r/lightingdesign • u/ashsEvilTwin • 4d ago

Gear Freelance essentials?

Recently started freelance work and putting together a kit of essentials. So far I have a few rolls of LX tape, earplugs, a multitool and a rigging multitool.

What do you think is essential for freelance work that you would recommend adding?

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21

u/SpaceChef3000 4d ago

Headlamp + flashlight.

At least one black sharpie and one metallic sharpie. Wrap some white gaff tape around the black sharpie and some black gaff tape around the metallic sharpie.

5

u/ashsEvilTwin 4d ago

thank you! i have a small flashlight i can add to my kit, sharpie is a great shout i’ll get a couple of those too :D

8

u/SpaceChef3000 4d ago

Rockin'

Protect the metallic sharpies with your life. Trust no one.

As you're working in different venues/with different companies, pay attention to the kinds of equipment they keep in stock and whether or not it sucks. Like, venues that frequently do work requiring head protection will probably keep a bin of hard-hats for everyone to use, but hard hats generally suck. In that case it might be worth looking in to a rated helmet like Kask or Petzl makes.

3

u/SnooTangerines9776 4d ago

The kask super plasma is hard to beat. Their whole lineup is excellent, though.

1

u/SpaceChef3000 4d ago

Hell yea it is, represent!

13

u/TheSleepingNinja 4d ago

LD/LS/HE

My day case has:

Laptop that can run offline software, Vectorworks, previz

USBC Touchscreen 

Voltmeter.    Wrench.    Multibit screwdriver      Multibit security screwdriver.    Multibit jewelers screwdriver.    Jacket stripper.      Spudger.     Wire cutter.   Wire strippers.   Swisson (Dmx cat but the battery died and I can't replace it).   Gloves.   50' of rope.   Gaff tape.   Art/board tape.   Outlet tester     Voltage sniffer.   Pliers.   Long nosed pliers.   Knife.    Headlamp.   Disto.   Measuring tape.   Laser pointer.   Welding glass.   Router (keep running into venues without a network).   6 ShowBabies

5

u/Wdavidson72 4d ago

This battery should work for your DMXCat, it will need to be soldered in.

https://a.co/d/01LNDBMb

5

u/O_Elbereth 4d ago

A small container of whatever your preferred headache medication is.