Lighting designers work to design lighting for events of all kinds, such as in theaters, concert venues or in television, film and advertising. For example, lighting designers decide, in collaboration with directors, how to create a mood on stage and plan lighting accordingly, usually in collaboration with the lighting technicians who “run” the event.

Main tasks
  • designing lighting that suits the conditions on the stage
  • prepare the layout of the lighting while the show is being rehearsed
  • organizing lighting into a certain space with a lighting console
  • planning lighting changes; arranging the spotlights in the correct position and colour
  • creating a basic lighting scheme and building upon it to achieve the desired mood or look
  • create lighting changes, entering into a computer or lighting console
  • arranging the lighting changes in the correct order on a computer or lighting console before the show
Competence requirements

Lighting designers need to have some knowledge of electricity, an artistic vision and an interest in the technology related to lighting design. It is important to be able to work accurately and patiently in collaboration with others, such as directors, set designers and lighting technicians. Lighting designers work a lot with lights, colours, projectors and computer equipment. The work is often in intense stretches in preparation of a specific event.

Study

There is no special study program in lighting design in Iceland, but work-related courses may be available. However, study programs for lighting designers are available abroad. Studies in electrical technology can also be pointed out, as basic and advanced studies in electrical technology are available at many secondary schools.

Electrical studies
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