Being the life of the party is cool. But nothing beats being “the canvas of the party,” says Lukasz Tracz.
He should know. He’s the co-founder and chief marketing officer of the production company Life in Color, self-described as “the world’s largest paint party.”
It all started back at Florida State University in 2006, when Tracz and his college buddies went to a fraternity and sorority social and witnessed something incredible: a crazy, messy paint party.
The rest was colorful history.
Originally from Poland, Tracz came to FSU to study marketing. However, when he didn’t get into the advertising program, he decided to figure out the industry on his own. And we can’t lie—he’s done a pretty good job at it.
Does Dayglow ring a bell? Well, that’s what Tracz’s company used to call itself before they had to change it—thanks to an Ohio company suing them for a similar name.
“It was like having a kid,” says Tracz, “and then five years later, you’re asked to change their name.”
Today, the WeWork Lincoln Road member’s production company goes by the name of Life in Color, holding over 200 concerts and paint parties per year, selling over 500,000 tickets. The shows take place all over the globe, showcasing world-renowned DJs, crazy contortionists, and of course, a colorful explosion of paint.
“It’s an experience of a lifetime,” says Tracz. “It’s an event that brings the kid out of you.”
That it does. Its vast crowds of 5,000 to 25,000 people are all spotted doused in paint, dancing, screaming, and jumping around like they are 10 years old playing in something they shouldn’t.
Only this time, mom won’t send them to time out.
But what makes this giant party different than other wild soirées found in, say, Miami? Tracz says it’s all about the attitude—or lack thereof.
“It’s a party that deletes status quo,” he says.
Unlike a high-end nightclub where fancy dress attire is required to slip through the velvet ropes, Life in Color events keep things simple.
“Everyone is wearing white and united as one in color,” Tracz says. “We are all equal, and our fans know this. The culture of a family atmosphere lives inside our show. It’s also a reflection of our company and how we all treat each other. If you want to be yourself and have the time of your life, come out to Life in Color.”
And while bright paint dripped on thousands of screaming fans might be his passion, Tracz still has a soft spot for the color silver. Or silver screen that is, as his ultimate dream is to produce and direct a major motion picture film. “I’m actually moving to Los Angeles in a month to start working towards that goal.”
With an impressive (and colorful) résumé already, we have no doubt Tracz will be adding “director” to his list of accomplishments.
Photo credit: Life in Color