Meet Tyler Gibgot | Magician & Speaker

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

Hi Tyler, how do you define success?
How do I define success?

Success, to me, is not a destination, but rather a deep alignment between who I am, what I have overcome, and the impact I am leaving behind. I don’t measure it by numbers, titles, or applause, but by moments of resonance—when something I’ve said, performed, or created causes someone to pause, to feel, to question, or to believe again. That, to me, is magic. And magic has always been more than tricks, it’s been a language I use to communicate with the world when words fall short.

As someone born with a rare eye condition, I was forced to see the world differently. But over time, that perceived limitation became a lens. It became the foundation of my curiosity, my empathy for others and their challenges, and my determination to share my unique voice with the world.

Whether I’m speaking, performing, writing, or simply listening, my goal is to create meaningful connection. So success, for me, is waking up each day and choosing to live with intention. It’s making space for wonder, for others, and for myself. It’s being of service. It’s being my authentic, vulnerable self, and making a positive difference on the lives of others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art lives at the intersection of magic, connection, and human perception. What sets me apart is how I design magic that isn’t just visual, it’s experiential. I create performances that allow people to feel wonder through sound, story, and emotion, making it accessible to everyone, including those who are blind or visually impaired.

I was born with a rare blinding eye condition known as aniridia, but I never thought of my condition as a limitation. In fact, my eyes have given me a unique perspective that fuels everything I do. I see the world differently, and that difference has become my creative advantage. Magic, for me, has never been about hiding something. It’s about revealing the unseen, shifting assumptions, and creating a shared sense of awe.

The road to where I am now has not always been smooth. Life is filled with both constant highs and lows, but I believe we have control over our reaction to these experiences, I have confronted numerous challenges with my eyes, from navigating social settings to academic environments, among other personal challenges. But every obstacle pushed me deeper into my purpose. I didn’t overcome those moments by ignoring them—I used them. I turned them into stories, performances, and moments that others could relate to and find strength in.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that our stories are our greatest superpowers. People often think magic is about illusion, but I believe it’s about transformation. My brand and mission are rooted in the idea that what makes us unique is the very thing that makes us magical. I want the world to know that awe and curiosity belong to everyone—and sometimes, the most powerful magic is simply the way you choose to see the world. We must embrace ourselves, our loved ones, and our world fully, for this is how we discover the magic within each of us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d want to show them the city not just through the usual landmarks, but through the lens of magic, connection, and the hidden beauty I’ve come to love. We’d start in my hometown, Sherman Oaks and Encino, grabbing breakfast at Crave Cafe and hiking the peaceful trails in the Encino Hills. We’d end the day with a drink at Bacari or Mexican food at the iconic Casa Vega to embrace the Valley memories I grew up with.

Midweek, we’d explore West Hollywood—thrifting on Melrose, rooftop lounging at Catch LA, and undoubtedly a night at the legendary Magic Castle. We’d ride bikes from Venice to Santa Monica and end the night with my favorite activity of all–driving Mulholland at night with music blasting and all windows down. For a dose of art and awe, we’d visit the Getty or The Broad, then stargaze at Griffith Observatory as well.

We’d also explore the more intimate and soulful parts of LA—Topanga Canyon for nature and quiet, live music at a jazz bar like the Rhythm Room in downtown,, or a beach bonfire at Dockweiler where we could sit under the stars and reflect. We’d close out the trip with brunch in the Valley and a final moment of stillness at one of my favorite lookout spots in the Encino Hills—no phones, just presence.

To me, LA is a place of contrasts and creation, of hidden gems and unexpected meaning. LA is full of nature and this is my favorite aspect of the vast city. The best way to experience it is not to rush, but to feel it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Got it. Here’s a revised version that’s warm, direct, and focused on gratitude without starting with a negative or getting too specific:

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I owe so much of my journey to the people and places that have shaped me. My family, my closest friends, and the community at USC have all poured belief, encouragement, and inspiration into my life. Their support has given me the space to grow, create, and dream bigger than I ever thought possible.

At USC, I found a place where my passions could collide—where cognitive science, magic, and storytelling became tools for impact. The people I’ve met here have challenged me, uplifted me, and reminded me that success isn’t something you reach alone. It’s something built in connection, collaboration, and love.

This shoutout is for them, for everyone who helped me turn vision into reality.

Instagram: https://ty.magic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylergibgot

Other: Spotify: tylergibgot

Image Credits
USC Magic Association