If you can't have fun in what you do, what is the point? I'm lucky because most of the things I get up to bring a certain amount of gratification. VJ'ing for me is where is kicks in.
What is VJ? Well, most people have heard of the term DJ (Disk Jockey) - a talented person who mixes a collection of sounds or tracks to make something unique for their audience. A VJ (Visual or Video Jockey) is some one who does the same with visuals.
Back in the day this could mean turning up to a gig with a case full of media (35mm slides, VHS tapes, camera's and if you were lucky DVD's) and displaying what ever media best suited the situation. This was no mean feat, as you never knew what the band or DJ were going to play. The job of the VJ demanded multi-tasking to the extreme - having to cue up to 4 sources (or more) on the fly, whilst keeping an ear on what was going on. The challenge was draining but the payback when it fell together made it more than worth the effort.
Thanks to technology things are a lot simpler today, most media is now run from computers. However the key is to always push the boundaries - never be happy with your portfolio, but experiment - to innovate with media and equipment. I've been lucky in some of the people I've worked with. One guy in particular has always amazed me with his technical creativity... Cheers Chris.
Where do I get to play with visuals then I hear you ask. In past years I've been to Spring Harvest, Greenbelt and Grapevine along with specials for groups such as Christian Partners in Africa and private functions.
For years (I forget how many) I used to worked with 'New Life' to bring visuals into meetings and celebrations, After setting up and training a team of dedicated technicians, Though I nolonger attend I'm glad they carried on many of the practices I instigated and developed over the years...
Grapevine is now where is happens visually, because it is local and closely linked to New Life, Chris and I throw everything at it. Sometimes not as much as we'd like, but if you are ever there, take a trip to the Synergy venue. Can't wait? Click here to view a few snaps .
If you'd like to know more for what ever reason, why not drop me a line?