Meet Richard Lake

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

Hi Richard, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
To be honest, I don’t think I chose it — I think it chose me.

When I was 10 years old, I received a magic kit, and something just clicked. Some kids try it once and move on. I picked it up and ran. I was fascinated not just by the tricks, but by the connection. I loved the interaction, the ability to create a moment where someone felt genuine wonder. As a kid, it felt like discovering a superpower — and in many ways, it was.

Magic gave me confidence at a young age. It gave me a voice. It gave me purpose. As I grew, it became more than just performing tricks; it became about storytelling, creativity, and building shared experiences. Through magic, I’ve met people from every walk of life — people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise — and that human connection is what has kept me passionate all these years.

Looking back, I can see how deeply it shaped who I am. It taught me discipline, resilience, reinvention, and the importance of constantly evolving. I genuinely can’t imagine my life without it. Magic isn’t just what I do — it’s the thread that’s woven through my entire journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At its core, my art is about connection.

There are years of technique and discipline behind what I do, but what truly sets me apart is the focus on the shared experience. I don’t perform at people — I perform with them. Whether I’m working tableside or stepping onto a stage, my goal is to create a moment that feels personal, interactive, and unforgettable.

Performing regularly at places like the Magic Castle demands consistency and reinvention. You can’t rely on the same material forever. You have to evolve. That commitment to refinement — especially in front of repeat audiences — is something I’m deeply proud of.

This was never a career I pursued to get rich. From early on, I understood that my real goal wasn’t financial status — it was fulfillment. I wanted to build a life around doing something I genuinely love and sharing it with others. Thanks in large part to my wife’s unwavering support, I’ve been able to pursue magic full-time, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that opportunity.

Was it easy? Not at all.

A creative career means rejection, slow nights, reinvention, and constantly raising your own standards. There were moments of doubt and periods where I had to rebuild and rethink. But I kept showing up. I kept refining. I kept performing. Longevity in this business comes from resilience and professionalism as much as talent.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that happiness and discipline can coexist. You can love what you do and still treat it like serious work. My brand is built on that balance — fresh, fun, and personal, but also polished and intentional.

If there’s one thing I want people to understand about me, it’s this: I’m not chasing fame. I’m chasing fulfillment. I’m committed to living the years I have doing what I love, continuing to grow, and leaving audiences better than I found them. That, to me, is success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were coming to town for a week, I wouldn’t give them the postcard version of Los Angeles — I’d give them the real one.

Of course, one night has to be at the Magic Castle. It’s one of the most unique venues in the world — historic, intimate, and filled with mystery. Even walking through that space feels like stepping into another era. That’s a must.

We’d also catch a show at the Pantages Theatre. There’s something about live performance in that room that reminds you why entertainment matters.

But then I’d pivot to the local gems.

Lunch one day would absolutely be at DeFranko’s Submarines in Van Nuys. It’s a tiny, old-school spot that’s been around since the ’70s. No hype. No gimmicks. Just incredible subs and real history. Places like that tell the story of a city better than any tour bus ever could.

For something sweet, we’re heading to Bea’s Bakery in Reseda for black and white cookies that are as classic as it gets. And if we’re anywhere near Thousand Oaks, it’s non-negotiable — Italian Ice King. Their Italian ices? Forget about it. Simple, perfect, nostalgic.

We’d definitely spend a day at Venice Beach. It’s a little funky these days, sure — but that’s part of the charm. You get beach culture, street performers, artists, eccentric characters, and great food all in one stretch. Then we’d rent bikes and ride the path up to Santa Monica. That coastline ride is iconic. Ocean breeze, palm trees, and that laid-back California energy you can’t fake.

And one evening, we’d head to The Original Pizza Cookery in Thousand Oaks. Not just because I perform there, but because it represents something I value deeply — great food, strong community, and a place where families gather. It’s the kind of restaurant where you feel the heartbeat of a town. That matters more to me than anything flashy.

To me, the best parts of this area aren’t just the famous landmarks. It’s the blend of high-level entertainment and neighborhood staples. You can spend the night in a historic Hollywood venue and the next afternoon in a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop that hasn’t changed in 40 years.

That balance — ambition and authenticity — that’s the real magic of living here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without hesitation, my wife Ginger comes first. For the past seven years, she has stood beside me through every idea, every reinvention, every late-night creative spark, and every “what if we tried this?” moment. A creative career can be unpredictable and intense, but she has backed me 100% — not just with words, but with real belief and action. That kind of support gives you freedom. It allows you to take risks, grow, and stay fully committed to your craft. I don’t take that for granted.

Next is my partner, Migz. We’ve worked together for over a decade, and teaming up with him elevated everything. We challenge each other, refine constantly, and hold one another to the highest standards. He’s my brother in magic and the reason we continue to perform at a level worthy of places like the Magic Castle. Collaboration at that depth sharpens you in ways you can’t achieve alone.

My brother Bruce has been there since the very beginning. We were kids experimenting with tricks together, and he was often my first audience — whether he volunteered or not. Decades later, he’s still my confidant, my sounding board, and my closest friend. There’s something powerful about having someone who has witnessed the entire arc of your journey and is still standing beside you.

And finally, my mother, Jane Lake. She’s the one who bought me my first magic kit. She was my biggest cheerleader and my favorite audience. She encouraged me, laughed at my jokes, and made me feel unstoppable long before I had earned it. She’s no longer here, but I carry her humor, her spark, and her belief with me every time I perform. If I had to dedicate my magic to one person, it would be her.

None of us create a life alone. Mine was built on love, partnership, belief, and family — and that foundation shows up in every performance.

Website: https://www.ravenandmigz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenandmigzmagic/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardravenmagic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravenandmigz