LD Esteban Tosta: From Medellin to the World's Stages with Elation

	Esteban Tosta

Esteban Gil Arcila, professionally known as Esteban Tosta, has risen to become a well-recognized reference in the lighting design community of South America. Working alongside stars like Colombian singer Maluma, Tosta turns to Elation's new lighting technology to fulfill his clients' vision and create visual experiences that enhance their performances. At 38 years old, Tosta has travelled a path full of challenges and learning experiences, from small youth parties known as "minitecas" (mobile music and light events in Colombia), to illuminating the world's biggest stages for talent like Maluma. His relationship with the Elation brand goes back over a decade when he realized that lights were not just tools but allies in his quest to create memorable visual experiences. He says that the influence of lighting technology is essential in his design process.

"Every show we imagine is tied to the type of equipment we use," Tosta says, adding, "That's why the constant innovation of brands, offering new equipment and fresh ideas, is key. This not only facilitates the design but also allows for testing and experimenting with new setups, which boosts confidence when integrating them into the riders."

Early in his career, working for one of Medellin's biggest production companies, Genesis Producciones, gave him the chance to work with international artists before eventually venturing out as a freelancer, which opened doors to new opportunities.

One of the key moments in his career came when he began working with Maluma, who was just starting to rise to stardom at the time. As Maluma's fame grew worldwide, Tosta became a key part of his team. Not only did he design the lights, but he also got involved in video, special effects, and even took on the role of general producer for a year.

"My focus has always been to make him look impeccable, both for those who see him up close and for those who see him on the screens," he explains. His collaboration with visual director Camilo Mejia has been essential to achieving perfect cohesion between the lights and the visuals displayed at each show."

For Maluma's most recent show, Esteban chose a variety of Elation fixtures -- PROTEUS MAXIMUS, PROTEUS EXCALIBUR, PROTEUS RAYZOR 1960, PULSE PANEL FX, SOL I BLINDER, and CHORUS LINE 16.

Among the features he says he values most about Elation are "great quality" and "optics." The constant evolution of the product line, he says, has been essential to his creative process.

Despite his inexperience with the new PULSE PANEL FX, Tosta was able to adapt his content to the setup. "Nevertheless, it showed its versatility and power for the use I presented," he mentions with satisfaction.

Tosta employed a variety of specific lighting design techniques for Maluma's show, always with the goal of creating a captivating atmosphere for the audience. "The highlight for this type of show, like festivals, is to make the artist look imposing and stand out," he says enthusiastically.

One particularly impactful moment during Maluma's show came in the final stretch, when Tosta decided to maximize the power of the 100,000-lumen PULSE PANEL FX. "In a song before the show ended, I turned up its luminous strength to the maximum," he explains. "This not only enhanced the atmosphere of the song but also created a play of shadows and shapes that highlighted the musicians and dancers on stage. The visual energy generated by the lights became an integral part of the experience, elevating the audience's emotional connection with the music and the show."

When designing lighting for a show, Tosta faces the challenge of creating immersive and memorable experiences for the audience, adapting his approach to the particularities of each event.

"Every show is different," he asserts, highlighting that it's not the same to work for a specific artist as it is for a festival, where he must meet the expectations of several lighting designers. The key, according to Esteban, lies in ensuring that the equipment is in optimal condition and responds appropriately. "This also depends on the company providing these services and their equipment," he emphasizes.

Esteban concludes by saying that, as a lighting designer, a brand's support is crucial when working with the equipment. "The trust I have in Elation is total, as I feel that I always have the necessary support. Whenever I have doubts or need solutions, the brand is attentive."