Jonathan Smeeton Imparts Lighting Design Knowledge at Elation E3 Seminar

	Jonathan Smeeton

When opportunities come along, it's best to grab them while you can. Lighting designer Jonathan Smeeton's recent E3 Seminar at Elation's headquarters building in Los Angeles was one such opportunity. A host of young lighting design talent took advantage and came away with a wealth of knowledge.

On May 13th, as part of the Elation Educational Experience (E3) program, Elation Professional sponsored a free presentation by the renowned lighting designer aimed at university level and other aspiring lighting designers.

During the instructional seminar, titled "Lighting Design and its Application for the Stage," Smeeton drew on his extensive industry knowledge to present an overview of the history of entertainment lighting and examined modern vs. traditional technologies and techniques. In an especially valuable look into the lighting and stage design process, Jonathan presented three real world examples (Sammy Hagar, Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift) taken from his extensive list of clients.

"We feel fortunate that Jonathan again hosted a lighting design seminar for us," said Eric Loader, director of sales for Elation Professional. "This was a unique opportunity for up-and-coming lighting designers to gain first-hand knowledge from one of the lighting industry's giants and I know it was greatly appreciated. We received nothing but positive feedback and praise from those in attendance on the value of the learning experience they got from this event."

One of those young lighting designers in attendance was Edgar GonzalezCGPDJ's/Designs by Lighting, who is also known as DJ Access. He commented, "This was a great personal experience for myself. Mr. Smeeton's knowledge and experience is everything I hope to accomplish in my early career as an upcoming lighting designer. It was great to hear all of his stories and tips he gave out at this presentation. Thank you Elation for putting up such a great event!"

Few lighting designers in the industry command more respect or have more experience in working with top names in entertainment than Jonathan Smeeton. His catalog of design work spans four decades and includes acclaimed designs for Peter Gabriel, Diana Ross, Journey, Phil Collins, 3 Doors Down, Taylor Swift, and many more too numerous to mention.

"It all went rather well," he said just after the event wrapped up. "It was a rather grand day in fact -- even I was surprised at the hospitality provided and I think the attendee's went home enhanced. There was a lot of discussion during the breaks and the after-show gathering was very energized."

The seminar, the second Elation-sponsored seminar by Smeeton following last year's "Concert Lighting" seminar at Sound Check in Mexico City, is part of the Elation Educational Experience program. E3 is a continuing commitment by Elation Professional to give back to the industry through a series of educational events that brings design methodologies, new technology, and real world practice to young designers.

See Elation Professional at PLASA Focus: Austin, September 9 - 10.