Overlooked Factors for Captivating VJ Loops
Creating VJ loops doesn't have to be complicated, but it's crucial to pay attention to the small details that can significantly impact the workflow and final product of a VJ loop designer. This article sheds light on often overlooked aspects that can help you achieve better video loops.
Tell a Story
Many designers start creating VJ loops with a vague idea, but without a clear direction, they may find themselves lost. To overcome this, consider taking that initial idea and turning it into a story for your VJ loops. Develop characters, worlds, and symbols to create a solid foundation when you encounter challenges. Remember, your goal as an audiovisual creative is to tell stories through visuals.
Use a Render Farm
Rendering video loops on your computer can be time-consuming and accelerate hardware depreciation. Consider setting up a render farm, which may require an initial investment, technical knowledge, and physical space. Alternatively, online render farms like RenderStreet offer cost-effective solutions with flat-rate plans, while initiatives like SheepIt provide free rendering options. Embracing cloud-based rendering allows for creative freedom and enhanced focus on creating better VJ loops.
Why Reinvent the Wheel?
Don't feel overwhelmed by the need to create everything from scratch. Remember that the main goal is to create loopable animations. Explore resources like CGTrader for 3D models and Mixamo for character animations. By utilizing existing assets, you can allocate more resources to the complex aspects of your VJ loop projects, saving time and effort.
Collect Data
Understanding why some of your creations are successful can be empowering. Analyze the most downloaded VJ loops, observe common themes, compositional elements, and animation styles. By identifying patterns, you can gain more control over your creative process. Additionally, offering free content can help you explore different aspects that make your visuals stand out. Websites like Adobe's Get Inspired can provide further insights into current trends.
The Power of Books
While online resources like Pinterest are useful, books still offer a wealth of knowledge. Platforms like Kindle make it easy to access books from various regions at affordable prices. Books undergo an editorial process, resulting in high-quality and structured information. Explore art books, "The Art of" books, and design magazines for inspiration. Dover Publications and the Internet Archive are great sources for hidden gems. Concept art books, like "The Art of Star Wars," provide exceptional inspiration.
Try Something Different
Break away from typical animations like rotating elements and circular tunnels. Explore designing unique worlds, incorporating creature animations, or creating intricate tunnels. Instead of relying solely on 2D fractals, experiment with 3D fractals for a fresh and mind-blowing approach. Check out the works of Julius Horsthuis and Machina Infinitum for inspiration. Don't be afraid to utilize video footage and tools like the Glitch Bundle for more experimental VJ loops.
Go Beyond the Obvious
Don't limit VJ loops to just parties. They have a wide range of applications, including music videos, concerts, visualizers, churches, museums, malls, theme parks, and corporate events. Avoid underestimating your audience's intelligence. Assume that they are discerning, and strive to create meaningful concepts and original visuals, regardless of your competition.
By implementing these often overlooked factors, you can enhance your VJ loop creation process and deliver more impactful visuals. Remember to tell stories, utilize render farms, leverage existing resources, collect data, explore books, experiment with unique animations, and always aim to exceed expectations. Your dedication will help you stand out in the world of VJing and make a lasting impression on your audience.