Why You Should Always Be Ready to Perform Magic

Being a magician—whether you're a passionate hobbyist or a seasoned professional—is a truly unique thing. It's not just a skill set; it’s part of your identity. And unlike most other professions, when you reveal your magical side in public, the reaction is instantaneous and predictable.

Imagine this: You’re at a party, chatting with new people. Someone asks what you do, and you casually say, “I’m a magician.” Their eyes light up, their smile widens, and—almost without fail—you hear the words:

“Can you show me a trick?”

Now, let’s compare that with other jobs. If you said you were a plumber, would anyone respond with, “Brilliant! Could you take a look at my bathroom right now?” Unlikely—unless, of course, they’ve got an active leak.

Hairdresser? Maybe someone would joke about needing a trim, but no one’s expecting an impromptu haircut in the middle of the room.

But say you’re a magician, and boom—people want to see the magic right there and then.

So what should you do?

The Simple Answer: Be Ready

When someone asks to see a trick, don’t hesitate. Show them something. It doesn’t need to be a full routine or a ten-minute performance—just a moment of magic. Something quick, visual, and powerful.

It might seem like a small interaction, but trust me—it leaves a lasting impression. You never know who’s watching or what doors that moment could open.

Whether you perform magic just for fun or you're out gigging every weekend, being ready to perform at a moment’s notice is one of the best habits you can develop. And that’s where the idea of EDC comes in.

What is EDC?

EDC stands for Every Day Carry—a term borrowed from the world of survivalists and minimalists, but now widely used among magicians.

Your EDC is the magic you carry with you every day. The stuff that's always in your pockets, ready to go. Not because you're planning to perform—but because you might be asked to, or an opportunity may arise.

Let me break it down with a real-life scenario.

My Basic Summer EDC

Let’s say it’s a sunny day and I’m just popping to the shop—no jacket, just keys, phone, and wallet. Here’s what I’ll still have on me:

• Confusing Coins

• Coins Across

• My Assassin Wallet

All of that fits neatly in my pocket. If someone asks me to show a trick, my go-to is Confusing Coins. It's visual, simple, and it looks like it’s done with just two regular coins—something you’d have in your pocket anyway. The magic happens fast, and the ending is clean. Perfect for a quick “one and done” performance.

If the moment calls for something more involved—say 5 to 10 minutes—I’ll dip into the Assassin Wallet and roll out some solid mentalism. It’s structured, impactful, and perfect for when the mood shifts from “show us something” to “wow us.”

Jacket Weather = Full Arsenal

Now let’s say I’m wearing a jacket. Game changer.

In my inside pockets, you’ll often find:

• A deck of cards/STC/Sharpie

• A Card to Wallet

• Extreme Burn

• Rubber Bands (Crazy Mans Handcuffs)

Now we’re talking! With this simple setup, I can easily deliver a full close-up show if the occasion calls for it.

Card magic? Covered.
Money magic? Sorted.
Mentalism? Ready to go.

It’s all modular, which means I can do just one trick… or run a 15-minute set.

The “Just in Case” Case

Here’s another top tip—something that’s saved me more times than I can count:
Keep a close-up case in your car.

It doesn’t have to be huge, just big enough to hold duplicates of your go-to effects and props. This way, if you’re ever at a friend’s house, a social gathering, or even a networking event, you can excuse yourself, grab the case from your boot, and come back ready to blow minds.

Think of it as your magical emergency kit. You're never caught off guard, and you're always prepared to make a memorable impression.

But What If I’m Not a Pro?

You don’t need to be a working magician to adopt this mindset. In fact, being ready to perform—whether it's for your kids, coworkers, or strangers at a barbecue—can reignite your love for magic in a whole new way.

Magic isn't just about being on stage or booked for events. Sometimes the most rewarding performances happen off the cuff, in real life, when someone least expects it.

And here’s the kicker:
Those impromptu moments? They’re often more powerful than any formal show. Why? Because they’re personal. They’re intimate. They’re real.

Choose Your Go-To Effects Wisely

When building your EDC, think about:

• Portability – Will it fit in your pocket?

• Reset – Can you perform it again quickly if asked?

• Impact – Does it hit hard, even in casual settings?

• Practicality – Can you perform it surrounded, with minimal setup?

Your EDC doesn’t need to be flashy. It just needs to be you—your style, your strengths, your magic.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Being Ready

Magic is a superpower—and like any great power, it comes with responsibility. The ability to create wonder on the spot is something few people can do, and when you embrace that, you set yourself apart.

So whether you’re heading out in shorts and a t-shirt or suiting up for a formal event, having your everyday carry in place means you’re always ready to seize the moment. And sometimes, that one moment is all it takes to create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

So go ahead—check your pockets.
Are you ready to perform?