Welcome to Captivating Visuals by Yvan Garmy, a collection of lecture notes that dive into the art of close-up and stand-up magic with a strong focus on creating powerful, visual effects. Whether you’re a seasoned magician or a passionate student of the craft, these notes provide a variety of original routines, practical sleight-of-hand techniques, and insightful thoughts on enhancing performances.

Garmy’s philosophy revolves around constant exploration—questioning, refining, and iterating on classic and modern magic principles to maximize their impact. In these notes, he shares a mix of card magic, bill transformations, sleight-of-hand strategies, and even a few gimmick-based tricks that elevate the spectator’s experience.

This collection also emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in magic, focusing on how tricks should not only deceive but also captivate an audience. Additionally, Garmy provides guidance on adjusting performances to different environments, from close-up settings to larger audiences.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sortable – A visual Triumph-style routine where a shuffled deck magically rights itself except for the spectator’s chosen card.

ICB: Impromptu Card to Box – A signed playing card vanishes and appears inside a closed card box.

Butterfly Origami – A card magically transforms into an origami butterfly in the spectator’s hands.

Colour Changing Deck – A selected card changes color, followed by the transformation of the entire deck.

Adjusting Displays – Techniques for improving visibility and audience engagement in performances.

TNRX2 – A powerful torn-and-restored newspaper effect with a two-phase restoration.

Serial Number Modification – A clever method for altering the serial number on a bill.

Switch Pad – A seamless note-switching technique hidden within an innocent-looking writing pad.

Bill to Lighter – A borrowed bill vanishes and reappears inside a sealed BIC lighter.

Avoid Non-Choices – A discussion on making bold, deliberate choices in magic to create stronger routines.

Garmy’s work is both practical and deeply thought out, making this a valuable read for any magician looking to elevate their performances. While these notes do not reveal secrets outright, they provide a glimpse into the depth and creativity behind each effect, inviting you to explore and refine your own magical style.

If you’re serious about developing captivating visuals in magic, this book is an excellent stepping stone to spark inspiration and hone your craft.