Basically the job of a magician is to do impossible things that challenge the nature of the universe. And I think some magicians buy into that perception a little too much. These days that turns people off a little bit. I'm not a wizard. I don't have special powers. If I did, I would not be doing magic for a living!
Justin WillmanWhen we talk about magic a lot of people think you use that to pick up girls. So therefore there's this slimy connotation associated with it, like, "Oh hey, pick a card - my number's on it!" So I think I've avoided ever having people think that's what's happening. I try to make magic the treat of the interaction or the treat of the flirt. I've never gone up and tried to do a trick to get a girl's number, only because I feel like that's what people expect and it feels slimy.
Justin WillmanThere's a lot of people who can't figure out how to enjoy magic while simultaneously knowing that it's fake. Magic is like breast implants. We know they're fake, but when done well they can give you a feeling of true wonder.
Justin WillmanWhen I'm traveling a lot the flight attendants will ask what I do and if I say I'm a magician then I have to do a trick. But if it's a red eye flight and I haven't slept at all, I'll say I'm a comedian. And then they say, "Do a joke." But if you're a magician you should be able to do a trick anywhere, any time of day. And if it's not the best situation to showcase what I do then I'll offer them tickets to my show that night. Trying to do a magic trick right outside of an airplane lavatory isn't the best viewing conditions.
Justin WillmanPeople have all these preconceived notions about magicians, like that they're lonely and bitter or they're socially awkward people. I don't know what magician hurt all these people, but I'm constantly having to overcome all these stereotypes. So, no. I'm sure there are just as many magicians who are lonely and bitter as there are comedians, lawyers, or any profession.
Justin WillmanBasically the job of a magician is to do impossible things that challenge the nature of the universe. And I think some magicians buy into that perception a little too much. These days that turns people off a little bit. I'm not a wizard. I don't have special powers. If I did, I would not be doing magic for a living!
Justin Willman