“There is a vast difference between not knowing how something is done and knowing something can’t be done.” – Simon Aronson

After seeing his friend get a lot of attention at school with a magic trick that came out of a cereal box, Tyler became interested in getting a lot of attention.

Shortly after his Mom brought him a magic book from the library, Tyler discovered his ability to completely screw-up building any form of magic apparatus. Luckily he faired better learning sleight of hand with everyday objects. (This is particularly true if you consider bunnies made out of sponge, cork spheres covered with little sweaters and 3″ Jumbo coins as “everyday objects.”)

After a number of years spent performing as a part-time pro, he got a job selling magic tricks to normal* people at the Mall of America. 3 years later he upgraded to working at a better** magic shop where he started his own magic school “tylerteach.” Thus embodying the adage, “Those who don’t know, fake it until they do.” A strategy that seemed to prove appealing to people, as Tyler was able to become a full-time performer/instructor in 1999. (Which, according to Prince, was a particularly good year to party.)

In 2000, when Tyler first joined Ring 19 of the IBM (International Brotherhood of Magicians) they awarded him with their “Magician of the Year” trophy. An award he received the next year (2001), and again the next (2002). It helps that he had dirt on all the judges.

In 2003 he was admitted into 4F, the invitation only, international convention for elite sleight of hand practitioners. A decisions they have long since learned to regret.

He has operated as a magic consultant for television appearances and acted in several industrial films as “magic hands,” manipulating cards and other small objects. As of yet, no one has taken him up on his pitch for “magic feet.”

He has designed custom illusions for companies, and been hired to create/reengineer effects (and sometimes entire acts) for other professional entertainers, blabity blabby blab, etc.

If you’re still reading this, you need to find better things to do with your free time.

*”Normal” is a relative term and not in any way meant to imply mental stability.

**You hear me Twin Cites Magic and Costume?! I want a coupon or something…

Tyler’s “Shout Out” to his friends and mentors:

• Fred Baisch- For being the man behind the magic counter. Thanks for helping me buy the right things (books) and always having endless joy for my successes.
• Pete Golden- For being the nicest guy in the world. Thanks for giving me access to your magic library. I never would have made it here without you.
• Terry Roses- For teaching me every secret is important. (Particularly the ones that would get your fingers broken if the other players caught you.)
• John Bushey- For unraveling the mysteries of timing and coordinated actions. (With the obligatory tip of the hat to Slydini.)
• Mike Arazi- For being the Rain Man of magic. You always knew who, what, where and when, and would let me read your books so I could know as well. (You also shielded me from corporate red tape and BS, but that’s another story.)
• Joe Fortier- For talking the “Big Talk” of magic theory, and teaching me to always ask “Why?”