How Gloucester Magician Andy Field Looks After His Hands
Andy Field is a professional magician, offering table top magic, sleight of hand illusions, mind reading and more, for a variety of occasions. Over the years Andy has built a strong global following, boasting over 20,000,000 views on his YouTube channel and an array of reviews across multiple platforms. Having amassed experience as a wedding magician, party magician & close up magician, Andy is seen as one of the industries most tried and tested professional magicians.
Hand Care With Gloucester Magician Andy Field
If you've ever wondered how Gloucester magician Andy Field looks after his hands? People often ask how I perform close-up magic that seems impossible. They expect the answer to involve secret gadgets, hidden pockets or magical powers.
I'm sorry to disappoint.
The real secret is years of practice, experience and taking good care of the most important tools I own—my hands. Ladies sometimes ask if I manicure my hands. Yes I do!
As a professional Gloucester magician and showman, my hands are on display throughout every performance. Guests are often only a few inches away as I perform with playing cards, coins, rings, banknotes and borrowed objects. Every movement has to look natural, confident and effortless.
That means looking after my hands is part of my job.
My Hands Are My Tools
A builder has a toolbox.
The chef has knives.
A musician has an instrument.
The magician has his hands.
Without healthy hands, even the simplest sleight of hand becomes much harder. Smooth card handling, delicate finger movements and accurate timing all depend on flexibility and control.
Fortunately, my fingers don't ask for overtime.
Keeping My Hands Clean
Clean hands are essential when performing close-up magic.
Guests regularly hand me valuable belongings, including watches, rings, mobile phones and money. Looking after people's property starts with presenting clean, well-cared-for hands.
It also creates confidence before the magic even begins.
Nobody wants to hand their engagement ring to someone whose hands look as though they've just finished digging the garden!
Moisturising Without Being Greasy
Dry skin and playing cards don't always get along.
If my skin becomes too dry, cards can stick together instead of sliding smoothly. That's why I use hand cream when needed.
The trick is not using too much.
Greasy fingers and a fresh deck of cards are about as compatible as cats and swimming pools.
Looking After My Fingernails
This might sound obvious, but neat fingernails make a real difference.
Close-up magic happens right under people's noses. Guests notice everything.
Keeping my nails short and tidy helps prevent them catching on cards, elastic bands and other props. It also gives a more professional appearance.
After all, presentation matters.
Protecting My Hands
Whenever possible, I avoid unnecessary cuts and injuries.
Even a tiny paper cut can make certain sleight-of-hand techniques uncomfortable.
I don't spend my life wrapped in cotton wool.
Although bubble wrap would probably make airport security more interesting.
Simple precautions make life much easier when performances are booked weeks in advance.
Warming Up Finger Exercises
Athletes warm up before competing.
Musicians warm up before concerts.
Magicians benefit from warming up too.
Before an event I will always handle cards for a few minutes. This is to loosen my fingers and get them moving naturally.
Cold muscles never perform as well as warm ones.
Especially during a chilly Gloucestershire winter!
Practice Every Week
One of the biggest myths about magic is that professionals stop practising once they've learned a trick.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I still spend time practising regularly.
Repetition develops muscle memory. It improves timing and keeps my hands flexible. Every performance teaches me something new. This helps me become a better magician and showman.
Besides, if I stopped practising, my playing cards would probably wonder where I'd gone!
Rest Matters Too
Practising is important.
Resting is equally important.
If my hands become tired after hours of rehearsal, I take a break. Overworked hands become less accurate. Close-up magic depends on precision.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is put the cards down. Have a cup of tea and return later with fresh eyes.
Tea has rescued many British problems over the years!
More Than Fast Fingers
People sometimes think close-up magic is all about quick hands.
It isn't.
It's about timing and presentation. Above all audience interaction. Especially making people feel part of the experience.
As a Gloucester magician and showman, I want guests to remember how they felt, not just what they saw.
The laughter!
The conversations!
Shared amazement!
Those moments are far more important than simply fooling someone.
Experience Makes the Difference
After performing for more than twenty years, I've learned that preparation is just as important as performance.
Looking after my hands is simply one part of that preparation.
Professionalism is not just about performing amazing magic.
It's about arriving smartly dressed and being reliable. Plus treating guests with respect and paying attention to every small detail.
That's what people remember.
Why I Love Close-Up Magic
One of the greatest things about close-up magic is seeing people's reactions from only a few inches away.
There's genuine surprise.
Uncontrollable laughter.
Sometimes complete silence as people try to work out what just happened.
Those moments make every hour of practice worthwhile.
Book Gloucester Magician Andy Field
Whether you're organising a wedding, birthday party, anniversary, corporate event or private celebration, I'd love to help make it memorable.
As a professional Gloucester magician and showman, I combine powerful sleight of hand with comedy. I add audience participation to create unforgettable entertainment for guests of all ages.
Now you know how Gloucester magician Andy Field looks after his hands.
The rest of the magic...
Well, I'll keep that part a secret.
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN ANDY FIELD ALSO PERFORM IN THESE LOCATIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLOSE-UP MAGIC AND SLEIGHT OF HAND
Close-Up Magic Explained – Discover how professional close-up magic works and why it creates unforgettable reactions at weddings, parties and corporate events.
Sleight of Hand Magic Explained – Learn how expert magicians use skill, timing, psychology and misdirection to create impossible moments with cards, coins and everyday objects.
