What do lighting designers do?

Designing lighting fixtures in the interior or exterior of buildings and landscapes is the job of lighting designers. There are lighting designers who also work in visual art, such as opera, concerts and plays. There are some lighting designers who train for this work by taking a certain course and acquiring a degree, and there are others who come from a more general background such as technology, interior design or architecture.

How do lighting designers work?

The best lighting designers try to install luminaires that are visually and aesthetically pleasing and functional. First, a lighting concept is created for the project, and then the implementation procedure is designed. Of utmost importance are the needs of the individuals who will use the space. Additional considerations are to save as much energy as possible when using and maintaining lamps. One last important factor to keep in mind is cost efficiency. There are lighting designers who work on their own, that is, independently, and there are others who work as part of an engineering or architectural firm.

What skills do lighting designers need?

A lighting designer who has an artistic eye, but it is not enough. Technical and practical knowledge is as important as artistic inclinations in this field. Imagining lighting design and designing ways to implement such visions requires artistic skill as well as technical knowledge. They should have in-depth knowledge of color theory, electronics, graphics, lighting instruments and computer programs for lighting. This is a profession that needs to be constantly updated, as technology is always evolving.

The need for cooperation

A lighting designer, even when he / she works independently, needs to collaborate with the other professionals involved in the design, such as the architect. This is because the vision of the architect and lighting designer must be adapted for best results for the space they have been entrusted to design. Another important professional that the lighting designer must work with is of course the electrician.

Lighting designers in visual art

In addition to interior and exterior design of living spaces, sound designers also work with visual art, as mentioned earlier. For example, in the production of a play, they create a design for lighting that illuminates the artists and the setting. They also provide different lighting designs at different stages of production, so that the best lighting is in place throughout the play or concert. During the play or concert, however, it is not the lighting designer who handles the lights. They prepare a procedure in advance and leave it to the electrician, who will follow the instructions.