VJing in the context of design practice in Finland

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bachelor_Furs_Volha_2023.pdf (1.44 MB)

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2023

Department

Major/Subject

Major of Design

Mcode

Degree programme

Bachelor's Programme in Design

Language

en

Pages

68 + 19

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Abstract

VJs, or video jockeys, are people who create visuals in the club in a similar manner to how DJs create music: VJs reflect the mood and build the atmosphere by projecting visuals on the club walls. This thesis challenges the categorisation of VJing as exclusively an artistic form by investigating it within the context of design practice. In doing so, I examined the skills and behaviours that a VJ applies and how they are related to craft and design. I also looked at the role of the VJ community. I conducted eight interviews with active VJs in the Finnish music scene. The level of their experience varies between two and 20+ years. All the interviews took place online and were recorded and transcribed. To analyse the data, I employed thematic analysis, which resulted in a codebook consisting of six themes that are meant to facilitate the research on the multifaceted nature of VJing. Context plays a pivotal role for individuals creating live visuals (moving images) distinguishing titles such as "VJ" in the nightclub scene from "digital media designer" during theatrical productions. When VJs operate within the confines of a nightclub, VJing often presents itself as an arena for unrestricted experimentation and as a testing ground. Alternatively, VJing can be viewed as an entry-level practice leading to potential long-term contract employment in projects like theatrical plays or performances. Consequently, this environment creates the ideal space and time for the application of a well-developed design approach. The findings of the study make numerous important contributions. Primarily, they reveal the significant skill required for VJ work, acting as a foundation for multidisciplinary study into VJing. Designers who are interested in VJing might use the findings to better understand the necessary skills, leading their training efforts for greater success. Furthermore, these findings might serve as motivation for future study efforts, increasing the existing VJing knowledge pool and assisting research into training efficacy, and developing industry standards and expectations.

Description

Supervisor

Leinonen, Teemu

Thesis advisor

Chumaira, Tania

Keywords

VJ, VJing, veejay, live visuals, moving images, digital craftsmanship

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202310156306

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[kand] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS (Open access)