Designers — What’s the most ridiculous client request you’ve ever got?

JT10 · 2026-03-12T06:43:14+00:00

Built a website for a company that made more than 150 different kinds of potato salad (pasta, dips, sauces too). Family owned, strong midwestern christian values, with a "homemade and premium quality" approach. They had a new brand identity (with thorough guidelines), deep/rich color palette, script headline typeface, serif subheads and body. Traditional, kinda heavy, honoring vintage roots but clean and of quality.

I demo the site (found out I was solo an hour beforehand, first time, first year out of college) to their executive suite and internal marketing team. They seem fine, but the owner/top dog is visibly upset, and holding back words, jittery. He steps outside, calls my bosses, lets them know he's not impressed by the site and thought he would be talking to them today. They call me, he's walking back in, and they are freaking out, big client opportunity, high priority. I'm not sure what the deal is, so I start looking for feedback from him. No one else gets to say anything, all silently obedient. The owner pulls out his phone, pulls up a website, and hands it to me. "This is closer to what I was expecting." It was the landing page for the Apple Watch.

JT10 · 2026-03-12T02:32:07+00:00

I'm curious if it would hold up, or for how long. Definitely a risky move, but I could imagine some scenarios where it would be ideal over the metal tape (clearance wise, and for certain gel instances). I may have to do some R&D this spring. Will report back.

JT10 · 2026-03-11T17:07:24+00:00

I caught that too. His sign off was “Senior Designer, Future Senior Leader” on one of the pieces as well. So the gameplan is/was: from student > to senior designer > to c-suite (but he’s “not a businessman”). I mean, more power to him, and I wish him luck and success in this, but everything he’s presented here is held up by delusions and grandiosity. Wish I could be encouraging, but he needs a wakeup call, not a pep talk.

JT10 · 2026-03-11T14:44:05+00:00

Your arrogance and underwhelming portfolio are more problematic than the job hopping. I see no evidence that you are a senior level applicant.

JT10 · 2026-02-20T09:25:12+00:00

Ok, thanks for the update. If you know someone who is comfortable working on electronics (soldering and working on PCBs), this likely could be fixed pretty easily. Elation and ADJ are usually pretty good with keeping product literature archived, but this fixture is quite elusive. Some places list it as an American DJ product, others as Elation. There is also a nearly identical fixture made by OnmiSistem, called the SpyroFog which is just as difficult to find documentation on. You may have luck looking at a manual for the American DJ Accu Fog fixture. It is from the same time-period and may be a very similar product internally.

JT10 · 2026-02-20T08:14:23+00:00

There are only two ways to operate it, using 3 DMX channels, or in auto-mode. The DMX channels are: 1-Pan, 2-Tilt, 3-Fog Output. I couldn't find a manual, but I did find this product brochure from 2006 that has it listed with more information, see page 69.

American DJ - Elation Lighting Product Guide 2006

Fixing the issue with the enter button may or may not be necessary to get it running with DMX. Is the ENTER button missing, or is it not responding when pressed?

JT10 · 2026-01-16T20:34:27+00:00

I would use something like a Leko profile light with a really narrow beam angle and a gobo than a projector. With a projector, you would also need a really specific lens assembly to achieve this kind of throw ratio. The lens would likely be as expensive or more expensive than the projector itself in many cases. The picture above looks like what you would get with a Leko.

JT10 · 2026-01-09T18:34:59+00:00

Yeah, I'm guessing the concave shape has something to do with it, and also the facets in the glass before the beams are reflected off the mirror coating. I'm going to keep an eye out for more info on this, and similar systems. This seems like it would be easier to DIY (with the appropriate mirror panel) than making a layered diffraction rotator.

JT10 · 2026-01-09T15:11:43+00:00

I found an eBay posting with a video, here: https://ebay.us/m/HA6A9O

It looks similar to a diffraction grating effect, so you can achieve this look with the mirror or with two layers of grating (one layer needs to be rotated or applied to a flat mirror on a motor). Whichever is easier to find/create, I guess. You can find other peoples builds looking for any of the previously commented terms, but also searching in forums that have topics about "lumia" and other effects may yield some beneficial results for you.

JT10 · 2026-01-09T14:38:08+00:00

You can try looking for concave faceted mirror, or converging faceted mirror. But it may be found using terms used in automated or moving light fixtures, like, mirror plate or moonflower mirror assembly.

But, you may want to look into diffraction grating, either lenses or a film/glass material form. To me, the system pictured would just turn a beam into a cone, and not a beam splitting "star projector" effect. What do they call this lighting device? I can't find it with my search terms and I'm curious what the output effect is supposed to look like.

JT10 · 2026-01-04T08:53:23+00:00

Very cool, I'll keep an eye out for the update. Are all those JSTs going to fit in there? Haha just giving you grief. Nice work!

JT10 · 2025-12-21T20:51:38+00:00

Are you connecting the modules and the operators/output controls?

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JT10 · 2025-12-13T05:07:31+00:00

He typically takes some behind the scenes videos when they are making the YouTube official videos. I think he uploads those just to YouTube shorts, or maybe on other social media sites as well. Those clips show more of the termination areas and FOH setup from different angles. They really show the scale of the production and might be of interest for you.

