My name is Dameron Cook, and I’m majoring in Media Arts with a concentration in Game Design. I started developing games in high school (though I’ll admit they weren’t very good), and I’ve been drawing game maps since middle school. When it was time to choose a degree, I initially pursued fine arts, but that didn’t work out well. I then transferred to Wichita State University and decided to concentrate on game design instead. It turned out to be a much better fit for me, and I’ve never looked back since. While I’ve been at university, my parents have been taking care of my cat. I’m really looking forward to living with her again! I’m sure she’s excited to scratch and bite me unprovoked.
I’ll be heading to Santa Monica less than a week after graduation, so I’ll be busy moving. My main focus is on spending as much time as possible with the friends I’ve made in Wichita before I leave. Honestly, I’m mostly excited about the move. Sure, there will be a lot to figure out, especially with a new job, but I see it as a thrilling prospect.
Outside of work, I’m looking forward to being near Sawtelle Japantown. I plan to try an embarrassing amount of ramen, among other foods. I also want to explore Koreatown and Will Rogers State Historic Park. I love discovering new places! I’ve been a huge fan of Naughty Dog ever since I played The Last of Us. Their ability to integrate gameplay with character development is unmatched in the industry, and they further achieved this in The Last of Us Part II, where they told a bold story that I can’t stop thinking about, even years later.
When I saw that they had an opening for an Associate Technical Designer, I knew I had to apply. I never imagined I would actually get an interview! After each subsequent interview, I was certain I wouldn’t make it to the next phase, but they kept inviting me back until I finally got the job!
I believe it’s really important to be self-critical as you grow as an artist. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to analyze my work and identify ways to improve it, even if that means reworking things multiple times. My favorite author, Brian K. Vaughan, once said, “Your tastes grow faster than your abilities,” which has always resonated with me. The more I develop my game design skills, the more I realize how much I still need to improve.
The key is not to let this self-criticism turn into self-hate. It’s easy to get trapped in negative feedback loops when my work doesn’t meet my expectations. As I move toward this new position, I feel like I’ve come out on the other side of a struggle, yet I’m still the same person. All of the unhealthy attitudes I picked up along the way didn’t serve any purpose.
If I could offer any advice to new students, it would be to be self-critical, but remember that your self-worth is separate from your work.
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