Become a Projection Mapper

Becoming a Projection Mapper is an amazing career choice for anyone who wants to blend art and technology. 

In this role, you get to transform spaces and create magical experiences for audiences. 

It’s a highly rewarding job that lets you see your creative ideas come to life in spectacular ways. 

The field is always evolving with new technologies, so there are endless opportunities to learn and innovate. 

Imagine having the ability to turn an entire building into a canvas for your art!

• Transform spaces with light
• Blend art and technology
• Create immersive experiences
• Innovate visual storytelling

As a Projection Mapper, your main job is to design and create projections that are perfectly aligned with the surfaces they are displayed on. 

This involves a lot of technical work, including using specialised software to map your designs onto 3D surfaces. 

You’ll also need to set up and calibrate projectors to ensure that your images are displayed accurately. 

Your work can range from creating visual effects for live performances and events to designing interactive installations for museums and exhibitions. 

You’ll spend time brainstorming creative concepts, working with clients and other artists, and troubleshooting technical issues to make sure your projections are flawless.

Projection Mappers have the opportunity to work in a broad range of industries. Here are some of the main ones:

Entertainment

Creating stunning visuals for concerts, theatre productions, and festivals.

Advertising

Designing dynamic advertisements on buildings and other large surfaces.

Events

Enhancing the atmosphere of events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions.

Museums and Exhibitions

Creating interactive displays and installations.

Architecture

Working with architects to design projections that complement and enhance building designs.

Tourism

Developing projections for landmarks and attractions to enhance visitor experiences.

To become a successful Projection Mapper, you need a mix of creative and technical skills like:

Creativity

Coming up with innovative ideas for projections.

Technical Proficiency

Using projection mapping software and hardware.

Attention to Detail

Ensuring projections align perfectly with surfaces.

Problem-Solving

Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.

Collaboration

Working with clients, artists, and technicians.

If you’re interested in becoming a Projection Mapper, certain STEAM subjects will be particularly helpful.

Art

Developing your creative skills and understanding visual design.

Mathematics

Understanding geometry and spatial relationships for mapping projections.

Computer Science

Learning to use and program projection mapping software.

Physics

Understanding light, optics, and how projections work.

Graphic Design

Developing skills in digital design and animation.

Projection Mappers get to do some truly amazing things! Imagine transforming an ordinary building into a dazzling light show, creating immersive environments at music festivals, or designing interactive museum exhibits that engage and amaze visitors.

You can bring stories to life with your projections, making events and public spaces more vibrant and exciting. The coolest part is seeing people’s reactions to your work and knowing that you’ve created something unforgettable.

Design Light Shows

Create stunning light displays for concerts and festivals, transforming stages into engaging visual experiences that sync with music.

Animate Building Facades

Project animations onto buildings, making them come alive with moving images and stories. Imagine turning a historic landmark into a canvas for a digital art show.

Develop Interactive Installations

Create installations where the audience can interact with the projections, such as stepping on a floor that lights up or touching walls that change colour.

Collaborate with Event Planners

Work with event organisers to design unique visual experiences for weddings, corporate events, and parties, making each event unforgettable.

Experiment with New Technologies

Use the latest projection mapping software and hardware to push the boundaries of what’s possible, like creating 3D illusions or holographic effects.

Teach Workshops

Share your skills with others by teaching workshops on projection mapping techniques, inspiring the next generation of digital artists.

Read about the women making real impact in this industry:

Emma Hack

Known for her body painting and projection art, Emma has created stunning visual displays for events and exhibitions worldwide. Her work has been featured in high-profile projects like the Adelaide Fringe Festival and collaborations with musicians such as Gotye.

Rachael Archibald

A multidisciplinary artist, Rachael combines projection mapping with performance and installation art. Her work has been featured in events like the Dark Mofo festival in Tasmania and the Gertrude Street Projection Festival in Melbourne.

Yandell Walton

A digital artist whose projection works often explore themes of nature and urbanisation, Yandell’s installations have been showcased in public spaces and galleries across Australia, including the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the White Night Melbourne3.

Meagan Streader

Specialising in large-scale light installations and projection mapping, Meagan’s work has been exhibited in numerous art festivals and public art projects, such as the Brisbane Festival and the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair. Her installations often play with the perception of space and light.

To excel as a Projection Mapper, certain personality traits can be very helpful. These traits will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in this field:

Creative

Always looking for new ways to create stunning visual displays.

Detail Oriented

Ensuring every aspect of your projection is perfect.

Collaborative

Enjoy working with others to bring your ideas to life.

Adaptable

Ready to embrace new technologies and methods.

Persistent

Determined to overcome challenges and technical issues.

Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media)

This degree provides a solid foundation in digital media, including projection mapping, animation, and interactive design. Curtin University offers comprehensive programs that cover all aspects of digital media, including courses such as “Digital Media Production” and “Interactive Media Design”.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)

Focuses on the creative and technical aspects of visual arts. Programs at institutions like the University of Western Australia (UWA) include courses in digital art, installation art, and multimedia.

Master’s and PhD Programs

Pursue advanced degrees to deepen your expertise and engage in groundbreaking research. UWA offers master’s programs in digital design and visual arts, providing opportunities to explore innovative techniques and technologies in projection mapping.

Research Fellowships

Apply for fellowships at institutions like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), where you can work on innovative projects and collaborate with leading scientists.

When you study to become a Projection Mapper, you aren’t just learning how to project images onto surfaces; you’re learning how to blend art with technology, creativity with engineering. 

Many universities now offer interdisciplinary courses that allow you to study computer programming alongside visual arts, or digital design with cinematic studies. This blend of skills is crucial because it mirrors the actual scenarios where technology and art intersect. 

Combining different fields can make you a versatile and highly employable artist in the field of projection mapping. 

You could even take courses in music production to understand better how visuals can sync with sound, enhancing the immersive experience of your creations.

In your journey to becoming a Projection Mapper, you’ll dig into courses on graphic design, 3D modelling, animation, and digital effects, giving you the tools to create mind-bending visuals. 

You’ll also learn about the hardware—like projectors and computers—and software that bring your ideas to life. 

Classes on project management and collaborative design will prepare you to lead projects and work effectively in teams.

Consider training in interactive media design to enhance your ability to create engaging and responsive projection installations. Curtin University offers short courses and workshops in these areas.

Internships with Event Production Companies

Gain hands-on experience by interning with event production companies that specialise in projection mapping. These internships provide real exposure to designing and executing projection projects for live events

Volunteer Opportunities

Participate in volunteer programs with art festivals or community projects. This experience builds practical skills and enhances your understanding of the projection mapping industry.

Getting hands-on experience is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills. Look out for internships at tech companies, film studios, or with event organisers. Volunteering to manage visuals for school plays or local events can also be a great start.

Projection Mapping Software

Obtain certifications in industry software like MadMapper, Resolume, and TouchDesigner. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses that cover the technical skills needed for projection mapping.

Interactive Media Design

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Volunteer Opportunities

Participate in volunteer programs with art festivals or community projects. This experience builds practical skills and enhances your understanding of the projection mapping industry.

Join Professional Organisations

Connect with networks such as the Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) to stay informed on the latest trends, build professional connections, and gain access to exclusive resources. Attending events like the Vivid Sydney festival can help you meet leading artists and learn about the latest advancements in projection mapping.

Participate in Online Communities

Engage in online communities like Projection Mapping Central and VJ Union to share your work, receive feedback, and collaborate on projects. These platforms provide valuable networking opportunities and exposure to a global audience.

Engage in Research Projects

Collaborate with established artists and researchers on projects that push the boundaries of projection mapping. Publishing your findings in journals such as “Digital Creativity” can significantly boost your academic profile. Research topics might include the development of new projection techniques or the integration of AI in visual art.

Contribute to Industry Development

Work with tech companies or research institutions to develop new techniques and strategies for projection mapping. Your research can inform best practices and contribute to the evolution of the field.

Micro-learning

There are numerous online platforms offering courses that focus on specific skills in graphic design, animation, and software used in projection mapping. These can be a cost effective way to gain targeted knowledge without committing to a full degree.

On-the-Job Training

Starting with a junior position in a multimedia or event management company can lead to practical learning opportunities. Working alongside experienced professionals helps you gain invaluable industry insights.

Projection Mappers can find career opportunities in diverse locations! Whether working in event production companies, art studios, or independent projects, these professionals play a crucial role in shaping the future of visual storytelling. 

The varied environments and unique challenges make this career both enjoyable and impactful. Additionally, remote work options allow you to collaborate with global teams from the comfort of your home, making this career both flexible and globally connected.

Western Australia

The growing arts and culture scene, especially in Perth, provides opportunities in festivals and public events, where projection mapping is increasingly popular.

Australia

Across the continent, from Sydney’s Vivid Festival to Melbourne’s White Night, projection mappers are in high demand to transform these cities during large scale cultural events.

Rest of the World

Internationally, you can work in various settings, including theme parks, music tours, and corporate events. Cities like Las Vegas, Dubai, and Tokyo are hotspots for projection mapping professionals, where the demand for jaw dropping visual displays continues to grow.

Beginning your journey as a Projection Mapper means entering a place where art meets technology, and your creativity can light up skyscrapers and bring stories to life on any surface imaginable!