Advice for the Amateur

When asked how I choose a method to use for an effect, I always try to choose a method that is beautiful or joyful. If thinking about it makes me smile or giggle, I know that I am on the right track.

I was also asked how one invents original methods. My answer I to not worry about what is original. Originality should never be a goal. Originality is a side-effect that happens by itself when the work is done properly. I have many pieces that others call original, but I never planned for them to be original, it just happened as a side-effect. Striving for originality often leads you to search for solutions outside the problem at hand, when it is more fruitful to dig into what you have in front of you. It is so easy for us to get caught up in our own shortcomings that we forget our strengths… that we all are unique beings with unique experiences; and if we do what feels obvious and natural to us, other people will perceive it as unique and original. Others will ask, ”How on earth did you come up with that?” and you will find it difficult to come up with an answer, because all you did was do what seemed obvious.

We all have ’go to’ solutions--basic methods that we know inside and out. Just reading rarely expands that tool chest. You can read 100 awesome books, but when you try to create something you still fall back on what you had before reading those 100 books.

You need to try the ideas out as you read them, for the new ideas to become assimilated. It is not necessary to try it full out – you can try it out in pantomime and use non-functional dummy props made of cardboard and tape. Because once it is tried out physically, it goes from theoretical to practical, and it becomes a new tool in your toolbox. Film yourself as you try it out. Don’t worry over it looking like sh_t. No one else will see it, and you can delete it immediately. But watching yourself do the rudimentary idea will give you an idea how it will look to the audience. It also will help you invent variations that will fit you better.

I never know if a new effect will fool anyone. But I never worry over it. I know that my craft is deception… and if I’ve done the work properly, and have a clear plot, then that is enough for me. If it doesn’t play well, then I have overlooked something, and then I must take it out of the show, rework it, and try again. 

Look at people when you’re out in the real life. Try to predict their actions. When people put their shopping in their bags, what item do they take first? Which do they take last?Try to learn how stories are constructed, read a book or two about scriptwriting – they are all quite interesting, so pick any scriptwriting book at random.

Try to film yourself as much as possible when experimenting and playing around. It will feel weird to watch yourself at first, but that threshold will soon be passed if you just keep on doing it. Be kind to yourself. It is enough to just let the flaws register, no need to hit yourself over the head. Learn to appreciate and enjoy the failures, and everything becomes easier.

Above all, remember that all this should be joyful. If it doesn’t feel joyful, either change what you’re doing or make it joyful; have snacks at hand, play joyful music, dance, laugh.

Best,

Tom