In better times, when events were still possible, Lazar Selimovič aka LZRVISION brought events to life with magnificent visuals, but nowadays he’s working from home as well. That doesn’t mean he has stopped improving his work though. He’s been working on some projects, which we wanted to know more about!

The music industry has changed massively during the last few months and we were wondering, what have you been up to?

During the first wave I was in the middle of moving out to my new place, so I spent the first weeks decorating and drilling in my new home. Being jobless all of a sudden gave me plenty of time to pick up some old hobbies and develop new ones as well. So if you need someone to help you wallpaper or lay some laminate flooring, hit me up. LZR Vision: Visuals, motion graphics and putting up shelves.

During lockdown, you’ve collaborated with Korsakov on their livestreams. What’s the biggest difference between creating visuals for a show versus a livestream?

*Picks up VJ gear and blows off dust* “It’s been 84 years…” The biggest difference is, without a doubt, the live crowd. Their reactions and the sound of cheers gives depth to the whole show. They’re literally a part of the show. It’s different when it’s a livestream: most people tend to tune out after 15 seconds of watching the stream and the number of people watching doesn’t even come close to the real deal. It may have been a hype in the beginning of the pandemic, but most people just don’t care for livestreams anymore. This makes doing the visuals feel less satisfying. However, there was one show I did a few months ago where the visitors were seated. They were watching, like really watching my visuals as if they were at the cinema. A whole different vibe compared to “old school” parties where the crowd is dancing around and the visuals are there to support the show. I felt more connected with the crowd, so it’s got its ups too.

How would you describe your work and your creative process?

Usually I put on some deep psy dub mix, dim the lights and let my mind wander freely, allowing myself to enter new creative perspectives. 9 out of 10 times that doesn’t work so I just snap back and ask myself “If I watched this specific video I’m working on, what would be fucking cool to see in it?” then do exactly that. Disclaimer: Abstract visuals, fractals and geometric patterns are as aesthetically pleasing as it gets. Whenever I’m creating something for personal use, it always includes one of said aspects.

How did your life / career change this year?

This whole year feels like a big pause or something. It’s the first summer since 8 years that I haven’t been to a single festival. I usually think back at festivals like they’re one of the highlights of my year and when I can’t remember a specific year I’m like “at what festival was I that year?” as if it’s some checkpoint to help me remember. Not that I’m going to forget this year or anything.
Careerwise, it’s just really hard to tell because I have no idea what to expect. Back in the first quarter of the year I was fully booked and then all of a sudden – nothing. Whole schedule got cleared and I hadn’t had one job for weeks. So naturally I started playing World of Warcraft and I got my character to level 60 in Classic, did some Molten Core runs (for those who know the game) but my guild can’t even clear one run so I rage quit and went back to my real life. I started reaching out to my corporate clients, since they were less affected by the hit the event industry took. So lately I’ve been making less vj material, and more commercial animations. Man’s gotta eat. 

In May, you created the video for Vypes’ Future Shock. Where did you get the inspiration for this work?

I’ve made plenty of similar videos in the past so it all just came naturally. The tune is an insane banger as well, so that motivated me to make a dope video for it. I just tried to capture the vibe of the artwork in the video and I think it all fits well together, especially with the subtle effects during the drop, like the lighting effects for example.

How did you end up in the music industry in the first place?

During an internship I got introduced to the art of vj’ing. They taught me the software, I got to know the business and even did my very first gig in the Maassilo back then. I was like “hold up, I can combine animation with partying? And make money while doing so?” I’ve been hooked ever since.

On good or bad days, where do you get your inspiration and motivation?

After a gym workout I’m usually pumped up with motivation. And it’s like a vicious circle; I work out > I’m motivated > I get shit done > I feel good > I work out.
On bad days I sometimes have to force myself to get shit done. If that doesn’t work, I remind myself about the limited amount of time I’ve got left on this earth and I can’t waste any of it so then I slowly fall into an existential crisis and I just go to bed hoping tomorrow I wake up feeling motivated again. It’s a 50/50 chance, really.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given and by whom?

A wise man once said “Get a liability insurance”. Pretty damn good advice, considering as a freelancer you’re responsible for the damage you may cause at a venue and risk getting a few 100k into debt. This wise man was Joost from Dirty Brown visuals, who taught me plenty of other tips & tricks about the vj world, considering his 20+ years of experience in the scene.

And do you have any advice yourself, for people who are struggling?

For those about to vj: I salute you. Also, realise that 90% of your bookings will probably be at events at which you don’t like the music. If you can stand behind your booth doing visuals for 12 straight hours while absolutely cringing at the music, you got what it takes. Go for it.
Real talk though, COVID’s got the best of us at the moment but hang in there. Use it to your advantage, most of us have plenty of time left so try using that to develop new skills. So that when all of this is over you can show the world the results of your creative process. Besides all the negativity, I’m kinda hyped about what the artists will release as a result of this pandemic.

Anything you’re working on at the moment?

A few things, actually. I’ve been rebranding myself – Updated my logo and made a new logo animation recently. It’s been a while since my latest showreel so I’m working on that as well…
And then of course there’s this animation I made for some major event organisation which is setting up their record label… But you knew that already 😉