14 JAN 2025
So, you're an artist, band, DJ, comedian—maybe even a content creator—rocking shows with your name in lights. Problem: those lights might be melting everyone's retinas. If you're plastering pure white (a.k.a. #FFFFFF) across a festival LED screen pumping 5,000–10,000 nits, that front row's gonna need sunglasses and a prayer.
Seriously, "Hold Up"…
You might be unknowingly blinding your crowd. Artists, Bands, Comedians, Content Creators, DJs, Producers, Promoters, Venues—if your logo is at max white, your fans are feeling the burn. Not exactly the vibe you want when you're supposed to be building hype.
Are You Doing Shows With a Logo On Screen?
That's pretty much all of us, right? Having your name or brand up there is crucial. But, as the wise old lighting tech once said, "Pure white on a big LED = ocular meltdown."
Why Does Everyone Crank the Logo to 100% White?
On your phone or laptop (hovering around 900–2,000 nits), #FFFFFF looks clean. It's visually "pure." However, mobile brightness ≠ festival brightness. When you bring that same white to a stage pumping insane luminosity, the difference is night and day—more like day and nuclear day.
You Get Away With It on Mobile, But Not on Stage
Mobile devices top out around 2,000 nits. Your fans can handle that. But festival LED walls? They can crank out 5,000 to 10,000 nits—basically mini suns. That's why it feels like you've inadvertently made the front row sign up for an eye exam.
White Color Device Comparison
Mobile (~max 2,000 nits): 40% white (#666666) might look grayish but still works fine on a phone.
TV (900–2,000 nits): 70% white (#B2B2B2) is standard for home viewing.
Festival LED (5,000–10,000 nits): 100% white (#FFFFFF)? Cue the "shield your eyes" moment.
(Yes, these color codes are approximate, but they illustrate how brightness translates across different devices.)
Do the "Visual Eye Burn" Test
- Check your show footage: Do you see audience members holding up their hands or squinting?
- Ask your fans: Did they complain about brightness or mention being blinded?
- Look at the LED screens: Are you throwing a giant white rectangle that never changes color?
If your answer is "Uh, yeah," you're definitely blasting out more than just vibes.
How to Control White-Out at Every Event
No matter if it's a club night, festival slot, or some swanky corporate gig, you have options.
1. Update Logo Colour
Think of it as adding a "physical filter" before the production staff even touches your visuals. They can't magically tone down your white if you give them a searing #FFFFFF.
Keep opacity at 100% but switch your hex from #FFFFFF to something like #E5E5E5 (grayish), #CEDDE5 (blueish), or #E5CFCF (reddish).
Trust me—your name still pops; it just won't melt faces.
2. Adjust Existing Visual Files (Levels Effect)
If your visual content is locked and loaded in pure white, apply a "Levels" or "Curves" effect in your video editor. Choke the white output by adjusting the "Output White" from 255 down to ~230. That small tweak can literally save eyeballs.
Send This to Someone Who Needs to Do This
We all know that one DJ or artist who's stuck on max white. Doing them (and their fans) a favor by forwarding this post is basically an act of public service.
Your Fans Will Thank You
Lower eye strain = more time they spend watching you rather than diving for cover. This also leads to better footage for social media, since no one's blinking furiously to recover from the supernova on stage.
So, do the right thing. Don't let your epic set list be overshadowed by retina burn. Adjust your logo color, apply a levels filter, and keep your fans hyped instead of half-blind.