Conversation so far:
What was Jim Steranko's early art career like?
Jim Steranko learned stage magic using paraphernalia from his father's stage magician act. In his teens, he spent several summers working with circuses and carnivals.
What did Jim Steranko do after learning stage magic using paraphernalia from his father's stage magician act?
Up through his early 20s, Jim Steranko performed as an illusionist, escape artist, close-up magician in nightclubs, and musician, and formed his own band.
What did Jim Steranko do next after forming his band?
By the late 1960s, Jim Steranko was a member of a New York City magicians' group, the Witchdoctor's Club.
Did Jim Steranko do anything else after becoming a member of the Witchdoctor's Club?
Jim Steranko made his living as an artist for a printing company in his hometown of Reading, designing and drawing pamphlets and flyers for local dance clubs and the like.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article besides Jim Steranko's early career, learning stage magic, starting a band, and becoming a member of the Witchdoctor's Club?
Jim Steranko met with editor Stan Lee, who had Steranko ink a two-page Jack Kirby sample of typical art for the superspy feature Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Did Jim Steranko's own comics do well?
Jim Steranko's own comics did gain him recognition, but the series was short-lived.

Question: What was his big break?
Self-contained rewrite: What was Jim Steranko's big break?