5 Things You NEED To VJ | How to VJ - Beginner Tutorial

These are the 5 Things you Need to start VJing. If you get these 5 things in this order you will have everything you need to start VJing concert visuals at clubs or music festivals.
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VJ GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
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Recommended MIDI Controllers:
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Traktor F1: amzn.to/3WuXnI1
Whats in my VJ KIT:
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Alienware Area51m: amzn.to/3t0fms8
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Magewell HDMI Capture Card: amzn.to/3sZmK7g
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Focusrite Audio Interface: amzn.to/3FJgVSZ
Samsung T7 SSD: amzn.to/3hcnYJJ
Alpine Ear Protection: amzn.to/3Wp2eKR
Gaff Tape: amzn.to/3Wp2hX3
USB Hub: amzn.to/3DBp09B
USBC HDMI Adapter: amzn.to/3T44Hr2
MiniDP HDMI Adapter: amzn.to/3UkXNzn
VJ BACKPACKS:
Everki Backpack: amzn.to/3UkXNzn
Nomatic Backpack: amzn.to/3WsPHWL
MAGMA Backpack: amzn.to/3Uq2OpL
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[@SeanBowes]

What is your biggest challenge in learning to VJ?

[@Deamonwow]

Finding someone we can jam with (like dj and vj) ... and learn things that come out to someone as simple but you think about it differently

[@SeanBowes]

Great point, jamming and experience is the best way to learn. You can always jam along to dj mixes or recorded sets from festivals and concerts that are online, but if you are able to jam live with a friend who DJs or hang with other VJs to share tips that is great!

[@PackTactic]

Time - finding a new method or a different technique that makes me want to do things differently or explore but having to juggle projects.

[@SeanBowes]

Gotta make time for what's important! Even 15 mins of jamming can result in a discovery. But it is tough, lots of things to do! I struggle with this as well.

[@shaneo2296]

Knowing what I should Midi assign on my controller. I know it should be personalized and probably just comes with experience but I can't find anything on what setup works for a beginner.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

There definitely needs to be more video tutorials on VJing. These are really well made and will help a lot of people.

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you Micah!

[@TheChindogu]

Sorry but i completelly disagree, you could be a great, competitiveand fully functional VJ without any of this 5 points. I saw a guy made amazing visuals only with a cheap photo camera from 2000s conected to HDMI, i live in south america and never tech specs stop for doing nice visuals and surprise the audience, you could also rent a server or a better laptop for big setups. I made an entire set using only .png files with and old Modul8 software and thing went really nice too, i also win VJ contests with it. The 5 things you need: CREATIVITY, FEEL THE MUSIC AND KNOWING MUSICAL TIMING, ARTISTIC SENSITIVITY, BE SHAMELESS AND be SMART to never think that hardware or software will be an impediment to show your art.

[@SeanBowes]

Sorry but I completely agree with you. Great points. There are 1000 ways to do this, and they are all right. This is simply a list of basics that will get most people on the path to what most people think of when they think of VJing. This is not the only way, but it is a very common way. You may notice that your examples contain many of my suggestions still. Content can be 4K video - or PNGs or cheap camera feeds. VJ Software can resolume - or modul8, disguise, or something as simple as a hardware mixer or oil on a projector. Your kit may contain dongles and hard drives, or it might contain cameras, or it may be entirely rented. The things you suggest are definitely important too

[@DanielThirion]

Great video thank you! As a DJ who wants to get into V+DJ it has been very useful

[@vikasgautem4559]

You are great VJ sir 👏👏👏

[@omaralvarez9764]

I'm from L.A. and live in Chicago. I'm an aspiring dubstep dj. Thanks for this helpful information. My desktop is ready for the grind and I wanted to show of visualizer that were custom made for me, but didn't know where to start. Thanks again.

[@SeanBowes]

Glad this was helpful! Good luck!

[@plurboy_eth]

hey dude , great tips!!! keep the content coming please

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks! Lots more on the way...

[@DigMySpanky]

This man is really giving away free game.

[@SeanBowes]

just getting started

[@SebasCadena]

How to start on it??

[@DigMySpanky]

@@SebasCadena listen to STS9 and make visual beats to it.

[@materialoperator]

Yeah just buy the most expensive thing that's a great way to handle your budget, blow your load on the first piece of hardware you need, perfect advice.

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you Richard. I glad you watched, understood, and enjoyed this video

[@legacymultimedia7316]

Great tutorial!!

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you!

