Lower the Load and Elevate Your Brand

Lower the Load and Elevate Your Brand
Magicians often look for ways to increase their value, but what if the secret isn’t in a big illusion, but in how you present yourself? In this Museletter, Byron Grey shares a simple yet powerful way to raise your fee while maintaining your dignity and professional branding. From pre-made posters to social media content, a polished look makes you more appealing to clients and easier to book. Read on to discover how a little marketing savvy can make a big difference in your career.
This is Byron Grey with a way to raise your fee – without lugging an illusion around – while keeping your dignity.
Here’s a scenario--you’ve been booked for a public performance. It’s the day of the show, and you're lugging around your prop case AND your Harbin Chair Suspension. You’ve upsold your services because you’ve heard you can add value with an illusion in the act, and you’re not 43 years old yet. The tradeoff is not bad. You arrive at your performance venue, and there you see a poster advertising your show.
 
Your name is spelled wrong on the landscape 8½ by 11 piece of paper. The image has an AI generated magician that is nowhere near “you,” with sixth and seventh fingers, wearing a costume you would never wear. AND it has a watermark right in the middle, so it’s an AI generated image which was obviously supposed to be paid for.
I wish I could say that this is an exaggerated example, but the truth is I have seen some well-established magicians share on social media some of the most CRINGE-WORTHY “posters” publicizing their events. So dear reader, please allow me to give you some ideas on how to have your client honor your brand all the while upselling YOU (and not the Harbin Chair Suspension).
 
But first, consider these questions: 
 
If you were the magician in the above scenario, what do you feel your “look” is worth? More than the upsell of an illusion? Do you currently have a brand to protect? Is a GREAT poster or piece of media more likely to produce GREAT results and create a win-win situation?
 
One of the things that sells me to my client is my GENUINE INTEREST in collaborating with them to make the best event possible. One way I do this is giving them as many prepared pieces of marketing to take their minds off producing it. And do they pay extra for that? Yep! Are they happy to do so? Thrilled! A lot of these clients are NOT marketing gurus or graphic designers. Clients will pay a little extra to DO little.
 
Currently, I’m helping a local non-profit. I’m the cherry on top for their weekend of fundraising efforts. When I initially gave them my quote, I sent them sample posters (see below) of what I use and told them their information would be on the bottom. I also sent social media “squares” that match the poster. They loved it and it gave them an idea of my performance style.
By the way, I’m using a poster template that I created in Canva. We use Canva for our physical programs, social media, website, and darn near everything. Even if you don’t consider yourself a graphic artist, just give it a try – or ask someone you know who specializes in graphic design.
 
I also do videos promoting the performance. Why? Well, for many reasons. First, people get to see the person that’s going to perform for them. Second, it’s free to make if you do it on your phone. But most important of all…and I’m going to go all CAPS on this one: Third, YOU NEED CONTENT FOR YOUR SOCIALS ANYWAY!
 
And you don’t need to have a “radio voice” either. You can create a video performing magic silently in Canva or iMovie and layer text stating what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, who/what it's for, etc. Now, post this on your socials, put in information about the performance and tag your client in the post. That way, your client shares your post with their followers. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
 
Is this a lot of work? Yes, but once you settle on your brand, you just need to design the poster once and after that you can edit with just the text. After a couple of months, you can reevaluate. Is the poster getting bodies in seats? Are your pictures current?

Having a pre-made poster and social media images make less work for your client, which equals happier clients AND it makes you look like the professional that you already are. Like those great posters of old, a well-crafted look catches the eye and creates anticipation for your show. Oh, also in Canva, you can create a unique QR code that links to your website, ticketing pages, or social media, making it easy for people to connect with you. Pretty sweet!
 
In closing, please don’t think I have anything against the Harbin Chair Suspension. In the right hands, it can be glorious. I just happen to think my look is more important than being mistaken for a “Womp Womp the Grate.”

 

From Daryl:
 
Thank you, Byron, for showing us that building a strong brand isn’t just about looking good – it’s about making your clients’ lives easier while positioning yourself as a top-tier professional. By taking control of your marketing materials, you can increase your value, land better gigs, and create lasting impressions. 
 
The magic doesn’t stop here – if you’re ready to refine your craft even further, check out our in-person and online classes at McBride’s Magic & Mystery School. Whether you want to master your technique, elevate your showmanship, or sharpen your business skills, we have courses designed to help you grow. Explore our offerings and take the next step in your magical journey.
 
Until next time, keep the magic alive!
 
Sincerely,

Daryl Rogers
Director of Communications
McBride Magic & Mystery School

 

John BUKOWSKI   |   Posted on March 09 2025

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