Tag: Vanishing Inc.

Latest Magic News

Anthony Owen to be Remembered in Unique Book

Anthony Owen.pngThe Camden New Journal of London reports today that magician Anthony Owen, who tragically passed in April of this year, is to be remembered and celebrated in a new book.

Mr. Owen was just 46-years-old and the father of three children at the time of his death.  A coroner has ruled his death a suicide.

He worked with the true stars of our art including Dynamo and David Copperfield.

Following his death, hundreds of contributions of stories and memories of the beloved man and performer were received and those who loved and knew him best thought it best to compile a book capturing the emotional submissions.

Paul Andrews, Mr. Owen’s partner in the company Dynamic FX in the early 2000s, said “It’s really to show what his life was, what a full life he had and for his children as they grow up to remember their father and be proud of his achievements and hopefully to have a laugh at some of the stories.”

Magician and actor Andy Nyman thought there would be no doubt he would have become the president of the prestigious Magic Circle.

“He was so well thought of and well loved in the magic world and he was so sweet, and funny and considerate and thoughtful,” Mr. Nyman told reporters.

Vanishing Inc. announced after Mr. Owen’s death that it would start a magic scholarship to encourage young people interested in magic.  The scholarship fund starts with profits from his latest and very successful book Anthony Owen: Secrets.

The Assistant Coroner said he resigned from FAB Media Group the day before his death.  “Mr. Owen had clearly been under immense stress at work for several months and this had been quite devastating for him.  I think the great sadness here is that he had finally dealt with that by resigning and the evidence both from his wife and his partners, he seemed happier.”

Mr. Owen’s family released a statement following the coroner’s finding.  “The sudden and tragic death of our beloved Anthony has changed our lives forever.  Anthony’s creative genius paved the way for so many that he selflessly mentored, and his gentle generosity of spirit will be remembered by all that were fortunate enough to know him.

“We are hugely grateful for the phenomenal outpouring of love, support and compassion that we have received from our family, friends and community since Anthony’s untimely passing.”

Joshua Jay - Magician, Author, and Good Guy
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Magician Joshua Jay Profiled in Forbes

Joshua Jay - Magician, Author, and Good GuyAward-winning magician and Inside Magic Favorite Joshua Jay is on the Forbes website today discussing . . . economics.  The article is an enlightening look at what to do to prepare for the next recession.  Mr. Jay would know as a businessman and magician.  He and Andi Gladwin began the very popular online magic store, Vanishing Inc. in 2009 and has done well.  According to Forbes, it is one of the largest such stores in the United States.

He doesn’t need magic powers to see that a recession may be on the way, “The things I observe happening now are things that happened before the last recession.”

Mr. Jay says you get a feeling for a tightening economy by how event planners work with you.  “Now the company event planners have to tell me as a magician, ‘I’m sorry we can’t have you this year,’ or, ‘Last year we had you do two shows and walk-around magic. This year, we only need you to do walk-around magic.'”

But also magic hobbyists and amateurs are slowing their spending.

“Secondly, we have seen a slowdown in magic sales because, for most of the amateurs and hobbyists that make up a large portion of the magic community, magic is purchased with disposable income. So we aren’t seeing a total overall slowdown in numbers, but we’re seeing ramped-up marketing efforts result in the same sales numbers. And to me, that spells, not doom, but certainly a potential slowdown.”

But Mr. Jay survived the 2008 recession by diversifying and exploring new avenues for his business.

“I had outlets that were under my control,” Mr. Jay said. “The guys that really suffered in the last recession were the guys that relied on calls from clients. They relied on work to come into their phone and their inbox, and those people really suffered because those things dried up.”

Check out the full article to get some very helpful hints and advice from someone of our ilk who has survived downturns and came out even better on the other side by visiting the Forbes site here.

Visit Vanishing Inc. here.

Check out Mr. Jay’s website here.

Joshua Jay - Magician, Author, and Good Guy
Latest Magic News

Art of Magic Purchased by Vanishing Inc

Joshua Jay - Magician, Author, and Good GuyIf you were not a magician familiar with the two business entities, the title to this post would seem strange.  Vanishing Inc. is an Inside Magic favorite and recipient of our weekly paycheck for the past decade it seems.  The Art of Magic previously owned by Dan and Dave Buck is a fantastic company led by two of the true innovators in our craft.  We have tried their shuffles, fans and cuts for years and their products have been top-notch.

We were surprised to learn that Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin purchased Art of Magic lock, stock and barrel from the Buck twins yesterday.  Here is the announcement from Jay and Andi:

Effective immediately, Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin (on behalf of Vanishing Inc) are pleased to announce the purchase of Art of Magic and all its content from Dan and Dave Buck. For years we have admired their work ethic and output, and we’re excited to take over the wonderful enterprise they have created.

We have grown up alongside Dan and Dave Buck and have a tremendous appreciation for both their artistry and the beautiful brand they have built with Art of Magic.

What we admire most from Dan and Dave is their attention to detail. The spirit in which they work is all passion: that’s why everything they release exudes quality and perfection. Their videos are—without question—the finest produced in all of magic. The people they work with are among our  favorite magicians and the content they offer is top, top quality magic worthy of careful study.

We have promised Dan and Dave the same promise we will make to you: that we will continue in this same spirit, and honor the brand and impact they have forged. You can look to www.artofmagic.com in the coming months for new magic that we believe will excite and delight. We will continue relationships with the artists you love, and we’ll continue to deliver the high quality of service you have come to expect from Art of Magic.

You can also expect some exciting brand synergy, incorporating artists and elements from Vanishing Inc into Art of Magic, and introducing the Art of Magic library to our Vanishing Inc community.
It’s an honor to continue to work with Dan and Dave on Art of Magic, and to serve the magicians who love the brand.

We do not know the details of the deal and, to be honest, to a magician and a fan of both companies, the purchase price and business arrangements are not as important as the fact that Art of Magic will be run by Vanishing Inc.  Vanishing Inc. has proven to be a reliable source of new magic and combines great customer service with a keen eye for what magic is worth one’s time and prides itself in bringing only the tried and tested effects to its consumers.  We see this as a win-win for magicians.