June 2008
July 2008
 |
Starting at the late age of 14 Joseph Ngabo, a native of Los Angeles, became interested in magic through television. Seeing a magician reveal an illusion, his interest in magic grew from there. Showing the trick he learned from TV to his friends, he loved their reactions and decided to take it a step further.
Later on that year, he was introduced to YouTube by his friend and saw other illusionists posting their magic videos. Months later he posted his own video which was a great success.
“I didn’t have much knowledge of uploading a video to the internet. I didn’t have a video camera and I had a choppy computer that was somewhat unreliable. I used all that I had which were a cell phone and a dream. I never went to a magic store prior to this video.”
-Amazing Joe
Seeing the views climb every day he decided to upload more videos. Slowly people became aware of his talent and started watching his videos on a regular basis.
“I am truly grateful of how many people are responding to the videos I put up. It encourages me to do more. I feel my videos are different than everyone else’s. I try not to copy the same magic video on YouTube because it gets boring and too repetitive. I try to come up with something that is very unique and cool to watch.”
-Amazing Joe
He says that he likes new magic source because they have many items that are really good for illusionists out there. His role models in magic are David Blaine, Cyril Takayama, Dynamo, and Marco Tempest. Refraining from using his real name in public, he goes with his stage name, The Artist of Illusion. You can see more of his videos on YouTube and check out his MySpace.
We chose Amazing Joe as our featured magician of the month for several reasons. First and foremost, his videos are a finished product. He has put a lot of time and thought into the story. He didn't just learn a trick real quick and post it before it was perfected, like many Youtube magicians out there. He's created a scene with a start, a middle, and an end. His effects do not expose the method. He doesn't just say here's my shirt, now I'm wearing it. He first decides what shirt he wants to wear, makes a joke about privacy, and then puts the shirt on in a way that would seem impossible to do. Once he has changed his shirt, he's ready to leave his room. A very good example.
Secondly, he's produced some very professional-quality promotional shots. Out favorite is the one at the top of this page. It wasn't taken spur of the moment with a cheap camera or a webcam. He is dressed as he wants to be percieved. The name is clearly framed to his right. The picture is eye catching, stylized, and tells us he is a magician. The only reason for ever using a different photo, would be because he will get older.
Lastly, he has expressed a true passion for the art. Magic is a passion. It is the art of deception. He cares enough for the art to give it the respect it deserves and the PRACTICE it deserves. Joe has set the bar high for next months featured magician. Are you the featured magician of July 2008? Submit your videos to us. Have a biography ready. Have photos taken. We'll be looking for July's magician all month long!
Contact us on Myspace or by email!
