Chris Ruzh Magic is a renowned magician who has gained popularity for his mind-boggling illusions and captivating performances. His unique style of magic incorporates elements of comedy, storytelling, and audience participation, making each show a truly unforgettable experience. Born and raised in New York City, Chris developed a passion for magic at a young age. He honed his skills through years of practice and dedicated himself to mastering various techniques and tricks. His commitment to his craft is evident in his flawless performances and ability to leave audiences in awe. What sets Chris Ruzh Magic apart is his ability to connect with his audience on a personal level.
CR: I do take commissions, schedule permitting, and the best way to request those is through FB.
Without much help from Arnold, Chris and I became friends, and began wiling away the hours in his parent s basement discussing art, games, comics, books, and movies. CR laughs I still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that we, as MtG artists, have influenced so many people, but I am appreciative of the opportunity and glad that others have gained inspiration from our creativity.
What sets Chris Ruzh Magic apart is his ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. He seamlessly blends magic with humor, engaging spectators and creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Whether it's an intimate setting or a large theater, Chris has a knack for making everyone feel like they are part of the magic.
The late, legendary fantasy artist behind some of Magic: the Gathering’s most iconic cards
I caught up with Rush in early November at Magic’s 2,012-person tournament, Grand Prix SeaTac, for what would unfortunately be one of his final interviews.
Christopher Rush, November 2015
What was it like illustrating for Magic in the beginning?
We were in Peter Adkison’s basement. For Alpha, we were paid $50 per piece. Some of us had to make 25 pieces of art, just so the game could get published on time. I got lucky that some of the cards I illustrated (Black Lotus and Lightning Bolt) are iconic and played to this day, but we all got lucky that they paid us with stock and royalties.
How did that work out?
Does Wizards [of the Coast, Magic’s parent company] still do this?
No—they stopped doing this around Mirage, in 1996.
READ MORE:
- A brief history of Magic: the Gathering
- The enduring, cult appeal of Magic: the Gathering
- The history of the Magic Pro Tour
What else has changed since then?
It was in 1997, around Weatherlight, that Wizards first published a style guide, since they decided they were trying to make a story within the game. That changed everything.
Magic: the Gathering
How does the current art get done?
There are three tiers of artists Wizards employs. The A-list gets to do art for cards that they think are going to get played, or cards that will be used in advertising, like planeswalkers. The B-list will get slightly worse cards, the C-list cards that they think no one will play or use.
How much do they get paid?
The pay is roughly $1,200 per piece, which is one of the best rates in the fantasy business.
When did you stop?
I last illustrated for Magic in Coldsnap and Time Spiral, in 2006.
Why did you stop?
They were taking the art in a different direction, with a bigger emphasis on photorealism. I’d come back if I got to do things that were more my style.
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No—they stopped doing this around Mirage, in 1996.
One of Chris's signature tricks is his mind-reading routine. He astounds spectators by accurately guessing their thoughts or predicting their actions, leaving them baffled and amazed. His intricate illusions and sleight of hand skills also add to the mystique of his performances, keeping the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats. In addition to his live shows, Chris Ruzh Magic has also gained a significant online following. Through his social media platforms, he shares snippets of his performances and behind-the-scenes footage, further enchanting his fans and creating a community of magic enthusiasts. Chris Ruzh Magic's talent and passion for his art have made him a sought-after entertainer for corporate events, parties, and special occasions. His ability to tailor his performance to various audiences and venues makes him a versatile magician, capable of providing a memorable experience for any type of event. In conclusion, Chris Ruzh Magic is an exceptional magician who brings a unique blend of comedy and magic to his performances. Through his captivating illusions and mind-reading abilities, he leaves audiences spellbound and craving for more. With his engaging personality and dedication to his craft, Chris continues to inspire and amaze people around the world..
Reviews for "Discover the Secrets: Chris Ruzh's Guide to Becoming a Master Magician"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars: I attended a show by Chris Ruzh Magic, and I have to say, I was not impressed. While he had some basic magic tricks up his sleeve, they were easily predictable and lacked originality. The performance felt forced and lacked genuine enthusiasm. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience for me.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars: I had high hopes for Chris Ruzh Magic, but they were completely dashed after attending his show. The tricks were poorly executed, and it seemed like he was rushing through them without properly engaging the audience. The show lacked the charm and finesse that I expect from a magician. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this mediocre performance.
3. Alex - 2 out of 5 stars: Chris Ruzh Magic failed to captivate me with his performance. The tricks he performed were basic and lacked the "wow" factor. It felt like watching a beginner magician rather than someone with skill and experience. The overall show lacked coherence and failed to build suspense or excitement. I expected more from a professional magician.
4. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars: Chris Ruzh Magic left me unimpressed with his lackluster performance. The tricks he showcased were nothing new or innovative. It felt like I had seen them countless times before. The show lacked energy and failed to hold my attention. I left feeling disappointed and wanting more from a magician who claims to be an entertainer.
5. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars: Attending Chris Ruzh Magic's show was a waste of my time and money. The tricks he performed were basic and easily figured out. There was no uniqueness or creativity in his presentation. The overall performance felt stale and boring. I expected to be amazed and entertained, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed and cheated.