We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Weichao Zhao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Weichao, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
As a Lighting Console Programmer (lighting Designer), my resilience is forged in the fast-paced, problem-rich environment of live events and theatrical productions. It stems from confronting and solving unexpected technical challenges, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and software, collaborating closely with diverse creative teams, and a deep-seated passion for the transformative power of lighting in storytelling. This combination of rapid problem-solving, collaborative adaptability, and passion for my craft has equipped me with a robust resilience, enabling me to navigate the uncertainties and pressures inherent in the field of lighting design with confidence and creativity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Lighting Console Programmer, a profession that sits at the intersection of technology and art, where the primary focus is to bring narratives to life through the intricate play of light and shadow. What truly excites me about this career is the limitless creativity it demands and allows. Each project presents a unique challenge, from film and concerts to theater productions, enabling me to craft bespoke lighting designs that enhance storytelling and evoke emotions. My work is not just about illuminating spaces; it’s about creating atmospheres, accentuating moments, and contributing to the overall experience in a way that audience members might not consciously notice but will undoubtedly feel. I am thrilled to be working on expanding my portfolio into more avant-garde and immersive experiences, exploring the potential of cutting-edge lighting technologies to create interactive environments.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Adaptability: The dynamic nature of live events means things often don’t go as planned. Adaptability has allowed me to thrive in this unpredictability, turning challenges into opportunities for creativity and innovation. Cultivate this by placing yourself in diverse project environments, learning to work with different teams.
Creativity: The ability to see beyond the ordinary, to envision what light can do to transform a space or tell a story, is what sets a great lighting designer apart. To develop this, observe and analyze. Attend as many varied performances and events as you can, noting how light influences mood, perception, and narrative. Experiment with my projects, allowing myself the freedom to try new ideas without fear of failure.
Collaboration:The cornerstone of my development and achievements in this field has been collaboration, deeply intertwined with trust. A particular project under a detail-oriented gaffer taught me the nuances of executing complex lighting plans with precision. More significantly, it underscored the essence of trust in teamwork. In the film industry, effective collaboration isn’t just about harmonizing skills; it’s about building trust within the crew. My experience has taught me that fostering trust and open communication is just as critical as any technical proficiency,
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I would say it’s TOUGH CLIENTS.
Upon graduating, the real-world classroom of my career as a Lighting Console Programmer began, with tough clients serving as some of my most influential teachers. One client in particular stands out. They demanded precision and creativity under tight schedual, which initially felt overwhelming. I became nervous and out of my pacing, still can remember that was the hungriest day of my life, cause during my lunch break I was continuing to look for previous problem in front of my workplace
However, this pressure cooker environment taught me invaluable lessons. I learned to communicate effectively, ensuring clarity in what was expected, and to trust in the collaborative process within the team.
These challenging experiences make me realized how important it was to force myself to grow fast, enhancing my technical skills, honing my ability to execute with precision, The trust developed through these collaborations became the cornerstone of successful projects, transforming tough client demands into opportunities for professional development and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Zhao_weichao
Image Credits
the picture took by me
