Jon Armstrong

From close-up to stage Jon shares his journey and offers invaluable insight in to what it takes to make this change.

08-17

Brynn Cummings

Following her dream Brynn is a generation of entertainers who grew up watching AGT and followed her dream.

18-27

This month, we’ re proud to feature two remarkable artists who have truly followed their dreams— each in their own unique way.

Jon Armstrong’ s journey is a fascinating one. Known worldwide as a top-tier close-up performer, Jon made the bold leap from close-up magic to the stage, and in this issue he shares that experience openly and honestly. As a lifelong comic book fan, Jon’ s story lent itself perfectly to a dynamic, graphic-driven layout, and I had an absolute blast designing both his article and this month’ s comic book – inspired cover.

We also spotlight an extraordinary young talent, Brynn Cummings. When Brynn was just seven years old, she watched ventriloquist Darci Lynne win America’ s Got Talent— a moment that changed the course of her life. Connie Boyd sits down with this incredibly gifted teenager to explore her journey so far and the bright future ahead of her. Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article, where Brynn introduces Connie during The Magical Women book tour— you’ ll immediately see why Brynn is someone to watch.

I also want to take a moment to speak directly to our readers. While my goal is always to release Vanish on the first of every month, there are times when I run a little behind. Much of that comes from the countless hours I dedicate to designing each article and crafting the layouts. This issue, in particular, is heavily graphic-driven, and I’ ve truly loved the look, feel, and energy it brings to the magazine.

I’ m also excited to share that we now have European correspondents. Bénigne Tainturier and Benjaman Kraatz bring fresh perspectives and connections from the worlds of show business and the arts— areas I’ ve long believed magicians should engage with more deeply. Magic doesn’ t exist in a vacuum, and there is so much we can learn from other creative disciplines.

I wish you all a wonderful February. And as soon as I hit“ Go Live” on this issue, I’ ll be diving straight into March.

Paul Romhany Editor & CEO Vanish Magic Magazine

Audience Wonderland

An insight look in to a company that started with an idea and became one of the most successful in magic. 28-33

The Magic Castle

Nick Lewin gives us an insight in to the world famous Magic Castle and his recent week performing there.

38-41

World Festival of Magic in France

Bénigne Tainturier visits and shares his experience watching this incredible show in France 42-44

Mistakes

Ben Robinson discusses mistakes and how they can make us better performers.

46-48

Corentyn Collin

Bénigne Tainturier talks to the youngest Ringmaster in France.

52-55

Gabriel Werten

Benjamin Kraatz talks to one of the most creative mentalists in the world from his journey from the corporate world to becoming a full time entertainer.

56-58

Only Kidding

Nev Blenkinsopp shares a novel introduction to performing with a coin box. 62