Keep in mind that magic is the way you do things, the angle and the context. Things don't magically change from the use of magic, rather reality is shaped by it. The manifestation will probably 9 times out of 10 look perfectly "ordinary" to the outsider. There is no good way of explaining it, other than maybe that you will use whatever method available to you to achieve your goals.
Stage magic or street magic performances can be supernormal, but are they useful? You can become a performer and get some fame and money, anything else will be hidden from the public still. 
Boasting is an issue, as well as "losing faith", both of them are obstacles and a part of the practice.