Video jockeys are curators and creators who specialize in supporting live events and performances with visual media experiences.

What Does a Video Jockey (VJ) Do?

In the early days of music television channels like MTV and VH1, the term video jockey—adapted from disc jockey—referred to the medium's newly minted stars who hosted shows, introduced videos, and curated music video playlists. Today, video jockeys (or VJs) are working visual artists who create, curate, and improvise videos for live events and performances—particularly those that involve music in some way. There are many different ways to approach this hybrid art form; some VJs incorporate other visual arts in their work, like collage, animation, 3D digital design, and lighting design.

Aspiring VJs should aim to build exceptional videography and video editing skills, knowledge of a wide range of music, and a large collection of images, videos, and effects to remix live.

Video jockeys have become integral to the clubbing and festival scene, where they might create videos that enhance the DJ's playlist or shoot and manipulate video live as a form of performance. VJs might also create video experiences to support an artist's concert tour, a play or piece of performance art, a contemporary staging of a ballet or opera, a fashion show, or other events. In addition, they might display work in a gallery or other fine art setting.

Work Life Balance

Video jockeys lead varying lifestyles based on the types of work they pursue. Those who work mostly in the nightlife scene work, unsurprisingly, in the late afternoon and evening—although they're likely to spend part of the day searching for existing footage, shooting original video, and preparing a plan for the show, if not creating a video beforehand. On the other hand, those who primarily create (and not perform) videos for concerts, tours, and other performances can work wherever and whenever they choose, so long as they complete the project by the deadline.

Community

Video jockeys are cutting-edge visual artists who know a little bit about everything, from film editing and graphic design to music, fine art, and pop culture. They're usually interested in archival footage, nightclub culture, and remixing as an art form. Possessing an original visual style or approach is essential for finding work, as are strong networking and self-promotion skills.

Finding Work

Video jockeys are freelancers who may be contracted or employed regularly by nightclubs, music venues, recording artists, tour and festival production companies, event management companies, lighting designers, theatrical directors, and more.

Aspiring VJs should aim to build exceptional videography and video editing skills, knowledge of a wide range of music, and a large collection of images, videos, and effects to remix live. A great reputation and large professional network are helpful for finding jobs, but in lieu of that, a sample video treatment of an album, concert setlist, or DJ playlist can serve well to demonstrate a VJ's skills to a potential employer.

Professional Skills

• Video editing software
• Analog video manipulation
• Broad musical knowledge
• Comfort with a wide range of video styles (ambient, dance, psychedelic, etc.)
• Lighting design
• Animation
• 3D digital design
• Networking
• Live performance

Interpersonal Skills

Video jockeys are cutting-edge visual artists who know a little bit about everything, from film editing and graphic design to music, fine art, and pop culture. They're usually interested in archival footage, nightclub culture, and remixing as an art form. Possessing an original visual style or approach is essential for finding work, as are strong networking and self-promotion skills.

Industries

• Film, Video, and Television
• Technology
• Video Games
• Advertising
• Artist Services
• Music and Audio Tools
• Radio and Streaming Music
• Recording Industry
• Health and Wellness
• Theater
• Live Music
• Opera
• Dance
• Orchestra, Chorus, and Band
• Education
• Arts Administration
• Journalism
• Church and Worship

Top US Cities for This Role

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco Bay Area
• New York City
• Boston
• Nashville