You might recognize our very own Tom Nguyen, as he’s often the face you’ll see in our photos and videos. Never one to shy away from the camera, our lighting department manager has been with the team since 2013. With a degree in Animation with a focus in 3D feature film animation, you know Tom is super creative with his designs and always thinking of ways to step outside of the box when it comes to making an experience great for a client and audience.

With gigs picking back up and event life returning to (new) normal, we thought it would be fun to pick Tom’s brain and find out what a day-in-the-life of an LD is really like…on event day!

Check out our interview with Tom!

MMP: What’s your favorite type of gig to work?

TN: My favorite type of gig would be festival lighting designer. You get to design and program the stage, meet different touring LDS and see how they program and operate on your stage.

MMP: Although we know each event is different, tell us about your ‘typical’ day on festival day. 

TN: Usually I like to wake up with coffee and 30 minutes of yoga before heading to the site. Most Atlanta festivals work with Wild Hare Catering and there is always an espresso machine, so an iced Americano is a must. After plenty of coffee I head to meet with the headlining artist’s LD. The touring LD will program and make sure their files work properly on the lighting console. Once they’re done, we put their lighting package away or cover and hide their lighting before their show. After the show, we tear down their equipment and put it on a truck. Then we load out our gear and head home.

MMP: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

TN: Favorite thing would be meeting other LDs and being able to nerd out and talk tech and design. You’re able to learn from each other and build your skills.

MMP: What’s your favorite piece of gear and why?

TN: GrandMA2 is the best console EVER. The industry standard and robust operating system is the best to design and program on.

MMP: Any bucketlist/dream gigs or bands or work for?

TN: To design a show for Kendrick Lamar or The Weeknd for the Grammys

Want more Tom? You can follow him on IG @asiantom_ and @asiantom3d