How did NVN get started with magic?
I’m often asked how I got into magic. However, the story I usually give is an abbreviated version, because everyone expects a simple answer, which it’s not. Unlike most magicians, whose stories begin with a magic kit or an uncle who could pull a coin out of their ear, my journey consists of a different series of events.
One of my earliest memories is from a family trip to Las Vegas. At the time, I was barely walking and I only remember two things from the trip. The first memory was of flamingos, which puzzled me until I got older, but more on that later. The second memory was getting a magic wand, breaking it, and then getting a new one. That memory has stuck with me throughout my life and was a major influential factor in my decision to become a magician.
The Las Vegas trip that started it all
Fast forward a few years to a friend’s birthday party. Surprise, he had a magician there. I volunteered to help and, yes, I was chosen. I remember it like it was yesterday. The magician placed a white painter’s smock around my neck and had everyone shout out a color. Sure enough, an array of colors appeared on the smock. Eight-year-old me was blown away. To this day, I have no idea how it was done.
A few years later, I attended a Renaissance fair in my town with my mother. I stumbled into a tent and sat down to watch a magic show. After about five minutes, I volunteered to help. If you haven’t guessed it already, yes, I was chosen again. This time, the magician stuck a sword through my head. And no, I still don’t know how that trick works either.
Finally, in 8th grade, my sister got me the Criss Angel magic kit. I learned and practiced tricks from the kit and would take them to school to show my classmates. Sadly, magic didn’t stick at that time. My freshman year of high school, I took a break from magic, only to rediscover my love for it my sophomore year. Not only did I rediscover my passion, but I also found websites that sold magic tricks far better than anything I had seen on YouTube.
Criss Angel Magic Kit
From there, my love for the art grew and prospered. When I turned 16, my family went on vacation back to Las Vegas, which confirmed that I hadn’t imagined seeing flamingos there. More importantly, I had my first experience performing magic on the streets for strangers. This experience helped mold me into a better magician.
16 Year old NVN, having just finished his first street performance in Vegas, made $26
My senior year of high school arrived, and one day I was meeting with my guidance counselor (awesome guy). He asked me something I had never even thought of: “When did you realize you wanted to do this for a living?” In my head, I thought this is that moment, but my answer was, “A few years now.”
By the end of my senior year, I still had no idea how to make it as a professional magician. All I knew was that it’s what I wanted to do with my life. Of course, destiny took the wheel and introduced me to my mentor, Mr. Brian Miller, to whom I owe more than I can ever repay for helping me get this far in my career.
NVN first corporate show (featuring the famous Brian Miller)
That’s the full series of events and influences that led me to where I am now.