Introduction
In the very first episode of The Magic Book Podcast, my guest is the magicienne, writer, publisher, and new Executive Director of Genii, Julie Eng.
With more than three decades of performing experience, Julie has made significant contributions to the art of magic. Throughout the episode, she shares insights into her personal journey, her work with Magicana, and her exciting new role at Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine.
Early Life and Influences
Julie Eng's journey into the world of magic began at an early age. Born into a family deeply immersed in the art, her father, Tony Eng, was a well-known magician who had a profound influence on her. Growing up surrounded by magic, Julie had access to her father's extensive library of magic books, which further fueled her passion. One book that stood out to her was The Encyclopedia of Magic by Dr. Edwin A. Dawes and Arthur Setterington, which she often found herself engrossed in as a child.
Despite her early fascination with magic, Julie faced challenges in finding her identity and building self-confidence. She often felt overshadowed by being known as "Tony's daughter," but her upbringing in a magical environment and constant exposure to performances helped shape her destiny. Julie learned about business at her family's magic shop, balancing her magical interests with formal education in a way that only deepened her understanding of the art.
"I think it was also really difficult, as I look back now as an adult, to my younger self to adjust - to have the self confidence to be an individual - and I think there was some confusion about my own identity because everyone told me I was 'Tony's daughter.'"
Julie recalls how integral her father was in encouraging her to explore new opportunities in magic. Tony Eng taught her not to be restricted by predetermined routines, allowing her creativity to flourish. This foundation not only shaped her career but also contributed to her unique approach to magic, blending traditional techniques with innovative ideas. Julie's early life experiences and influences played a crucial role in her development as a magician, setting the stage for her future accomplishments.
Magicana
Julie Eng's professional journey took a significant turn when she joined Magicana in 2004. Introduced by her father to Magicana’s artistic director, David Ben on a trip to Toronto, Julie initially involved herself in community projects and production work. Her role at Magicana quickly evolved, allowing her to bring the joy of magic to various audiences, including at-risk children and seniors. This work not only honed her skills but also deepened her commitment to using magic as a means of connection and healing.
"It was about more than just performing tricks," Julie explained. "We were using magic as a means of connection and healing."
One of the key factors behind Magicana's success under Julie's leadership was the organization's ability to secure grants and build infrastructure. Julie played an instrumental role in these efforts, ensuring that Magicana could continue its mission of exploring and advancing magic as a performing art. Her work in this area demonstrated her ability to marry artistry with practical management, a skill that would serve her well in future endeavors.
Throughout her time at Magicana, Julie was able to balance her hands-on work with strategic planning, contributing to significant growth within the organization. Her dedication to community engagement and her innovative approach to project management helped Magicana flourish. Julie's early career experiences at Magicana laid a strong foundation for her future projects, showcasing her versatility and leadership abilities.
The Magic of Johnny Thompson
A landmark project in Julie Eng's career is The Magic of Johnny Thompson, a two-volume set capturing the lifetime of magical creations and insights of the legendary magician Johnny Thompson. This project was particularly demanding due to the diverse and extensive nature of Johnny's work. Julie and her team managed multiple aspects of the project, from content curation to the design process, ensuring that every detail reflected Johnny's dynamic and organic approach to magic.
The creation of The Magic of Johnny Thompson involved several trips to Las Vegas for photo shoots, where Julie and her team took over 4,000 photographs. These images were crucial in documenting Johnny's techniques and performances, providing a visual complement to the written content.
"We took over 4,000 photographs during multiple trips to Las Vegas," Julie recalled. "It was exhausting but exhilarating. Johnny's joy and enthusiasm were contagious."
Julie fondly recalls the privilege of working closely with Johnny, despite the long hours and challenges they faced. His involvement and the joy he brought to the project were evident in the final product, which stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
This project not only showcased Johnny Thompson's remarkable career but also highlighted Julie's ability to manage large-scale, complex projects. Her attention to detail and commitment to authenticity ensured that The Magic of Johnny Thompson would be a valuable resource for magicians and magic enthusiasts alike. Through this project, Julie reinforced her reputation as a dedicated preserver and promoter of magic's rich history and traditions.
The Rich Cabinet Collection
Among the numerous projects Julie Eng has undertaken, The Rich Cabinet Collection stands out as one of the most significant. This ambitious project involved compiling a nine-volume set of 500 magic history essays written by Dr. Eddie A. Dawes from 1972 to 2020. Julie described the project as both challenging and rewarding, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of magic history. Her visit to Dane Hill in England, where she collaborated closely with Dr. Dawes and his family, was a pivotal moment in bringing this collection to life.
