Meet Matthew King | Magician & Mentalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor to my success so far has been adaptability, dedication, passion, and the refusal to give up. I started learning magic at age 7, and my first “professional” show was at age 12. By 15, I had a phone line installed in my bedroom for booking shows, and I was on my way! It’s often said that self-employed individuals are “always working,” and I can certainly relate. As a full-time magician, I wear many hats, acting as the HR Department, Customer Service, Scheduler, Salesperson, AR/AP, Social Media Manager, Video Editor, Marketing Department, Performer and MORE, all wrapped into one!

Along my magical journey, after moving to San Diego in 2002, I worked in law for 17 years while performing magic and raising my daughter. As a full-time single dad, my daughter’s teenage years took center stage in my life, even while I performed over 200 shows annually. I made sure to balance work with fun experiences, willingly setting aside certain business opportunities to be present for her. She graduated high school early in January 2024, and with her stepping into the next phase of her life, I can now focus on my magic career and new opportunities to travel and explore.

A healthy work-life balance is vital for long-term success and avoiding burnout, which can affect performers just like anyone else—though we don’t have the luxury of paid vacations! Sometimes, you have to take on the role of your own publicist and prioritize time for self-care. Personally, I’ve found that stepping away and spending time in nature not only helps me recharge but also sparks fresh inspiration for my magic. It’s essential to reset so I can continue to learn and deliver my best work, both creatively and personally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Magic, to me, is an immersive art form that creates lasting memories, connections, and has the power to impact lives. What distinguishes my work is the fusion of mind-bending illusions, sophisticated humor, and mentalism, delivered in a style that is both enchantingly magical and authentically human. Each performance is designed to captivate and amaze while maintaining a grounded, relatable charm that connects with the audience. I’ve been told I’m “a natural at this”, and my passion for the art of magic shows in my performances. Whether it’s a corporate gala, a trade show, private party, stage show, or strolling magic, I tailor each experience to captivate and connect with the audience, leaving them with stories to share long after the event.

Coming from a smaller town in California’s Central Valley, I began my journey in magic at the age of 7, and over the years my passion for creating unforgettable moments has driven me to continuously refine my craft. I ignored naysayers, and stayed committed to magic. Upon moving to San Diego area in 2002, I started working simultaneously in law which equipped me with skills in organization, professionalism, and public engagement, that later enhanced my work as a full-time magician.

The path to where I am today has been anything but easy. Balancing a career as a magician while being a single parent (in one of the most expensive cities in America) required sacrifice and resilience. After pushing for years, I was able to grow my business to performing over 200 shows annually, while also raising my daughter, and it taught me the importance of adaptability, dedication and time management. The challenges have not only shaped my magic career but have also deepened my appreciation for the unique opportunity to share my magic with others. With over 8 billion people in the world, there are only 40-50k full-time magicians. I am truly thankful to be one. It’s not just a job to me; it’s a way of life and was a calling.

When it comes to what I’m proud about with my career, I was thrilled to perform a magic effect and (spoiler alert) win a motorcycle on CBS’ “Let’s Make a Deal” in 2024, and I will never forget being an extra on the set of the film “Coach Carter” in 2004, but one of my proudest achievements is earning membership in the prestigious Magic Castle’s “Junior Society” at age 17. This was an honor that brought me out of the small town and opened doors to the broader magic world while providing an unlimited wealth of information. Additionally, later being recognized as “Performer of the Year” three consecutive times by the International Brotherhood of Magicians in San Diego is something I cherish because it took a lot of work, dedication, and creativity to gain the achievement even once.

I’m excited about what’s to come! I feel like, even after 30 years in the magic business, I’m just getting started! Now that I can travel for work, I can finally audition to work on cruise ships, and take advantage of other opportunities that are more demanding. I’ve also created some unique and fun shows, and I’m looking for the right venue to place them. My ultimate goal would be to have some fun and unique magic shows and experiences that that people will commit to, relate to, look forward to, talk about, and remember. I’m in it for the “long-haul”, so if anyone reading this has a venue or restaurant and would like to give dinner shows a try, reach out to me!

I want the world to know that, as one of the oldest careers in human history, magic isn’t just about tricks—it’s about connection, wonder, and creating shared experiences. Anyone can push a button to make something “disappear”, but it takes a special person to make you feel an emotional connection to that something, make you believe it really vanished, and make you care where it went. I aim to inspire awe and curiosity whenever I’m performing. Magic is a universal language, and I’m honored to use it to spark joy and amazement in others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego is home to incredible food, art, culture, and attractions, where you can journey from the beaches to snowcapped mountains in just over an hour. A great visit would start in Old Town San Diego to explore the State Historic Park, the haunted Whaley House and El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Presidio fort, immersing yourself in the rich history of “California’s Birthplace”. While there, we’d have to pick up some freshly made tortillas streetside at Cafe Coyote and maybe some authentic mexican food at Old Town Mexican Cafe.

Next up, Balboa Park to enjoy its stunning architecture, diverse museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. I also always recommend a drive along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. which offers breathtaking ocean views, a visit to the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, and then a stop at the Cabrillo National Monument lighthouse in Point Loma and the nearby tidepools. Then continue on down the coast to tour the USS Midway Museum, cross the Coronado Bay Bridge to visit the historic Hotel Del Coronado or take a nostalgic stroll through Ocean Beach’s Newport Avenue, capturing the retro vibe of a classic beach town. To cap off the adventure, a drive up to Julian in the mountains for famous pies at Julian Pie Co., a visit to its charming shops, and a glimpse of its gold-mining past. San Diego truly has something for everyone!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to recognize and thank my grandparents for gifting me magic in the late 90’s (and for trusting the magic shop with their credit card payment over the phone), my dad for driving me to magic shops and supporting my Magic Castle audition and meetings as a teenager, my mom for letting me test my magic on her dozens of times, even though she knew the secret and was probably bored out of her mind, and she also chauffeured me to explore magic shops in every city we went. Recognition has to go to my daughter as my ultimate inspiration—her presence has given me the drive and dedication to push harder than ever. To my two brothers, for entertaining my childhood illusions and letting me “saw” them in half in a refrigerator box. Thank you to The Magic Castle and Diana Zimmerman for seeing the spark in me at such a young age and opening a door to endless inspiration, knowledge, and joy.

There are countless others who have offered support, inspiration, and encouragement over the last 30 years, and I am grateful for their contributions, too. Their time and efforts have made a difference in my journey, and I carry their impact with me every step of the way.

Website: www.MatthewKingMagic.com

Instagram: instagram.com/matthewkingmagic

Facebook: facebook.com/magicianmatt

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magician-matthew-king-san-diego-magic-shows-san-diego