Boon Cotter
The lighting artist reveals what it’s like to work for a studio
What attributes do studios look for in an artist?
Skill, talent, enthusiasm… all the key résumé qualities. But I also think personality, culture and individuality. Naughty Dog is known for not having producers in the traditional sense. We’re all expected to take responsibility and ownership, to make this thing the best it can be.
Does a studio role guarantee job security?
It’s hard to say. I prefer the monthto-month security of working full time in a studio. But I have friends who thrive on freelance work, get paid well and take ridiculously long vacations, so maybe they’ve got it figured out! I’m happy being a lighting artist at Naughty Dog. It doesn’t feel like work, and that was always my career aspiration.
What’s your favourite part of studio life?
When I’m having a tough day, I get into work, sit down and watch some reaction videos to The Last of Us Part II, or Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. I see the effect that our work has on those people and I feel immense pride to be a part of that. Then I’m not having a tough day any more.
What’s the working structure of Naughty Dog like?
Like most studios, we have our key departments. But the borders are fuzzy. I have areas I’m working on. I’ll talk to the art director, get some ideas. Maybe give some of my own. I’ll experiment, make discoveries and present them. Some will stay, some will go, depending on how we feel about it.