Just like cursive writing, hand drafting a light pilot is considered a dying art. Some people try to argue that with all of today's technologies such as Vectorworks and AutoCAD: light templates, vellum, T-squares, and lettering are becoming outdated unnecessary tools. While printed plots may be a little tidier, taking the time to add each lighting fixture symbol by hand helps instill the plot in mind. We’ve noticed that when we hand draft a plot, we reference our magic sheets less. Hand drafting also allows for minor adjustments on the fly without multiple programs, file copies, or file saves.
Some consider hand drafted plots to be more intimate, allowing the designer to demonstrate more personality. Pencil and paper have unmatched flexibility. These can be drafted just about anywhere at any time. No power supply or electronic device required.
While companies like Field Template have acknowledged the shift towards technology by providing symbols for drafting or CAD type programs, they keep to their more traditional roots. By continuing to offer templates and guidelines for using them, these products are for everyone whether you hand or computer draft your design.
Common lighting template sizes are 1/2" (most often used for Broadway plots), 1/4", and more recently 3/8". Around the office, Field Template makes our favorite templates. These are our favorites as they produce soft symbols for drafting programs, and also print the most concise information on the template itself. Field Template templates have multiple brands of fixtures as well as hanging weight, gel color cut size, and some beam spread info.
As always, StageSpot is here to help with drafting templates and the lighting instruments needed to bring your design to light. Â
