Scaling up
Big projection mapping events are fascinating, but how can you get there if you’ve never done it before? If you are not a well-known artist (yet), how could you scale your creative practice up?
It is good to master the basics of projection mapping to build confidence, gain exposure and start making a living. Here are some ideas for expanding your creative work:
Small projects
It is useful to start with one person and one projector. You can be incredibly creative on a small scale, and by documenting what you achieved in a portfolio of work, you can demonstrate your skills and creativity. Projects could include:
- Individual small object (bottle, shoe, model house,…)
- Shop window display
- Private dining table experience
- Seasonal display on your garage door or house front
- Ceiling mapping or architectural detail mapping in a local community building
Examples
Medium sized projects
We are entering the area of public and private events, with paying clients or commissions. You could be working for a studio, creating and selling projection mapping assets (for example: https://videomapping.store/) Or, your projection mapping work could have a private or public host:
- Private events: wedding cake mapping, buffet table mapping,
- Immersive dining (panoramic wall & ceiling projection)
- An art project in an exhibition
- Projecting onto an architectural feature, sculpture or statue, or small building.
- Projection mapping in a club.
- Contributing to a stage show for a band
To deliver professionally, more than one person may be needed on your team, projector images might need to be combined, or you may tackle more dispersed projection objects or 3D mapping. Production will involve several weeks of time, use several computers or potentially a media server.
Examples
Larger projects & events
This is the arena of live event management, involving larger venues, several projectors and a production team which may consist of:
- Production manager liaising with event planning team
- 3D programmer/ designer to create the 3D model(s) of the architecture or stage setup.
- Technologist to measure /map out the space, merge projector images
- AV artists/ Animators to create content and render it out
- VJ to live mix
- Sound artist/ composer
The applied mapping technology will mostly likely be full 3D mapping or 36o degree mapping, production will involve several months of planning, media servers, additional extras such as light and sound equipment, generators, etc. Your work may support live acts during broadcast events.
- Large scale/ celeb weddings
- Conferences, conventions and corporate events
- Sport and music events
You may be describing your practice as extended reality (XR) as you blend virtual and physical worlds together for large productions and to create fully immersive experiences.
Examples
Other areas for projection mapping
Interactive projection
Interactive installation
Projecting onto clothing