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Dealing with All Situations

Being Prepared

Preparation is a key element of a successful visual performance. It not only ensures a smooth and professional execution but also helps you be ready to handle any unforeseen circumstances. For instance, the music you are supposed to perform with might change at the last minute, or the event conditions (such as lighting, sound, or audience placement) might evolve unexpectedly. By dedicating time to preparation, you can anticipate these scenarios and develop backup plans. This might include preparing different visual content suitable for various music genres, becoming familiar with your VJing software to quickly adapt to changes, or preparing different equipment setups to handle various situations.

While VJing involves an element of improvisation, thorough preparation will enable you to adapt with ease and creativity to the unexpected, ensuring a successful and memorable performance.

Maintaining Your Equipment

Checking and testing your equipment before a performance is a crucial aspect of preparation. This not only ensures a smooth performance but also extends the lifespan of your equipment. A pre-performance check allows you to identify any potential malfunctions or technical issues that could disrupt your performance. This includes testing all elements of your setup, such as projectors, computers, software, cables, and connections. A technical issue caused by a lack of preparation can not only interrupt your performance but also potentially harm your professional image with collaborators.

When it comes to maintaining your equipment, regular practices can prolong its lifespan and optimize performance. For example, projectors should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust buildup, which can cause overheating and unexpected shutdowns. Air filters and the interior casing should be cleaned with compressed air. Computers should be kept up to date with the latest software and drivers and cleaned regularly as well. Finally, proper storage of equipment after use, in a clean and dry environment, is essential to avoid damage from humidity or impacts. By regularly maintaining your equipment, you can ensure it operates at its best and extends its lifespan, making it a valuable investment for your future projects.

The 10 Essentials to Always Have with You

Event organizers or service providers you work with typically supply everything you need, but from experience, it’s wise to always bring the following items. They can save you hours in case of unexpected issues!

  • Video adapters: It’s not uncommon to find yourself in situations where the cables you have don’t match the available ports. Having a range of adapters and converters on hand can be a lifesaver.
  • Spare cables: Always have extra HDMI, VGA, DVI, USB, and power cables on hand in case of malfunctions.
  • An extension cord and a power strip: Ensure you have enough outlets to power all your equipment. A high-quality power strip will help you manage power safely and efficiently.
  • A flashlight or headlamp: Extremely useful for navigating dark areas at the performance venue.
  • An external hard drive or USB stick: Having a backup copy of your work can be a lifesaver if your main computer fails. It also makes it easy to share content with others.
  • Basic tools or a Leatherman: A set of screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tape, cable ties, and other small tools can help you fix minor issues on-site.
  • Gaffer tape: Very durable and easy to tear by hand, perfect for securing cables and equipment quickly.
  • A notebook and pen: For taking quick notes about the venue, setup, last-minute ideas, etc.
  • Equipment cleaning kit: This might include a microfiber cloth for cleaning lenses and compressed air for dusting.
  • A universal power adapter: Useful if you’re traveling internationally.

BONUS TIP: To keep your energy up, I always try to bring snacks and water because events can be long and intense!

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This guide was written by HeavyM, a company specializing in video mapping since 2013.

For any questions, comments, advice, etc., please use this contact form: https://help.heavym.net/hc/requests/new. Response guaranteed within 24 hours.