UC San Diego

I started with three questions and a list of lighting designers.

1. From the time you were 25 years old to where you are now, what have been the major high and low points in your life?

2. What were your goals when you were 25 and what was important at that time? How have your goals developed and changed through the process?

3. What would you say to your 25-year-old self? About anything, either advice, encouragement, criticism, etc.

And as a bonus question, is there a secret formula for being a happy and successful lighting designer?

More than a research paper, I wanted to have conversations with lighting designers at varying career stages. The responses helped me understand and appreciate the process, collaboration and endurance of working as a theatre artist and freelance lighting designer. Most importantly, I reflect on what “success” means to me, and the differences between current and future goals.

Amazingly enough, right when I am getting ready to graduate and all the showcases, portfolio reviews, and graduations have been cancelled due to COVID-19, I found comfort and hope in the community and mentorship of the designers I interviewed. This paper is a curation of some of the most impactful quotes from the interviews; framed by a reflection on my process and goals through the start of my career.