We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wayneroy Randal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wayneroy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
That’s a good question. In all honesty, my work ethic comes from the lack of professionalism I find in some of the people I work with. It’s what drives me to do better. There have been times when there is no sense of urgency, and the time you spend waiting on someone else to do their job so you can do yours is irritating. I vowed never to be like that. There is a saying that says “Time is Money”, and in my industry it’s definitely the truth. I’m usually the first one there and the last one to leave.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an all-around video guy but, primarily I am the Creative Director for Wyclef Jean. My job is to create everything visual for his live performances. This means everything seen on the LED walls as well as lighting design. The exciting thing about what I do is that I am able to set the tone of each performance. I have created a few intro videos that I use to open the show. The video I use all depends on the audience we are performing for. We were just in the Virgin Islands for their 70th Year Celebration and I used an intro video that not only details his accomplishments as an artist, but also informs you on some of his personal projects, like the fact that he has designed a car and a motorbike (which is shown in the intro). The audio for the intro includes a number of new clips in English and French describing Wyclef Jean and has a very cinematic feel to it with riser and underlying bass. It’s amazing to see people attention and interest shift when the video plays. They start to anticipate a stellar performance, and Wyclef always delivers! As far as lighting goes, it’s my job to outline to the lighting tech what kind of lighting to use for particular songs. For example “911” uses a blue stage wash and I then use a graphic on the the video wall that includes red flashing lights…yeah 911…red and blue flashing lights…you get it now. However, some song graphics are not as easy to design concepts for. I am in the process of revamping some of the content I will use for the shows as I get ready to cover Wyclef’s set for the “Together Again” Tour with Janet Jackson in Europe this fall. I would love to tell your readers what I have in store but my lips are sealed for the movement. I may tease some of it at the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival in August where Wyclef Jean will be headlining Saturday and Sunday.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Definitely math! You don’t need to know trigonometry but you do need to be able to calculate weight when setting up a wall, or be able to calculate the correct aspect ratios for display as well as length conversions, for example, how many feet are equal to one yard. This is vital when you go to different countries and they have different units of measurement. Good thing I paid attention in school. A skill not taught in school that is so important is time management! Oftentimes I am the first one at the venue and last one to leave. I show up before my call time and get everything I need arranged and ready to go so when the artist arrives I’m not holding anyone back. The saying “Time is Money” has never been more true to me because time has to be paid for, so I try to keep to my schedule. Another part of time management is arranging a timetable and setting deadlines so you know when the work should start and when it should be completed by. This has helped me tremendously along the way to the point where I can now say “I’ll have it to you by 9am tomorrow morning” and it will be there. I am serious when it comes on to time. Lastly, I would have to say communication. The point of communication is for the other party to clearly understand what is being said. I have seen far too many times where people use words they know the person they are talking to does not know the meaning of and therefore does not understand, all to try and look superior or more knowledgeable, but in the end this is failed communication. When working with the people from different walks of life I try to communicate as best as possible so we all can get the job done right.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Most definitely my father! I say it time and time again, I don’t know where I would be without his guidance and support. I have followed in his footsteps and this is where it has led me. We speak everyday no matter what part of the world I am in. He always manages to share some insight about something new on the market, or share advice on how I can more effectively complete a task that is giving me a hard time. We own a company together, and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner. He has trusted my judgement whenever I want to invest in new equipment, and supports my decision on how to move into the future with the company. I’ve spent my whole life watching him and learning from him, and as I turn 40 this year I’ll be in the middle of a tour with the legendary Wyclef Jean and Janet Jackson. I think it’s safe to say his lessons have paid off and continue to do so.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayneroy1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayneroy.randal
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/wayneroy1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@avsolutionscayman4617
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