[@jrkoster96]

I started making loops around a year ago so I could add visual mixing to my live dj sets and have made big improvements in my visuals based skillset. I currently have 2 packs available for free with over 60 loops included and I am dropping a third one this month for free that's my best yet. If anyone is looking for free loops I'd love to get you hooked up💚

[@michael3star]

where are they avaliable?

[@GlitchedProxy]

People like you are helping me so much. I have my first vj set for my friend next week and need some loops lol. You think you could link it in the comments or make a video about it?

[@jc438]

yee dude pls link

[@Infektor1499]

You got a link mate 8 420😊

[@brokeboybuilds8698]

Lmk if you still got those vj loops homie! Would greatly appreciate 🙏🏼

[@LadyParysatis]

And bring some earplugs, the best you can get. Since the VJ is often located in an area front-of-house, it can be extremely loud there, sometimes more than +100db. Take good care of yourself! 💚🌿

[@SeanBowes]

Yes hearing protection is a must!

[@bacy]

Awesome dude! Thanks! Following...

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks for the follow Andres, glad you found this helpful!

[@LegendOneVisuals]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Great for starters! I VJ as well as do a ton of rave and corporate visuals. One thing I would recommend to add is a BACKUP laptop and a switch, like the ATEM Mini - because redundancy is important for a flawless show! I take my two laptops and my video mixer (ATEM) and I run Resolume Arena on one and VDMX/Synesthesia on the other just to mix things up. VDMX is great but Resolume is rock solid. I just love the modularity of VDMX, but sometimes it lags when I load 10K clips in LOL - but their support is AMAZING and so fast to respond. Great video! Wish I saw this when I started!!! Cheers! - LegendOne Media, Los Angeles CA

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks for sharing! A mixer is a great addition to a kit, as is a backup laptop. Also good to experiment with different software! VDMX and Synesthesia both open up some interesting possibilities. Nice!

[@DJAutism1]

What vj loops should I use? I have mosas vj loops and Ralph hubners vj loops, although is there any other vj loops in their style?

[@nikolagrgic3773]

Thank you kind sir

[@kafkakos3618]

Thanks for the free videos. The marching 'soldiers' is a personal fave. What did you use to create them, what it Blender? I take it you cannot make these kinds of videos in Resolume as it's intended as a VJ tool?

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks, glad you like them. I made those in Cinema 4D but you could also use blender. You are correct resolume does not make that kind of content. It is capable of simple generative shapes and stuff, but it is primarily for playing back video files, mixing them, and manipulating them with effects.

[@kafkakos3618]

@@SeanBowes Sean you are a gentleman. Cheers for the reply and keep up the good work 😎

[@direwulf6195]

im a painter and i like to draw lines of motion into my artwork, played around with a mini projector this week with some of my visuals, ive been wanting to get into vjing and learn more and am stoked to have found this page. do you have any projector recommendations ?

[@SeanBowes]

I dont specifically but check out Projector Central. Lots of great projector information there!

[@muswen]

A Vj Do need a Proyector just in case and if that its the case what type of proyector do you recommend?, I have seen that some Vj's have their own proyector

[@sofietveitnes9915]

Hi, do you have any recomendations on storing your vj content? is it best storing it directly on your computer, or is it best using an external hard drive etc?

[@SeanBowes]

I have my full library backed up on drives, but I have the content I am using for my current show directly on the fastest solid state m.2 drive in my computer.

[@jasonparker1454]

Thanks for your Video. You always travel with 2 Notebooks to have a Backup?

[@SeanBowes]

I don’t personally. I have a show machine and an old Mac for showkontrol. But I usually roll with a crew on festival gigs and we have multiple machines and operators per stage as a backup in that case. Wouldn’t be a bad idea though

[@elisar529]

Hey, I am glad a found your channel when I'm about to start vjing :D! Wanted to ask, are vjers actually supposed to preform alongside the band? Or could the result be just sent to the band? Also how much can a professional vjer earn? I wanted to learn it as a hobby but since I don't have any dream job I'm thinking about making money out of it and getting professional but I'm not sure yet lol

[@SeanBowes]

Great question. There are different types of shows. Usually a VJ or operator is involved in most of them but their role can be different. Some shows, a VJ performs an improvised show along with the musicians. Other times they perform live, but with a little more planning. They know the set list and what visuals to play with each song, but it’s all mixed live still. Some shows are timecoded. The visuals are mixed and synced to specific songs in advance and triggered at the beginning of each song and play along automatically. Sometimes an operator is needed but there are ways to do it without one too. Earning varies. Some VJs charge a few hundred dollars per show, some charge over $1000 per show. Depending on how much you charge and how many shows you do, you can make some decent money. Plenty of people make a full time living off it. Some have supplemental jobs as well like design and animation or something. I’ll make more in depth videos about these topics soon!

