Today, we’re speaking with Aimee Williamson, a lighting designer, and passionate Avolites advocate. We bombarded Aimee with a tonne of questions, which she has graciously answered for us.
“I’m Aimee! Originally from the North of Ireland, I moved to Belfast at 18 to cut my teeth in the local venue scene.
Now, I’m based in Melbourne, Australia, working as a lighting director and designer for bands and live productions internationally.
I was introduced to Avolites 10 years ago when I first started working in local venues. Avolites consoles are found in most venues back in Ireland and the UK.
I was 22 when I had my first intro to visual arts and lighting during my degree in Computer Animation.”
It was there I learned the first principles of lighting and then brought this to a live environment when I started working in clubs and venues.
This is when I was introduced to my first Avolites console, and I started learning to program from there.
Back home, I kept up a steady mix of touring, venue tech work, lighting design, theatre, and corporate events.
Balancing those different worlds kept me on my toes, and it taught me how to adapt quickly to different working environments.”
What was your first Avolites product?
“My first Avo product was the T1 Dongle. After this, I bought my first Quartz, (which I unfortunately had to leave in the UK).
I now use my T3 for programming shows. Avo has just always made the most sense to me. It's a super powerful console and my brain just loves it.
I can program my cue stacks efficiently and keep everything perfectly organised. At the same time, I can play the desk like an instrument and have a really fun time while busking.
Operating shows is my favourite part of the process. It’s so nice to see what you have been working on - transition into a live environment, and to watch other people share part of that buzz with you.”
What’s your favourite Titan feature?
“I love using ‘Timeline’ to timecode shows. The latest ‘ASIWYFA’ show that’s going out this October, will be timecoded using the Timeline feature.”
What one programming tip would you give to Avolites newcomers?
“‘Master Time’ on palettes, it will save you!”
What have you been up to since arriving in Australia? You’ve already made excellent connections in the community and keen to work with more local artists and companies.
“Honestly, I’m open to anything! Whether it’s hopping back on the road with a touring band, jumping into festival crew, or programming theatre and corporate shows, I just love connecting with new crews and getting some fresh challenges.”
One of Aimee’s favourite recent shows is with the band - ‘And So I Watch You From Afar’.
“I recently went to China with my pals in the band.
They headlined ‘Can Festival’, and it was one of the most life-affirming experiences I've had to date. I swear it wasn't because we had pyro…”
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
“The rest of the year is looking super fun! I’ve just returned from NYC after designing an Off-Broadway show, and I’m heading back to Europe to join ‘And So I Watch You From Afar’ on their co-headline tour with ‘Caspian’.
I also have some fun gigs in Melbourne and am working as the Stage Manager for The Teskey Brothers' shows in Oz. I’m so excited to explore the industry here in Oz!”
It’s such a pleasure to welcome Aimee to the community. Be sure to keep an eye out for her incredible work out in the field