Today we’d like to introduce you to Landon Stark.
Hi landon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I like to joke that I didn’t choose magic—magic chose me. When I was a kid, I stumbled across an old magic book and got hooked on the idea that with a few pieces of paper, some string, and a deck of cards you could bend reality in front of people. That book turned into an obsession. I read everything I could get my hands on, practiced until my fingers cramped, and started performing anywhere someone would let me—living rooms, cafeterias, even the occasional skeptical teacher’s lounge.
Fast-forward to today: I’m Landon Stark, a magician and mentalist based in Dallas–Fort Worth, where I perform at private events, corporate shows, and theaters. Along the way I’ve also become a writer, publishing books like Architecture of Wonder and The Deception Engine, which reimagine classic sleight-of-hand moves for modern magicians. (Apparently writing 200+ pages about how to hold a deck of cards isn’t weird if you call it “art.”)
What started as a kid’s curiosity became a career where I get to create wonder for others—whether it’s onstage, across a dinner table, or through the pages of a book. My brand, Stark Magic, has grown into a hub for both audiences and magicians who want something original, thoughtful, and a little bit mischievous.
I’ve been lucky enough to perform for companies, couples, and kids alike, and I still get the same thrill now that I did the first time I pulled a coin out of someone’s ear. Dallas has such a vibrant, creative energy, and I love being able to add a bit of magic to it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. Magic is one of those careers where there’s no map, no HR department, and no guaranteed paycheck waiting for you. You have to invent your own path, your own opportunities, and often your own tricks.
Early on, I struggled with the same doubts most creative people do: Am I good enough? Does anyone care? Add to that the constant pressure of trying to stand out in a sea of talented magicians around the world, and it can feel impossible at times.
There were gigs where I bombed, books I thought no one would read, and long stretches where I wondered if I should just get a “real” job. But every misstep became part of the process. The failures taught me just as much as the standing ovations.
In the end, the struggle shaped my style. It forced me to be original, to find my own voice instead of copying what others were doing. That’s the beauty of magic—you’re not just performing tricks, you’re building an identity. And for me, that journey is ongoing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At its core, my work is about creating impossible moments people can’t stop talking about. I specialize in sleight-of-hand magic and mentalism—that means making a borrowed ring vanish and reappear in a sealed envelope, or having someone think of a word and then revealing it in the most surprising way possible. I love taking familiar objects (cards, Polaroids, even a lime from the bar) and twisting them into something unforgettable.
Beyond performing, I also write and illustrate magic books. Titles like Architecture of Wonder and The Deception Engine have become go-to resources for magicians who want fresh, creative sleight-of-hand ideas. I think of them as part instruction manual, part comedy, and part love letter to magic.
What I’m most proud of is building Stark Magic into something bigger than just me onstage. It’s become a platform where I can perform, teach, write, and connect with audiences and other magicians around the world. Every time I hear from someone across the globe who’s using one of my moves in their act, or when a client tells me their team is still talking about a show weeks later—that’s the good stuff.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my mix of originality and humor. I don’t just do tricks; I create experiences that are smart (hopefully), playful, and a little unexpected. My shows are less about “look what I can do” and more about “look what’s happening between us right now.” And that collaborative, mischievous style is what makes the magic stick.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely didn’t get here alone. One of the biggest influences on me early on was Derek Hughes. I met him at Tannen’s Magic Camp when I was a teenager, and it was the first time I saw how magic could be more than just tricks—it could be theater, comedy, and personality all rolled together. Derek showed me that your character onstage is just as important as your sleight-of-hand. That lesson stuck.
Later, when I was cutting my teeth doing stand-up comedy on the road, I had comedians who were generous enough to let me tag along, bomb in front of their crowds, and figure out how to mix humor with magic. Those years were brutal at times (nothing humbles you like silence after a punchline), but they taught me timing, resilience, and how to own a stage no matter the situation.
Between mentors like Derek and the comedians who encouraged me to keep going when quitting would’ve been easier, I had people who modeled what it looks like to blend creativity with persistence. I owe a lot of my voice today—the mix of magic, mischief, and comedy—to those early supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.StarkMagic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lstarkmagic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starkmagic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@landonstark4757
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stark-magic-mckinney