[@elisar529]

@@SeanBowes Woah thank you so much for all this informations! When I searched about this kind of things on the internet I was completely confused XD Thanks again! your channel is a gem fr, I will stay tuned about your future videos as well :D!

[@indimateta]

Thanks :)

[@doctorsteevo]

Hi, great video! Any recommendations on projectors?

[@SeanBowes]

I dont do much with projectors these days. It really depends on a lot of factors though. How large do you need the image? What are the lighting conditions at the venue / How much brightness do you need? How do you plan to rig it and how much space do you have between the projector and the screen? Will you need to travel with it? Look at the brightness, contrast ratio, and throw ratio to make sure it will meet your image needs. And consider its size when planning for rigging and traveling. BenQ and Epson make some solid smaller short throw projectors that are good for little club gigs and indoor installs. Christie is the big daddy of projectors if you need a big bright pro solution. Someone with more recent experience please chime in and correct me!

[@SUBtrauma]

I have some content... I have minimal experience with resolume.. I have some people reaching out to me for shows but I don't even know where to start as far as how to even get set up when I show up.

[@SeanBowes]

This is a great question. Check out my Resolume QuickStart video. Also get familiar with hooking up your machine to external displays. Try using an HDMI cable to hook your laptop up to a second computer monitor. Open your Display Settings on your laptop, and set it to Extend Displays instead of Duplicate or Mirror displays. Then open up resolume and assign your output to the second display and try playing some content to that display. There's more, but thats the basics. Feel free to hit me up on instagram if you have additional questions before your gig!

[@fuchinluke]

Id love to learn about what a performer/DJ should know in order to work best with a VJ

[@SeanBowes]

Great suggestion, I will make some content about that. Is there a specific part of the process you are curious about? Commissioning custom content, what to send to your VJ for a festival or club stop, how to design a show together, etc?

[@fuchinluke]

@@SeanBowes just the basics for someone who is new to playing shows, advanced stuff like you spoke of would be cool too though!

[@DjChyki]

great video !! what computer do you use for vjing ?

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks! I have more vids about computers coming soon. But I personally use an Alienware Area51M - RTX 2080, i9-9900K, 64GB Ram, 3TB M.2. Bought it early 2020 (Great timing right!? lol). Been working great for everything I do - Resolume, Unreal, Notch, C4D, AE. Lots of power and pretty solid cooling, but it's big and heavy. I don't travel a ton though so its fine. Lots of guys I work with use newer Sagers with 3080s, or MSI and ASUS machines with 2070, 2080, 3070 or 3080.

[@cinimagicphotography5106]

Tq sir good information I'm from India I have 400 sqft LED WALL display but I don't know how to do vj Just im doing I have 2 laptops and i play graphics in laptop then I will switch 1 to another laptop I have to learn vj so pls help me about vj

[@SeanBowes]

You're in the right place, watch all my videos and you will know how to VJ

[@Deamonwow]

True ! but never see some1 having maped midi controller like pcr 500 (yea its keyboard) ! and also you 6. experiences so do training and try experimentation on it !

[@SeanBowes]

you can totally use a midi keyboard as a controller. Ive even seen someone use a keytar, a guitar hero controller, and an xbox controller before. Use whatever you like or whatever you have. #6 is so true too. PRACTICE is the next step.

[@Deamonwow]

@@SeanBowes xbox controler is good if you have unreal project like VJ Fader do ... keytar is also good if you wann do live perform and still do live Vjing! now how resolome release API you can do use tablet on API server or OSC its too good point ... and also Wire with ISF is good for making loops :)

[@xsm5525]

my only question is, how much material I know I need before I start the VJ set. if it's a 45 minutes set... how many visual clips to I need, I'm just using quick loops that last about 1-2 whole seconds

[@SeanBowes]

That’s a question that really only gets answered with individual experience. It depends on your mixing style, and how well you can extend clips without things getting boring. It depends on the content as well. Some content is easier to extend and repurpose than others

[@KIUxJ]

Is there such a thing as "visual content creator for VJs" and would it be insane to start a carrier in that, from scratch ?

