How to Become a Popular Vj
- Start a clip library., - Find your niche., -Make business cards., - Get a VJ program., - This should be obvious, but you need to have equipment., - No matter how many clips you have, you will always, always need more., ALWAYS do an equipment check...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: - Start a clip library.
Use copyright free or creative commons licensed footage.
Or shoot your own.
Don't rely on the usual libraries made for Vjs- they are way too common and can be seen in any nightclub. -
Step 2: - Find your niche.
What is your favorite music? It helps if it is anything outside the pop/top 40 realm.
Where are the clubs that play this music? Do they have someone doing visuals? If they don't, put together some clips and offer to show someone what you can do. , Present yourself as a visual artist and always have your info ready to hand out.
You can get them cheap or even free from places like Vista. , A great free one is called VDMX.
There is a learning curve- DO NOT wait the day of the show to learn to use it.
And don't pretend that you can learn to use it if you don't have a projector.
Learning to throw the image onto the large screen is different for every program and computer.
This in and of itself can take a lot of time.
SO give yourself a lot of room to breathe and a few days to learn to use the program.
When you figure things out, write them down.
And bring them with you to the show. , I would recommend a laptop with AT LEAST 2 GB RAM, your own projector, VGM cables, VGM adapters, and of course your VJ program. , Aim for the thousands.
Start a folder with subfolders according to type.
You need to be able to access them and know what sort they are, because with a lot of clips your VJ program is just going to show you thumbnails.
You won't be able to see what they are that way.
Keep it organized. , I have forgotten obvious things like my hard drive or my laptop power cord before.
ALWAYS check. , Don't be cocky and think everything will run smoothly if you just roll in 10 minutes before they open the doors to the public. ,'s have used.
Dig for your clips.
Edit them with a movie program.
Do something original.
Try customizable music visualizer like Bazik. , People really appreciate that. , VJs do more work than DJs.
They mix the visuals throughout the song, not just in between the songs.
And its all improv.
To earn the title, do the work.
Practice while listening to live mixes from different DJs. -
Step 3: -Make business cards.
-
Step 4: - Get a VJ program.
-
Step 5: - This should be obvious
-
Step 6: but you need to have equipment.
-
Step 7: - No matter how many clips you have
-
Step 8: you will always
-
Step 9: always need more.
-
Step 10: ALWAYS do an equipment check before you leave your house.
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Step 11: Wherever you are going to be V.J.-ing at a club
-
Step 12: show up before the patrons so that you can hook it all up
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Step 13: position the projector if necessary (a lot of clubs have their own) and make sure everything works.
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Step 14: Don't rely on the same graphics that other V.J.
-
Step 15: A good way to ingratiate yourself to any club you work for is to make a few clips with their logos in them
-
Step 16: or at least the name of the club.
-
Step 17: If you just bring some movies to screen from your hard drive
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Step 18: that is NOT VJing.
Detailed Guide
Use copyright free or creative commons licensed footage.
Or shoot your own.
Don't rely on the usual libraries made for Vjs- they are way too common and can be seen in any nightclub.
What is your favorite music? It helps if it is anything outside the pop/top 40 realm.
Where are the clubs that play this music? Do they have someone doing visuals? If they don't, put together some clips and offer to show someone what you can do. , Present yourself as a visual artist and always have your info ready to hand out.
You can get them cheap or even free from places like Vista. , A great free one is called VDMX.
There is a learning curve- DO NOT wait the day of the show to learn to use it.
And don't pretend that you can learn to use it if you don't have a projector.
Learning to throw the image onto the large screen is different for every program and computer.
This in and of itself can take a lot of time.
SO give yourself a lot of room to breathe and a few days to learn to use the program.
When you figure things out, write them down.
And bring them with you to the show. , I would recommend a laptop with AT LEAST 2 GB RAM, your own projector, VGM cables, VGM adapters, and of course your VJ program. , Aim for the thousands.
Start a folder with subfolders according to type.
You need to be able to access them and know what sort they are, because with a lot of clips your VJ program is just going to show you thumbnails.
You won't be able to see what they are that way.
Keep it organized. , I have forgotten obvious things like my hard drive or my laptop power cord before.
ALWAYS check. , Don't be cocky and think everything will run smoothly if you just roll in 10 minutes before they open the doors to the public. ,'s have used.
Dig for your clips.
Edit them with a movie program.
Do something original.
Try customizable music visualizer like Bazik. , People really appreciate that. , VJs do more work than DJs.
They mix the visuals throughout the song, not just in between the songs.
And its all improv.
To earn the title, do the work.
Practice while listening to live mixes from different DJs.
About the Author
Judith Simmons
A passionate writer with expertise in lifestyle topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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