STAGE & LIGHTING DESIGN LIGHT SHOW PROGRAMMING SHOW EXECUTION
From concept to control—dynamic visuals built for live experience.
About Ryan Richards Creative
My Mission
Every great event tells a story—and my mission is to bring that story to life through lighting, stage design, and visual energy. From behind the console to the heart of the crowd, I create moments that move people.
Who IS RYAN RICHARDS
Lighting The Way Forward
I’m Ryan Richards—the creative force behind Ryan Richards Creative. With a deep-rooted passion for lighting and stage design, I specialize in transforming spaces into immersive experiences that captivate audiences. From conceptualization to execution, I bring a blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to every project—especially in fast-paced, high-energy environments.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients—from major electronic music artists and one-off concerts to music festivals, corporate productions, and private events. While much of my work is rooted in live music, my designs are adaptable to any environment that benefits from immersive, dynamic lighting and thoughtful stage design.
Whether it’s busking a show live—reacting in real-time to the energy of the performance—or executing a meticulously timecoded production for precise synchronization, I tailor my approach to meet the unique demands of each event. Utilizing industry-standard tools like GrandMA3, Vectorworks, and Capture, I design, pre-visualize, and execute lighting systems with precision and style.
In addition to lighting, I integrate Resolume for dynamic video content, Pangolin Beyond for laser control, and ShowKontrol to synchronize DJ gear with lighting, video, lasers, and special effects. This comprehensive setup ensures a cohesive and immersive experience for every audience.
At Ryan Richards Creative, my mission is to illuminate visions and bring stories to life through innovative designand meticulous execution. Let’s collaborate to create unforgettable moments that resonate long after the lights dim.
Brilliant Lighting Solutions
Client Consultation
Every successful show starts with a conversation. Whether you’re just exploring ideas or already have a clear vision, I work closely with you to shape a design that aligns with your goals, brand, and energy.
We’ll walk through your creative ideas, technical needs, and the overall vibe you want to deliver. I’ll offer guidance on how lighting, visuals, and staging can work together to create a cohesive experience—and ensure we’re making the right creative decisions from the very beginning.
This collaborative process sets the tone for the entire project and makes sure everything that follows is grounded in intention and built for impact.
Lighting & Stage Design
Crafting immersive environments that blend dynamic lighting, custom stage layouts, video walls, lasers, and special effects. Every design is tailored to the energy and emotion of the event, creating a powerful audience experience.
I use tools like Capture and Vectorworks to create immersive 3D renderings and stage layouts. These previews help you visualize the experience and make confident decisions before a single fixture is hung.
Lighting Programming
Lighting Programming
Transforming concepts into precise lighting cues and sequences is where the show really comes to life. I build flexibleand efficient showfiles in GrandMA3, designed to match the needs of the performance—whether it’s a fully busked show, a timecoded production, or a hybrid of both.
Every cue, effect, and timing is dialed in to support the pacing, emotion, and flow of your event.
Lighting Operation
Lighting Programming
Once the design is programmed, I take it live—running the show with precision, timing, and creative instinct. I adapt in real-time to the energy of the performance, making on-the-fly decisions that enhance the flow and audience impact.
From clubs and concerts to private and corporate events, I make sure every cue lands and the lighting feels as alive as the performance.
Technical Direction
From pre-production to final load-out, I ensure all technical elements are aligned and on track. I coordinate closely with production teams, vendors, and departments to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
I also provide clear, professional documentation—including lighting plots, fixture schedules, 3D files, equipment lists, and data visualizations—so your crew has exactly what they need to bring the show to life without the guesswork.
Event Production Consultation
Every great event starts with a solid plan. I offer strategic input on both the creative and technical sides of production—helping you connect the dots between concept, logistics, and execution.
Whether you’re designing a full-scale festival or producing a one-off corporate event, I can assist with system design, gear selection, crew coordination, and visual integration to ensure the final product is cohesive and impactful.
ART Visuals
LIGHTING AND VIDEO DEPARTMENT LEAD
As the Lighting and Video Department Lead at Audio Rescue Team, I play a pivotal role in delivering top-tier production services. This partnership has been instrumental in my professional growth, providing me with opportunities to work on diverse projects and refine my expertise.
Our collaboration ensures that each event we undertake is executed with precision, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.