One of the most valuable tools in an event designer's arsenal is, without a doubt, the use of C.A.D. (computer aided design) software. Within the entertainment industry, this type of software is commonly referred to as pre-visualisation software, or "pre-viz," and allows the set designer, concert promoter, and / or lighting designer to convey creative concepts onto a virtual platform. Once a venue is virtually constructed, a myriad of possibilities can begin to take shape. Staging can be configured, sets can be constructed, seating arrangements can be arranged, and lighting fixtures can be strategically placed without having to affect the actual venue.
Traditionally, C.A.D. software was reserved for architects, civil engineers and industrial drafting; however, as new innovations in design software have been made, prices have consistently dropped. C.A.D. software / hardware no longer cost tens of thousands of dollars, and greater accessibility has opened the doors to other subsidiary industries like the wedding market. The most exciting aspect of these emerging innovations is they are only beginning to hit the mainstream. Google entered into the arena of software design in 2000 with Google SketchUp , and since then several other C.A.D. companies have diversified their product lines to include event planners, concert designers, and wedding planners within their respective target markets. Although C.A.D. has been around for some time, pre-viz software is still in its infancy. Autodesk has created a program called LD Assist geared primarily toward the professional lighting designer. Vectorworks includes a program for designers aptly named Vectorworks Designer.
Cast Software produces two C.A.D. platforms, W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. (What You See is What You Get) and Vivien. Although the learning curve for these programs is still quite steep, the payoff for mastering these tools can prove to be quite rewarding. To give you an idea of what pre-viz software can actually do, I recommend visiting Valy Tremblay's website, Proluxon.com, and see what his team of designers have accomplished for artists like Nickelback and Sarah McLachlan.
Aside from being a small business owner, I am currently a Lighting Designer in training for a concert lighting and sound company based in Albuquerque, NM. I have had the fortune of working on site at several concerts this last year and have witnessed the benefits of utilizing pre-viz software firsthand. I was introduced to WYSIWYG a couple of years ago, and have been drawn into this virtual medium ever since.
Example of WYSIWYG Ballroom & Dancefloor Render
I have carried over my skill as a lighting designer into my wedding entertainment business and the response has been nothing less than remarkable. In the past, I could only offer my to-be brides hand-drawn sketches and diagrams of what their reception could potentially look like. With this new visual tool, I can garner my creative ideas and merge them with those of my client.... usually the bride. Then I take these ideas and create a virtual rendering of the banquet hall or ballroom. Not only are these renderings photorealistic, but they are to scale with the actual venue! This can be a godsend to a banquet manager, photographer, and event decorator. The bride and her family can get a preview of what the room will look like well before the big wedding day. I have included several of my own renderings, as well as renderings from the WYSIWYG website on my online gallery. I encourage to take a look for yourself at WeddingCelebrate.com. You'll find these renderings under the "design" tab of my main page. I would love to hear your comments and insights.
Traditionally, C.A.D. software was reserved for architects, civil engineers and industrial drafting; however, as new innovations in design software have been made, prices have consistently dropped. C.A.D. software / hardware no longer cost tens of thousands of dollars, and greater accessibility has opened the doors to other subsidiary industries like the wedding market. The most exciting aspect of these emerging innovations is they are only beginning to hit the mainstream. Google entered into the arena of software design in 2000 with Google SketchUp , and since then several other C.A.D. companies have diversified their product lines to include event planners, concert designers, and wedding planners within their respective target markets. Although C.A.D. has been around for some time, pre-viz software is still in its infancy. Autodesk has created a program called LD Assist geared primarily toward the professional lighting designer. Vectorworks includes a program for designers aptly named Vectorworks Designer.
Example of a Vectorworks Set Design Render
Cast Software produces two C.A.D. platforms, W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. (What You See is What You Get) and Vivien. Although the learning curve for these programs is still quite steep, the payoff for mastering these tools can prove to be quite rewarding. To give you an idea of what pre-viz software can actually do, I recommend visiting Valy Tremblay's website, Proluxon.com, and see what his team of designers have accomplished for artists like Nickelback and Sarah McLachlan.
Aside from being a small business owner, I am currently a Lighting Designer in training for a concert lighting and sound company based in Albuquerque, NM. I have had the fortune of working on site at several concerts this last year and have witnessed the benefits of utilizing pre-viz software firsthand. I was introduced to WYSIWYG a couple of years ago, and have been drawn into this virtual medium ever since.
Example of WYSIWYG Ballroom & Dancefloor Render
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