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Pen Vanish by Mads Lundbek

Created by: Mads Lundbek

The Pen Vanish is a close-up magic trick where a common pen, such as a Sharpie, is shown and then made to disappear completely in a direct and visual manner. Spectators witness the pen vanish, often with a modern twist like a teleportation premise, using sleight-of-hand techniques without gimmicks, making it impromptu and suitable for everyday objects. This trick relies on misdirection, timing, and natural movements to create a baffling illusion, and it is best performed facing the audience directly due to angle sensitivity. Buyers should note that success depends on practice to master the subtle handling and build confidence for a seamless performance.

Key features

  • Uses everyday objects like pens, making it impromptu and relatable

  • Relies on sleight-of-hand without gimmicks for a clean vanish

  • Angle-sensitive, best performed facing the audience directly

  • Easy to learn with practice, suitable for beginners to advanced magicians

  • Emphasizes presentation, humor, and audience interaction for enhanced effect

Pros

  • Highly visual and baffling for spectators

  • No special props needed, always ready to perform

  • Can be incorporated into routines with modern premises like teleportation

  • Builds audience rapport through direct interaction and humor

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the timing and angles

  • May not work well from all angles, limiting performance positions

  • Some advanced handling techniques need dedicated rehearsal

Effect

The Pen Vanish trick makes a pen disappear completely from the magician's hands. The audience sees the pen vanish in a quick and direct way. It looks like the pen simply dissolves into thin air. This creates a moment of surprise and confusion for the spectator.

Full details

The Pen Vanish is a sleight-of-hand trick performed with an ordinary pen. It does not require any special gimmicks or advanced preparation. The method involves a specific grip and a subtle hand movement to conceal the pen from view. The vanish happens quickly and relies on natural motions. As Oscar notes, the trick is impromptu, meaning you can perform it anytime with a common object. The routine can be a simple visual hit or expanded into a longer presentation, such as a teleportation effect as mentioned in the Ellusionist video.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians of all skill levels. Beginners will find it easy to learn and start performing. It is ideal for close-up and walk-around magic situations. Magicians who perform on social media may find it effective for creating short, engaging content. As MurphysMagicSupplies suggests, performers who enjoy direct audience interaction and using humor will benefit from this trick. It is also good for magicians who want a quick, visual effect that does not need a long story or complex patter.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Pen Vanish is not difficult to learn. The basic move can be mastered with practice. Oscar states that the trick is easy to learn. However, performing it well requires attention to detail. The trick is angle-sensitive, meaning you must be facing your audience directly for the illusion to work. Smooth and confident movements are essential. MurphysMagicSupplies emphasizes that timing and natural handling are key. Practicing in front of a mirror is recommended to ensure the pen remains hidden and your angles are clean.

What magicians say

Magicians highlight the importance of presentation and misdirection. MurphysMagicSupplies says that "presentation and humor are key to selling the illusion" and that "building rapport with the spectator is crucial." They note that the vanish uses a "quick, almost imperceptible movement."

Oscar points out that the trick is "angle-sensitive and best performed facing the audience directly." He advises that "success relies on confidence and natural movements" and recommends using it as a "quick visual hit."

Ellusionist describes a version that "modernizes a classic cigarette vanish with a Sharpie and a teleportation premise," showing how the basic vanish can be developed into a fuller routine.

MurphysMagicSuppiles summarizes that the trick's success "isn't solely about the technical execution of the vanish. It's about the performance."

What people are saying about Pen Vanish

AlakazamMagicUK says...

He then introduces a second effect, making a pen vanish completely, seemingly into the cap of the pen itself. This is presented with a sense of playful absurdity, further enhancing the entertainment value.

ellusionist says...

The pen vanish routine modernizes a classic cigarette vanish with a Sharpie and a teleportation premise. Mads' handling includes a clever teleportation premise, turning the vanish into a full routine.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The vanish itself is executed with remarkable simplicity. The creator demonstrates a method involving a quick, almost imperceptible movement while focusing the spectator's attention on the pen.

oscar says...

The trick is performed in the hands and is angle-sensitive, meaning it works best when the magician is facing the audience directly. The creator emphasizes that the success of the illusion hinges on the performer's confidence and the naturalness of the actions.

Performance videos

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos