Advice for booking your first VJ gig?

[SoundW0RM]

Hey everyone!

I've been using Avenue for about two years now at home, and have always thought about giving it a go professionally. I think I might finally be ready to try and book an actual paid gig and wanted to come on here and ask for some tips and recommendations about a few things specifically (some of these will probably be obvious to the more pro members of the forum so please keep my newbie status in mind)

- Recommended hardware and tech to own? I own my machine with Resolume installed, obviously. But do most VJ's just rent whatever kind of LED tech or projection they need for their gig, or is it recommended to own something like this as part of your kit?

- Rates? Do most people charge by the hour or by the day, and what's considered fair for people starting out who have solid enough skills but haven't demonstrated them in a pro setting?

- Ways to book the first gig? Should I contact venues and event companies, use Facebook groups? Any input is appreciated here.


Thanks so much all, I appreciate whoever takes the time to read this and give some feedback

[SoundW0RM]

Over 2600 views and no replies? That's a little disappointing. I'm not out here trying to steal anyone's job. Just trying to build some side income is all

[cosmowe]

Hey Soundworm,
As you might already think, there is no golden way. So the following answers are just from me for you without knowing anything about you

- Recommended hardware and tech to own? I own my machine with Resolume installed, obviously. But do most VJ's just rent whatever kind of LED tech or projection they need for their gig, or is it recommended to own something like this as part of your kit?

I have never owned big projectors or led-walls, and I've never rented hardware to do a VJ job for a customer. Every job I've ever did I was ask to play visuals on their stage concept and their hardware. In my experience, it's definitely part of the job to know on what setting you are going to play and how to get the most out of it. visually.

So my recommended hardware for starting business (VJ):
- Laptop
- Midi Controller of choice based on your style and needs
- Handful of videoadapters
- 2-4 Video cables
- A cold bottle of sparkling wine

- Rates? Do most people charge by the hour or by the day, and what's considered fair for people starting out who have solid enough skills but haven't demonstrated them in a pro setting?

I've always charged my customers per day/event. If there was a pre-production phase where special content was produced, that was added on top.
About starter rates I just can speak for myself. If I remember correctly for my first ever paid job as a video jockey I've earned 150,00€. But that was more than 10 years ago. Today it looks totally different.
Today I am only a 5% Vj...means...my main job is working as a freelance media technician.

- Ways to book the first gig? Should I contact venues and event companies, use Facebook groups? Any input is appreciated here.

I've got my first gig by asking a local party organizer to let me test my new Vj-Set on his party for free.

Long story short: He agreed, it was nice, I've learned a lot, and I am still working for him - but paid.

My advice for you would be: Gain experience...money is nice, but not important as a starter. Be kind and helpful to the clients. Don't be a diva. They will remember and recommend you to others...and so one thing leads to another.



I hope that helps a bit



Best wishes and good luck
cosmowe

[Arvol]

Sorry, read the cliff notes.
TBH, if you want in the industry, job shadow or intern for your local production company and get some real world experience in the industry first. THEN start on your VJ path. If you're serious about this industry and want to stay in it longer than most (usually 5 years or under) then being a VJ isn't going to pay those bills. Being well rounded and knowing your s*t will get you more jobs than anything. I lost count how many times VJ's have rolled in and couldn't troubleshoot the most basic problems. It's disgusting and sad. Then the TM see's that and they get fired after that show. I've seen this happen well over 20 times.

Learn the ropes, work your way up for a few years, THEN jump into your specialty (VJ, LED tech, LD) and when s*t hits the fan, you'll look like a Rockstar, others will see that, they will want you on their shows, and the rest is history.

Also, people who can "help themselves" seem to get hired over people who ask a million questions. (Please do not think this question falls into this category, it doesn't <3 )
So basic questions like "what hardware" and such can be easily found in less than 5 second by using the search feature or google. That question is asked at least 5-10 times A WEEK! so some things are just so easy to find just by searching the right question. (probably why there isn't that many replies??)

If you have searched for a more difficult question with no luck (how many pixels of AA does ASS use?) that obviously needs to be asked and I'm sure experts are more than happy to help (because it's an actual intellectual question they don't see every day of every week lol)

TLDR: Find a local homie or production company and job shadow or intern for a year and learn the ropes, money and work will follow (probably the second week in).

Enjoy the journey <3