The Role of Dialogue in Lighting Design

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We spoke with Andrejs Dubkovs, a respected Latvian lighting designer and scenographer, about the deeper meaning of light in today’s creative industries — and why building a community of professionals has never been more important.

Andrejs moderated the very first Lighting Professionals Meetup held in Riga this September, organized by VGD Project. But more than a speaker, he became a conversation-starter — someone who sees light not only as a technical craft, but as a language of communication, storytelling, and emotion.

“This wasn’t about showing off gear. The point was to talk. To listen. To share.”

In this interview, we uncover how professional dialogue can push the entire industry forward — and why creative stagnation may be the biggest challenge we face.

Why talk about light at all?

“There are many essential topics we never get to talk about — not because they don’t matter, but because there’s never time. This event created space for those conversations.”

According to Andrejs, lighting professionals often work in isolation. That isolation breeds stagnation. Shared dialogue — honest, open, peer-to-peer — is the antidote.

Creative stagnation and “safe” lighting design

“Many admitted during the session that light design has become too similar. Too polished. Too safe.”

The discussion went beyond tools — it was about choices. About fear. About playing it safe.
Too many designs follow trends. Too few ask *why*. The meetup became a space where professionals reflected on this together.

Who was this for?

The first meetup wasn’t built for beginners. As Andrejs put it: “This was meant for professionals — lighting designers, operators, those who live and breathe light.”

Still, he welcomed younger participants, noting that while they may not have full industry context yet, *being in the room* already helps shape their mindset.

What really matters in lighting?

When asked about his personal focus, Andrejs was clear: “The visual process, the creative vision — that’s what excites me. Technology is just a tool. When someone says ‘I can’t do it because the tech doesn’t exist,’ they’ve already given up.”

He described how some professionals rely too heavily on ready-made effects, presets, and automation — mistaking them for artistry. But true lighting design, he argues, begins with an idea. A feeling. A message.

What is next?

In Part 2, we’ll explore Andrejs’ thoughts on the evolution of the lighting designer’s role, the importance of professional collaboration, and the future of lighting in Latvia and the Baltics.

Stay tuned — or even better, join the next meetup.

This interview is part of our Lighting Professionals Series by VGD Project.
Want to join the conversation? Follow us on social media for upcoming event info.