What is the best thing that I love about my work? Every week I speak to many environmental heroes and see amazing developments and innovations. There is so much going on. I am much more hopeful than if I would only hear the news. I feel less alone in caring about and working for a green planet, I really feel a community in the environmental field. And of course: nerding out about games and technology.
What is my idea of happiness? That it is not a lasting state of being and therefore not to be chased. Regardless of our external circumstances, we can find happiness within us and around us. I think gratitude and contentment are healthy soil, and they can be practiced in our daily lives.
What is my greatest fear? The unpredictable repercussions climate change could have after global warming of 2C by 2100, for all living species.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I am quite rigid in my views and have many opinions from the macro to the micro. About civilization and how we should live our lives. I wish I was more relaxed at times, but then I might not have pursued my endeavors as I do.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Jacqueline van der Ende, Willemijn Verloop, Oliver Dauert and many others
What is my greatest extravagance? The amount of ideas and projects I want to do but many I never start or finish 🙂
On what occasion would I lie? If anything, I’d always rather say nothing than lie. The only example I can think of is when people ask “how are you”? And I would reply with “fine” while it’s not; I do not feel like telling a whole story there and then. No one is really waiting for that while asking that question anyway 😜 And I know we all do this now and then.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Money.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When we visibly created impact, even if it was ‘only’ a children’s drawing of our polar bear Zubo. When I see a face light up or someone connecting the dots. When they say we inspired them to take (small) action for the environment. When they are engaged and enjoy our content. In short: when I feel we are making a difference.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Being a bit less serious, less overthinking and less rigid. Being a justice warrior is not always good for my surroundings or myself.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Founding my own company, combining my passion for nature and my interest and skill in game development. Then collaborating with WWF Belgium on an AR-experience educating about the impact of cocoa farms on people and environment. It was on my bucket list to collaborate with WWF, and happened quicker then I’d imagined. It was a very nice experience as well, wherein I got a lot of freedom.
Where would I most like to live? At the border of the Veluwe, partly self sustainable, in a climate positive home with some land that boosts biodiversity.
What is my most treasured possession? My HD with all the photos and memories from my past (don’t worry, I make backups regularly).
What is my most marked characteristic? Disciplined
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Anton Pieck museum (illustrator for the Efteling, RIP)
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? EverydayBread, they have the best smelling small bakery area and it’s vegan friendly.
What books influenced my life and how? A Small History of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson has to be my favorite non-fiction book. It’s great for if you did not go into the academic world yourself, have an interest in all topics generally, or to get a nice overview of history throughout the ages. He explains it in a simplified way without technical jargon and explanatory images and examples. It gave me a broader view of life, a better understanding of why things came to pass and how to apply learned lessons to today.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Nightwish – The Greatest Show on Earth
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Galadriel – Lord of the Rings
Rayla – The Dragon Prince
Boudicca – The Eagle and the Raven
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? The obvious: my partner whom I admire, my grandma who was my example (RIP). And then all the heroes who have committed or are committing their lives to other humans and non-humans
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Life of Pi, a very special narrative and visual experience.
What role play stories in my life and work? A great one. I believe a large part of human life is stories. Think about what we do in our free time for eons: telling stories around the campfire, through books, through films, through games and now the fragments we share on social media are even called ‘Stories’. This is how we experience life through another’s eyes, how we can find recognition and learn from each other. Stories are how we can dream, imagine and plot for a better future. This is what I am utilizing in our games and experiences.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me? I agree, to a certain extent. I think our inside world has a lot to do with what our outside world looks like. “The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?” – Henry Ford (let’s add women of course) You become what you think about. However, some people are much more privileged than others, so keep into consideration that we all have different starting points and journeys. All we can do is take a step every day to become the person you want to be.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My partner, he’s my greatest supporter, has endless patience and we’re always there for each other.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2024?
● WWF (Netherlands)
● UN Global Pulse
● Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
● Natural History Museum
● Naturalis
● Staatsbosbeheer
● Justdiggit
● Those Vegan Cowboys
● Netflix (games)
● Unreal Engine – Sustainability program
● Unity – Unity for Humanity program
What project, in 2024, am I looking forward to work on? A continuation of our partnership with University of Utrecht to develop our 3 game concepts for their land change faculty.
Where can you see me or my work in 2024?
http://www.evrgreenstudio.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/evrgreenstudio/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? That I will probably never fully retire, I will never stop committing myself for a green planet and balanced future for all life.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
● Oliver Dauert
● Sara Pawlikowska
● Gautam Shah
● Frank Holleman
● Liselot Jansen
● Romy Ruitenbeek
How can you contact me? I am the most active at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindydamen/
For business enquiries you can email me: lindy@evrgreenstudio.com