When planning an event, one of the biggest questions is whether you need a production designer or if a vendor providing lighting production services is the right fit. Both play an important role in creating successful events, but they serve different purposes. A vendor can supply the equipment and crew to deliver exactly what you need, while a production designer curates and oversees all the technical details to ensure your event feels cohesive and polished.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand the differences, when to choose each option, and how PORT can support you at any level, from straightforward lighting production to full design and technical production management (TPM).
A production designer brings cohesion to all technical elements in the scope of the clients theme and messaging. While a typical vendor would be able to supply goods or services that might fit the theme the difference you get with a designer is a higher level of curation. A production designer will make sure that all elements of the event are cohesive rather than focusing on their direct task.
t is worth it to invest in a full production design when you have a large number of technical aspects to manage. This ensures the vision aligns and each element works together. A production design is also good when there is a need to have something look more clean and finished. A production design will take into account all of the small details that make the finished project look polished and professional.
The only case where you don’t need some amount of design is functionality. Some events just require a small amount of light or color around a space. You don’t necessarily need a complex design for every event, however even just choosing a color for uplighting is a choice that can impact the overall guest experience.
While an event without overall production design can be successful, this creates the possibility that specific elements of the overall design are out of balance. Each element on its own may be successfully implemented, but could look disjointed when viewed as parts of a whole event.
Having a designer has a huge impact on a show. A designer can invoke feeling and tone through choices that carry the theme of the event. A concept can be portrayed through these choices to tie the clients messaging into the visuals of the production. A designer can elevate simple concepts and with creativity can transform conventional spaces into full experiences. This ensures the theme or message of the event can succeed.
Not every event needs the same level of support and that’s where PORT comes in. Sometimes straightforward lighting production services are all it takes to create the right atmosphere. Other times, production design brings cohesion and creativity that elevates the experience. And when projects are complex, technical production management (TPM) ensures every detail runs seamlessly from start to finish.
At any level, PORT Lighting is here to meet you where you are and deliver the expertise your event deserves.