Want to be a VJ?
Friday 16 November 2007
Music producers make music, DJs play records but what is a VJ and what do they do?
What is a VJ?
VJ is short for visual jockey. The job of VJ is to source and create digital images and mix them together to provide a visual backdrop to the music experience in clubs, raves and also at live gigs and performances.
In a club VJs will work closely with a DJ to synch up with their mixing, scratching or cutting up of records. At a live performance the visuals might add to the story being told in a song. Almost all venues now have a VJ and many bands also travel with a visual jockey as part of their live experience.
Image collecting
The first step in becoming a VJ is to gather all the images to use. Collecting your own images requires shooting your own video clips so you will need a camera. You can also collect stills image using a camera.
Images, just like music are owned by people who filmed or created them so it is always best to create your own to avoid having to pay royalties. However there are websites where royalty free images are available and also VJ forums where you can swap clips with other VJs.
Image editing
Collecting images is an ongoing process. However once you have a good collection you can start manipulating them to look like you want them to. You can do this by altering individual images with software such as Photoshop and adding effects you like. Video images are edited together into short sequences using programmes such as iDVD or Adobe Premiere.
Going live
The next stage for VJs is doing it live - putting visuals together in a spontaneous live set and mixing the images live during a musical event. To do this you need a PC or laptop to edit images and play them out in the club and also image mixing software that allows you to mix the images you created together.
Getting gigs
Making a demo is the best way to show off your skills. Edit your best bits into a 5 minute film and put the demo up on a website or social networking space so you can direct people there. It’s also worth having a few copies of your demo on DVD so you can give them to anyone you meet who might be interested. Don’t forget to put your contact details on your DVD .
If you are at Uni or College, approach your local Student Union and ask to be put in touch with promoters who are running events or clubs. If you are at school, find out about under 18s events or even school events where you can show off your visual skills. Like anything creative, it's a gradual process to build up your reputation so starting young is the best way!
A new type of VJ culture is also emerging on websites such as YouTube with people taking images and mixing them together to create their own soundtracks to music or montages. It’s an excellent way to practice and get honest feedback.
Getting started
For inspiration check out this mash up by VJs Hexstatic who are considered by many as the UK pioneers of visual mixing.
Download a demo copy of ArKaos and have a play – it’s really easy!
Register on a community website such as VJ Central or VJForums and start getting to know other VJs. You can also get technical tips also share ideas.
You can also share clips and images on sites such as PixnMix
