
Likewise, if your artist is giving you full control, ask them questions and keep them updated along the design process. As a touring lighting designer, be open to following artist guidelines. It’s important to remember that every artist is different, and every request comes from a different reason. Provide fog machines for specified songs.Side light is incredibly important for the dancers.Reduce the number of fixtures on the ground to maximize performance space.Keep the artist lit from the front at all times to ensure visibility in photos.Likewise, you should also follow any requests you receive from the artist and creative team. These questions will help you better understand the artist and their show before you begin designing. Is this tour representing a certain album or musical selection from the artist?.
What are some show elements I should be aware of, such as dancers, props, intermissions, solos, etc.?. What is the setting and is there a production design reference I can see?. Is there a story or flow to the production that I need to be aware of?. Are there any reference photos or videos of past shows that I can see and understand the nature of the artist on stage?. You should ask them questions, including: Once you meet your creative team, you need to get information from them to help you with your design. It’s best to be consistent with your team and keep all of your files organized. The team could communicate via phone, email or a shared online folder. You should also learn your team’s communication preferences. Some of the Janelle Monáe team on the Dirty Computer Tour, 2018. Other times, you may have creative control over the entire design. Likewise, some creative teams brainstorm ideas together, while others will provide production elements for you to design around. Some artists like to be involved, while others leave everything to the creative team. You should also find out how involved the artist will be in the design process. Some artists like to communicate with you directly, while others will communicate through management. Likewise, find out if you will have direct or indirect communication with your artist. Reach out to whoever hired you to ask them about the tour team and who will be involved in the creative process. Not every design-process experience is a comfortable one.įor your first design, it’s very important to get to know the artist and creative team you will be working with. Remember that you are valid in your concerns and that you are not alone. It’s important to talk about any issues you are struggling with because the more we talk about it, the more we can feel unified. Feeling like you are unable to show off your unique talents in your design due to budget or venue constraints. Struggling to perfect a “process pattern”. Feeling inadequate from not knowing where to begin or what to do. Comparing your design/creative decisions to other designers and putting yourself down. Some common struggles you may experience include:
Many lighting designers can struggle with their mental health. Acknowledging mental frustrations is tough, and it’s sometimes even more difficult to open up about them. Mental health is an extremely important, yet often forgotten step when it comes to lighting design and touring. Understanding these basics will help you when working as a lighting designer and give you the confidence to create an amazing show. Production designer, lighting designer, director and programmer: Lauren Sego Share shops and studio spaces with students from graduate programs in Architecture, Industrial Design, and Interior Design, fostering interdisciplinary work.Įxpand your expertise through a three-year double major with Interior Design or a four-year dual degree with Parsons’ NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture.Tegan & Sara’s The Con X Tour 2017. Study in the birthplace of architectural lighting design, with access to important built projects, industry events, trade shows, conferences, and internship opportunities. Integrate research, conceptual design, representation, technical analysis, and full-scale study to uncover the experiential and social implications of illumination.Įxplore the role of light in cities, relevant to zoning and building, traffic and pedestrian safety, neighborhood integration, and other urban planning matters.