Musicality runs through the production and lighting designs of this Boston-based creative. Not surprising, since he is a classically trained musician, holding a degree in music-theatre from Northwestern University. This quality has added a beautifully composed, emotionally nuanced dimension to his designs for clients like Lenny Kravitz, with whom he has toured in 2026, Alicia Keys, Cardi B, and Gwen Stefani, to name a few.
Barancik brings the same music-centric perspective to projects that he has done in collaboration with other designers, like Baz Halpin and Bruce Rogers, including his Redden Award-winning work with Steven Cohen and Seth Jackson on “Star Wars In Concert.”
Like any music with the power to move audiences, his intricately layered lighting thrives on balance, structure, and a host of other, more intangible qualities that allow his designs to resonate with human emotions and experiences. Many of these principles run through the five lessons that Barancik, the owner of Luxious Creatives, shares with us here.
1. See The Band — While a silhouette is beautiful, it shouldn’t be half of the show. Live shows are there for the audience. Make sure they can see who they paid to see.
2. Make It Relatable — When you’re talking with your client, whomever it is: band, manager, solo artist, executive, know who you’re talking with and relate your lighting accordingly. If your client loves architecture, lean your design and conversation that way, etc. Help them feel a connection to your concepts in ways they can understand.
3. Keep Strobes In Perspective — Flashing Can Be Good… Just not every beat for a whole show. What timecode has done to our shows is good and bad. — that’s a whole crossfire discussion itself. Still, there’s no need to hit every beat all of the time.
4. Be Thoughtful About What You’re Using — Just because a light can do something doesn’t mean it has to. Sure, they can move, change color, texture, and shape. Let the look settle and breathe. Really – it’s ok!
5- Be nice. Just be nice — However bad or stressful things are, we are still just in the entertainment business. Definitely care about what you do – show your passion – but don’t let it make you an A-hole.
