I’ll often say it directly in conversation: “I don’t call myself a magician.” The statement is sometimes met with a surprised or confused look, which I welcome. It’s an intentional and strategic choice, and that moment of surprise is the reason for it. The title you give yourself is arguably the most concise piece of marketing you will ever write, and “magician” simply doesn’t tell the right story for the experience I want to create.

This is not a criticism of magicians. It is a deliberate branding decision designed to manage expectations, reframe the experience, and put the focus exactly where I want it to be.

The Weight of a Word

The word “magician” comes with a tremendous amount of cultural baggage. For many people, it conjures very specific—and often unhelpful—images: children’s birthday parties, sparkly boxes, top hats, cheesy gags, and rabbits.

If a potential client is looking for sophisticated, intellectual entertainment for a discerning adult audience, the word “magician” can create a mismatch before a conversation even begins. They might assume my service is not for them, or that it won’t have the elegant, understated tone their event requires. The label itself can act as a barrier to attracting the right kind of client.

Redefining the Experience

By contrast, adopting a unique title like “Perceptionist” has a powerful advantage: it forces the listener to ask, “What is that?” That question is an invitation. It is a golden opportunity to define my brand on my own terms, free from any of the baggage that comes with a more common title.

The answer to “What is a Perceptionist?” allows me to immediately pivot the conversation to the topics I want to discuss: psychology, storytelling, influence, and creating unique experiences of wonder. It sets a new frame for the conversation, one that is focused on the intellectual and emotional experience of the audience, rather than on the idea of “tricks.” The name itself becomes the first and most important piece of marketing.

It’s About the Audience, Not Me

Ultimately, the most important reason for the distinction is philosophical. It shifts the focus of the performance from me to the audience. Think about the implied grammar of the titles. A magician performs magic at you. A Perceptionist explores your perception.

The title “Perceptionist” immediately suggests a more interactive, psychological, and audience-centric experience. It reinforces the core value of my work, which is to make the spectator the hero of the story. The most amazing thing in the room should not be my technical skill; it should be the surprising and delightful capabilities of the audience’s own minds.

So, I don’t call myself a magician because I’m not primarily interested in tricking your eyes. I am interested in engaging your mind.

Internal Links: Building the Perceptionist Brand: A Case Study in Niche Marketing, What Is a Perceptionist?

External Link: A classic article on brand positioning from the Harvard Business Review