Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
This occupation is focused on live performance and not on media or broadcast activities. Includes activities in event and rental companies
The following job titles also refer to video designer:
projection & video designer
graphics and video designer
video & graphics designer
video and projection designer
visual designer
projection designer
projection and video designer
graphics & video designer
video & projection designer
video and graphics designer
video jockey
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of video designer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of video designer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
These skills are necessary for the role of video designer.
Analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions: Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production. Monitor developments in technology used for design: Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work. Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials. Safeguard artistic quality of performance: Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality. Analyse score: Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music. Monitor sociological trends: Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society. Tune a projector: Focus and tune a projector. Assess power needs: Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas. Analyse the scenography: Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage. Run a media server: Set up and run a media server. Perform quality control of design during a run: Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run. Communicate during show: Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning. Update design results during rehearsals: Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated. Research new ideas: Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based. Adapt to artists’ creative demands: Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result. Verify feasibility: Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed. Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment. Coach staff for running the performance: Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance. Analyse a script: Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary. Edit digital moving images: Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production. Propose improvements to artistic production: Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects. Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision. Present detailed design proposals: Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff. Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances: Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result. Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process. Develop design concept: Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions. Develop design ideas cooperatively: Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of video designer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Labour legislation: Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions. Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of video designer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Draw up artistic production: File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible. Run a projection: Operate projection equipment safely and efficiently to project images on a background in an artistic or cultural context. Lead a team: Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind. Provide documentation: Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information. Ensure safety of mobile electrical systems: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation. Cue a performance: Plan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance. Adapt artistic plan to location: Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept. Update budget: Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context. Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently. Translate artistic concepts to technical designs: Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design. Analyse the need for technical resources: Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production. Meet deadlines: Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time. Organise resources for artistic production: Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts. Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively. Work with respect for own safety: Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety. Document your own practice: Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc. Set up projection equipment: Install and connect equipment for projection in an artistic context. Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
