Want my job? with Activision Blizzard Artwork Coordinator Tamara Danquah

"I know the idea of working for the companies you loved as a child seems unattainable, but it’s not. "

Want my job? with Activision Blizzard Artwork Coordinator Tamara Danquah

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hello, my name is Tamara Danquah or Tammie. I am currently working at Activision Blizzard as part of the Creative Service Packaging team as a Project Coordinator (yes, it’s the company that publishes Call of Duty) in London. 

What does your job involve? What happens on a typical day? 

My main role is to project manage and look after all the EMEA, Australian and LATAM (Latin America) packaging and POS designs. So this includes inlays, disc labels and ESD cards. A typical day usually includes things like meeting with the US team on new game launches, making sure the project is running smoothly with no setbacks and that it is out on time and supporting the creative service team with any admin tasks. It can be a lot, but my job has many perks which is great! 

What’s great about what you do?

Seeing the outcome of a game designed I worked on physically in-store, knowing that I have contributed to it is such an amazing feeling. It’s why I love my job! 

What are the toughest parts of your job? 

Making sure you are meeting the deadline, as well as ensuring EVERYONE is happy with every detail, is definitely the hardest part. There is a lot of back and forth, but once it’s done and everyone agrees, it’s the best feeling. 

What are the highlights of your career to date?

It was getting a job in Malaysia at a Post Production company as an Assistant Producer intern. It was a great experience to not only travel to a beautiful country but to start my career straight after finishing my degree at Bath Spa University. 

What was your career path into this job?  Have you also worked outside of the arts?

My career path was pretty traditional; school, college, uni. I think I was blessed that my course offered a 1-year work placement, where we worked with the client and created campaigns. I also got to create a 15 minute documentary for Westbury Council and produced interviews for the Bath and Cardiff Life Award show. These experiences made me realise the career journey I wanted to go on, and so far, I have done that. 

What’s been the biggest challenge so far in your career? How did you overcome it?

When I was made redundant for the first time, I didn’t even know what being made redundant really meant, let alone how much of a big deal it was. Having to find a new role again was so hard, especially as a recent graduate. How I overcame this was simply to keep going and not give up. I was keeping myself occupied, spending time with friends and family. I kept my chin up and not take anything personally. Eventually, I landed a new role in Southampton. However, even during the bad times, I’ve never had to leave my chosen sector, which I will never take for granted as I know so many other young people have had to. 

Have you noticed any changes in the industry in recent times? If so, what?

More companies are turning away from physical designs or advertisements, such as physical point of sales or physical game boxes, due to great accessibility online and the closure of game shops. Digital is becoming more and more prominent, so many job roles are changing. 

You’ve been granted the ability to send a message to 16-year-old you. What do you say?

You are fierce and awesome, and you should never let the smallest thing get in your way. Your hearing impairment is NOT a weakness. Not everything will go your way but remember to keep working hard, and you will prove that you can achieve exactly what you want. Keep shining, Tambo!

Do you have any advice for young people interested in your field?

I know the idea of working for the companies you loved as a child seems unattainable, but it’s not. Remember your transferrable skills, and keep an eye out for vacancies as you never know when they will arise. There are many roles in the gaming industry, some you might not have even heard of, so do your research. Also, remember you don’t need to go through the traditional route to achieve your dream. Everyone has their own way of reaching their goals. The main thing is never giving up and not letting anyone tell you that you can’t do something. 

Header Image Credit: Tamara Danquah

Author

Saskia Calliste

Saskia Calliste Voice Team

Saskia is the Deputy Editor of Voice and has worked on campaigns such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and Anti-Bullying Week. Outside of Voice, Saskia is a published author (Hairvolution) and has guest featured in various other publications (The Women Writers’ Handbook/ Cosmopolitan/ The Highlight). She has a BA in Creative Writing and Journalism and an MA in Publishing. She is a mentor for Women of the World Global, has guest lectured at the University of Roehampton and has led seminars/panel talks on Race, Equality and Diversity. She was a 2022 Guest Judge for Dave (TV Channel) in search of the 'Joke of the Fringe'. She is 27-years-old, based in London, and loves to cook and explore new places in her spare time.

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