Daily Inspiration: Meet MILTON CORDERO

Today we’d like to introduce you to MILTON CORDERO.

Hi MILTON, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career as a Video Projection Designer began out of a simple need among friends’ productions. Here’s a little of the story: Since childhood, I’ve been involved with the arts (music and theater) thanks to the influence of my grandfather, my father, and the church. Theater was the most relevant, due to the various plays I participated in from a young age at church. This shaped me and planted the seed of interest in this stage art. Music also began to develop when I started studying trumpet at a specialized music school. These combinations led me to focus on audiovisual communication and film studies when choosing my university degree. Once immersed in this field where all the arts converge, I began to simultaneously develop my career as a theater actor, followed by lighting designer, and then the discovery of where these disciplines merge: Media Projection Design. This design field didn’t exist in my theatrical landscape, and that’s where some great, visionary producer friends came in, wanting to integrate media art into their theatrical productions. Thus began this journey of discovery, self-learning, and development in this design field. A visionary director, a dreamer producer, and a young man (me) who knew about film and theater—that’s how my career as a Projection Designer began in my home country of Puerto Rico. Through challenges, failures, and constant learning, I became known locally in Puerto Rico. After a regrettable decision to leave the country for Georgia and start from scratch getting to know the Atlanta theater production scene, I met wonderful theater friends like Aurora Theatre, who opened their doors to me, trusting in my work and becoming like family. Several others followed, such as Emory Theatre, Alliance Theatre, and others. And opportunities continued to arise in different states like New York, California, and Washington. We continue to learn and face challenges every day, with the goal of leaving a legacy and developing future designers. All of this is thanks to God, who has placed wonderful people in my path.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy. I think that along the way there will always be obstacles and difficulties, and it’s these challenges that allow us to grow together, to avoid complacency, and to keep the adrenaline flowing. The biggest challenges in this career are the different theatrical spaces; the diversity of sizes and structural forms are a constant challenge in projection design, and finding solutions in short timeframes leads to great satisfaction in the end. Another challenge is the limited equipment and its cost, which, within the production budget, is where creativity truly shines, allowing us to achieve the effects the director expects and that are necessary for the play, using the minimum of resources.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialization is video projection design for live performances, primarily in theatrical productions, musicals, corporate events, and advertising. Projection design involves using digital images on surfaces to create virtual worlds that support the set design and help tell a story. This art form can be used in traditional indoor spaces such as theaters, or in alternative spaces like museums, or outdoors on architectural structures. Using projection mapping techniques, different parts of the surface are brought to life, creating an engaging and modern spectacle for the audience.

I am proud to be able to work and collaborate with different artists constantly, and discuss ideas and visions for the same story.

I believe that every artist has their own unique style that comes with experience, life experiences, upbringing, customs, and the environment in which they develop. This is what makes each artist unique.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The risks for me are the leap to success and the most terrible fear. I think that if we don’t take risks, we don’t win, because we don’t make ourselves known, and creativity stagnates in the comfort of conformity. In my particular case, I took the risk of leaving my country, Puerto Rico, and exploring new lands in Atlanta, Georgia. It was difficult and a risk because I didn’t know anyone in the arts field, but thank God this risk opened doors for my career to expand to other states, and we continue working.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.miltoncordero.com
• Instagram: mcorderodesigns
• Facebook: mcorderodesigns