. Being a magician is not immensely profitable. So, if you don't love magic for magic's sake, you are in this industry for the wrong reasons.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  "Wanting a positive experience is a negative experience. Accepting a negative experience is a positive experience."
  
  I love that quote, and when it comes to the work I do, it often rings true. The projects I love and enjoy doing are always the easiest to get lost in, pushing through completion and then some. And then there will always be those projects that I don't want to do, or don't interest me as much. Accepting that they are less attractive, but they need doing, helps me push on and get the job done anyway.
  
  If I'm struggling, using the "Pomodoro Method" is my favourite way to help keep myself on track with any task where my focus always seems to stray. Set a time for a specified amount of time; I use 45 minutes, and then spend that time only doing one task. After the time is up, take a break for fifteen minutes and carry on or move onto another task. Rinse and Repeat as needed.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  Most of the time, happy. I love performing magic. I love the struggle and frustration that comes with learning a new move, especially when I finally get it and can proudly show it off (or not as the case may be!) in my next performance.
  
  Magic can be infuriating at times, as it demands a lot of time and dedication to get the results you want. Getting those results, though, is by far the best feeling in the world. And nothing comes close to the feeling of an audience's wholehearted applause.
  
  Sometimes though, because of all the self-reflection needed to improve as a performer, it can be tough not to be too harsh on yourself. I battle with this a lot, and often after the high from finishing a performance has worn off, it can be easy to get quite dark and start picking yourself apart. As a magician, you learn to see more than most people, and somethings can neither be unseen nor ignored once you've opened that door, so treat yourself nicely!

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  Performing at TEDx Macquarie in Australia was one of my first significant hurdles. That was the biggest audience I had performed to, close to 1000 people when before that, the biggest I had performed to was around 100-150. Terrifying and for better or worse, that performance is forever available on the internet, especially as I am now incredibly embarrassed by it!
  
  Becoming a member of the magic circle, which was something I just never thought possible for myself.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  All the time. It's incredible to see the shift in a student when they go from practising magic because they think it is "cool" or something to do, and when they become engrossed by it. At that stage, they are practising every day because they want to, using every quiet moment to practice a move or to think about their performances. A little practice every day does so much to supercharge someone's rate of learning and retention. It is always a joy to see and be a part of in any new magician's career.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  Teach them the magic they want to learn. I start everyone off with a deck of cards because it is a great starting point to get to grips with everything. But from there, it makes more sense for some people to learn coin magic, or mentalism, or prop based effects. There is so much to learn, and it doesn't make sense to have students running drills in the things they aren't going to get anything out of, so find what they love and do more of that.
  
  Listen to your students, but don't let them run the class! Some students, particularly teenagers, can be stubborn about only wanting to learn specific effects. I have no problem with this, but the lessons are never allowed to turn into a series of questions about how to perform famous effects. The secrets of magic only make up a tiny part of "magic". So much of it is the performer, the character, the reason behind an effect, the methodology, and so much more than giving away the secrets would ruin everything!