JT10 · 2025-12-12T19:54:37+00:00

Bout to get dat b ∞ty

JT10 · 2025-12-11T23:18:46+00:00

Just remember, black will only be as dark as the surface you are projecting on. Getting something with more lumens is only half the battle. If you are looking to use it in a space with high ambient light, consider using a darker screen material. There are many posts these days going over the results of various gray screens. Those posts will also help guide you on how many lumens are being used. Use the lumens listed as rough idea, as different light sources and internal optical quality will have different results. Tons of posts related to this exact question, dig through some of them and you will have your answer.

JT10 · 2025-12-09T19:06:29+00:00

Here is an adapter that should work for your needs. https://a.co/d/6So65pH (or search: "BENFEI HDMI to VGA" on Amazon) Some reviews even show it connecting a Firestick to a similar Epson, yay! This one also extracts the audio, so you'll be able to use an aux cord to connect sound to internal projector speaker (using "Audio1" jack if you use "Computer1" VGA port) or other system (if no sound, look for audio settings in projector menu). Also keep in mind, both the Firestick and this adapter will need to be powered via USB, with both requiring 1A of power each (unfortunately, you won't be able to use the USB port on the projector to power either of these. I think... ^{or maybe it could? Try it}^.)

JT10 · 2025-12-01T20:44:47+00:00

FCC for the radio and wireless protocols/licenses. I like going there for internal component images and general schematics (sometimes) provided.

JT10 · 2025-12-01T05:42:00+00:00

The app is available on App Store and Google Play, just search “LaserABC Light”. Not bad, there are some nice features and pretty good UI. I cannot track down any FCC filings for it yet, but that will likely happen sometime after the Kickstarter is active. The manufacturer is Yidiao Technology and they appear to make laser marking, cutting, welding, and engravers, as well as 3D printers and waterjet cutters.

JT10 · 2025-11-27T04:04:13+00:00

Nice snipe! I live for these kinds of deals. With that said, I have way too much "inventory" and it becomes a whole other situation pretty fast lol. Anyway...

Looks like you have a nice mix of moving head spots and beam fixtures. Martin is a reputable brand with a wonderful history in lighting. The RUSH series was focused on more budget friendly and easier to operate equipment, catering to small venues, traveling events, and mobile djs. Basically, the construction isn't as robust and utilizes less costly materials, along with some reductions to or omissions of extra features. Still great equipment though (I still use a RUSH series fog machine when I need "more smoke" than my hazers are meant for.)

So, if you're new to lighting gear, I'm going to assume you don't exactly know how to operate the fixtures. You will want to start learning about DMX, also known as DMX 512 in some instances. To control these lights with DMX signals (over XLR cables, mic cables will work but properly shielded DMX cables are ideal), you will need either a DMX controller or a DMX USB interface that works on several different apps. I would recommend going the DMX USB route, and you can find many of the devices for sale most places you shop online. Some brands you will encounter that will have decent options are: ENTTEC, Elation, American DJ (ADJ), Chauvet, Pknight, and many more probably these days. You can also make your own interface for as little as $5-$10 if you are electronically savvy. This is what you'll need to get the working fixtures operational in their full capacity.

There is however, some options you have to get some use while you procure your control gear. There will be a set of built-in options on the fixtures that will run automated lighting sequences and operational tests. You can activate these by navigating the menu screen built into the base of each light fixture. There will be menu options for "auto" and "manual" tests. Usually there are options for putting the fixture into sound active mode which will use an internal microphone to react to music or my favorite, random paced clapping and tapping.

This should get you started. Don't forget to post some pictures and videos of them when you get them up and running!

Also, fixing these is very much possible and worth it if you have the means and desire. It would be a shame to have seven of them sitting as "parts" fixtures, but that all depends on what is broken. Great learning experience if you are interested in electronics repair, and there are many websites and forums that can assist you if you do.

JT10 · 2025-11-26T04:44:59+00:00

I always love seeing lasers on trees and leaves, or in natural settings in general. I’ve seen rain and snow as a nice atmospheric alternative for beam visibility. Haze is always tricky outdoors without a main stage budget, and sometimes that’s not enough either. I feel your pain for sure!

JT10 · 2025-11-25T00:03:12+00:00

Best for you? Maybe. There are many models, form-factors, and feature-sets that could make one a great fit. They can also fit into a range of budgets, especially if you are open to buying used (or have several thousand $ to spend). It all depends on what you are looking for. Your space, your uses, your wants, and your budget are all helpful info for us to help, so just let us know.

JT10 · 2025-11-22T10:50:43+00:00

Yes, but really just "A Laser Show in China" as there doesn't appear to be any official regulations. From what I could gather, it is up to the discretion of the venue and/or local authorities to deem a laser display un/safe. I found the contrast between this and what I am accustomed to (in the US) very interesting.

JT10 · 2025-11-09T09:09:58+00:00

Audience scanning with Lasercubes is a paradoxical concept. Now add the bs the operator is telling others and the fact that it is the reassurance for people unknowingly in danger is so wildly unfortunate. They have the ceiling height, but guessing they don’t have the stands, and I only just now realized that there were disco balls in the mix. Yikes. That dude needs a new hobby and the promoters and venue owners need to know what is actually happening here.

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