[@SeanBowes]

Yeah totally! Thats actually my primary gig, Concert Visual Animation. Specializing in animation for live music and VJs is totally a viable path for someone interested in animation and motion graphics. Hit me up if you have any questions about that, and hopefully I'll be doing some content on that side of my life and career soon

[@kafkakos3618]

Hello Sean, I'm not intending on VJing anytime soon but I want to create visuals for videos that I put on KZbin. Can I just Da Vinci resolve with some downloaded VJ loops rather than learning Resolume?

[@SeanBowes]

Yeah definitely!

[@kafkakos3618]

@@SeanBowes nice one. I do want to learn Resolume at some point as your videos are fantastic. Is a possible way to create videos in Resolve and import them to Resolume to add further effects, et?

[@mealeaFlowers]

❤❤

[@deepsingh9581]

Hi there , I want to know what a vj portfolio looks like, Thank you in advance

[@SeanBowes]

Hey great question. In general I would include recorded VJ mixes, and footage from live shows that you have VJed. If you make content, you could also include that as well.

[@IslamZaghloulrayan]

i live in egypt how can i find vanacy as vj how can i learned vj so fast

[@fredcrewneck]

I want to start playing my remixes on twitch without the using VLC

[@crmcfall]

Resolume tutorial series, you say? Where can I find this?

[@SeanBowes]

Coming soon to this channel! LOTS of videos about to drop.....

[@crmcfall]

@@SeanBowes Love to hear that! Thanks for all you do man. This channel is such a valuable resource

[@SeanBowes]

I appreciate the feedback, means a lot to me that anyone actually watches these and finds them useful

[@Deamonwow]

@@SeanBowes you do top content for me as Vj ! :) STVinMotion are aslo good guy ! wanna see interview with you guys ;)

[@Simlo]

What are some VJ software other than resolume?

[@SeanBowes]

check out this list. lots to choose from! vjun.io/page/vj_software

[@materialoperator]

Am I watching a video about how to upgrade my laptop or desktop I'm not really sure it looks like you have RAM sticks in the side of a desktop computer but you're talking about laptops, did AI make this is this a GPT 3.5 production

[@SeanBowes]

I am a human. I can click the checkbox. I can identify all of the busses in an image. I consume food with my mouth hole and definitely do not run off electricity, Richard. What more can I say, fellow human? I am flesh and bone. I am a weak little meat puppet that stands no chance in the uprising. Pardon me, Richard. I got a little carried away there. I assure you, everything is ok!

[@SeanBowes]

Am I reading a sentence or am I reading a run on sentence I'm not sure it looks like there are several ideas but there is no punctuation they are all strung together as though you never even took a breath you just keep spilling thought after thought after thought, did an AI write this is this a GPT3.5 sentence

[@JorDesign94]

welp, your link doesn't work. did you take it down since its been a year? thanks for the awesome videss tho. been learning a lot !

[@SeanBowes]

Sorry about that, Which link are you trying to access?

[@JorDesign94]

@@SeanBowes the one you mention at 3:30

[@SeanBowes]

www.seanbowes.com/learntovj is still up and functional. If you don't want to put in your email to get my Free VJ Loop pack as well as the list of links, then just go straight to www.seanbowes.com/vj-content-guide for the links

[@goshdarnblog]

sspeaking my language!

[@SeanBowes]

thanks for watching!

[@aaltomedia]

you left out the most important thing you need to be a VJ - you need a VJ name!

[@SeanBowes]

I actually don’t have one! I had one when I started because I needed one to enter a VJ Competition lol but dropped it when i came to LA because I noticed not a lot of people around me were using them. Seems like the more psychedelic scenes still use them quite a bit though. Definitely can be a fun part of the art of VJing

[@jaredadams5748]

I just refuse to buy a laptop ever. They are incredibly overpriced and are dust traps so they lose performance and break eventually no matter what. Maybe I can build a small form factor vj setup.

[@SeanBowes]

its possible, I know a few guys that prefer that type of setup. It can make air travel much more difficult and expensive. That may not be an issue for you though, so do whatever works and whatever you like.

[@metaltrooper8947]

Bro u living in 2005 or what? Most of the modern laptop have incredible performance. Yes it's not equvilant to a pc but thats the whole point of a laptop

[@thomas.489]

why would they call it a vj

[@SeanBowes]

VJ = Video Jockey. Like how DJ = Disc Jockey. DJ for Videos -> VJ.