One of the primary challenges of The Rich Cabinet project was correlating the vast amount of material into a cohesive collection. Julie had to navigate the size and breadth of the material, ensuring that each piece was accurately represented and preserved. Sadly, Dr. Dawes passed away before the final volumes were completed, adding an emotional weight to the project. Nevertheless, Julie's dedication to preserving his legacy shone through, resulting in a collection that serves as a testament to Dr. Dawes' contributions to magic history.
"It was both challenging and rewarding," Julie admitted. "Correlating such a vast amount of material into a cohesive collection was no small feat."
Julie also highlights the significance of The Rich Cabinet Collection in the broader context of magic history. By compiling and preserving these essays, she has ensured that future generations of magicians will have access to invaluable knowledge and insights. This project underscores Julie's commitment to not only performing magic but also contributing to its scholarly understanding and appreciation. Through her work on The Rich Cabinet Collection, Julie has cemented her role as a key figure in the preservation and advancement of magic history.
Leadership Role at Genii
Julie Eng's transition from Magicana to Genii marks a new chapter in her illustrious career. With Genii's current publisher and editor Richard Kaufman retiring after 25 years at the helm, Julie is set to become the new executive director of Genii, beginning in August. This role represents a significant opportunity for Julie to expand her influence and to bring fresh perspectives to one of the most respected publications in the magic community.
In The Magic Book Podcast interview, Julie discusses her vision for Genii, emphasizing the importance of evolving beyond a traditional magazine format. She plans to leverage the online assets created by Magicana, migrating them to a new Genii website. This digital transformation aims to make content more accessible and engaging for a global audience. Julie's approach reflects her forward-thinking mindset and her commitment to embracing new technologies to enhance the learning and appreciation of magic.
"It's about creating a space where magicians of all levels can connect, share knowledge, and support each other's growth," Julie emphasized.
Julie's new role at Genii also involves expanding the magazine's content to include a broader range of topics and formats. She envisions Genii as not just a publication but a diverse content provider that fosters community engagement and education. Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Genii, one that builds on its rich history while adapting to the needs and interests of contemporary magicians. Julie's appointment as executive director promises exciting changes and continued excellence in the world of magic publishing.
Vision for the Future
As Julie Eng steps into her new role at Genii, her vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring. She aims to transform Genii from a traditional magazine into a diverse content provider that caters to a wide-ranging audience. This vision includes increasing accessibility, especially for international readers, by utilizing digital platforms and online resources. Julie's approach is rooted in the belief that magic should be inclusive and available to all who seek to learn and appreciate it.
Julie revealed that the first issue of the "new" Genii under her leadership will be published in February 2025. She will become both editor and publisher of Magicol, the journal of magic history and collectibles, which was previously part of Magicana.
"Magicol has become this really fun project," Julie enthused. "I've gotten to know so many of the contributors, and we've been able to really bring some neat stories to life."
One of the key components of Julie's vision for both Genii and Magicol is community building. She plans to create a space where magicians of all levels can connect, share knowledge, and support each other's growth.
This focus on community is evident in her plans to expand Genii's publishing division to include projects related to magic history and the development of a library. By fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration, Julie hopes to enrich the magic community and inspire future generations of magicians.
Julie also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. She encourages magicians to broaden their skill base and to remain open to new ideas and techniques. This mindset aligns with her own journey, where exploration and innovation have been central themes. Under Julie's leadership, Genii is poised to become not only a source of information but also a catalyst for creativity and growth within the magic community. Her vision for the future embodies a commitment to preserving the art of magic while embracing the possibilities of the digital age.
Conclusion
In this first episode of The Magic Book Podcast, Julie Eng shares her incredible journey and the many contributions she has made to the world of magic. From her early influences and challenges to her significant projects and new leadership role at Genii, Julie's story is one of passion, dedication, and innovation. Her work with Magicana, designing and producing The Rich Cabinet Collection and The Magic of Johnny Thompson underscores her commitment to preserving and advancing the art of magic.
As Julie transitions to her new role at Genii, her vision for the future promises exciting developments for the magic community. By embracing digital platforms and focusing on community building, she aims to make magic more accessible and engaging for a global audience. Julie's forward-thinking approach and her dedication to fostering curiosity and learning set the stage for a new era in magic publishing.