The Board Op as an Artist
You might feel like being a board op is so easy, a monkey could do it. You might feel like it’s a mindless task. You might feel like it’s a discouraging task.
But I like to say that the board op is an artist. It might not involve the original creative work of the designer, but there is artistry in understanding the purpose and finesse and character and movement of a design. Live performances are never predictable. It’s your job to artistically make sure the design stays as beautiful as your fellow artists imagined it to be every single time.
And I would add this as well. As a designer, my favorite board ops are the ones who learn and know and love the design. They’re the ones who can identify necessary changes right alongside me. Then, we’re co-artists working side by side.
So take pride in your work. Fine joy in your art.
Besides, if it was really so easy, all board ops would be monkeys. I mean, seriously, working alongside someone like Curious George sounds like a lot of fun.