Truman Cho

Maker · Gamer · Entrepreneur

Brooklyn Technical High School — Software Engineering Major
GPA: 3.69 unweighted / 92.4  |  Practice SAT: 1450 (660 ela, 790 math) target goal 1550

CURRENT Junior unweighted GPA: 94.13


📍 Brooklyn, NY
itch.io  |  @thetrumanch0  |  @thetrumfamily  |  @RandomUser1081

Highlights

  • Independent game developer and merch designer since 2022.

  • Creator of Be Tru; products sold via pop-ups, select stores and hotel gift shop.

  • Two-time Game Jam participant (2024, 2025).

  • Combines design, coding, and entrepreneurship to bring ideas to life.

  • Youth volunteer supporting elementary students in creative workshops.

Education

Brooklyn Technical High School — Software Engineering Major (2022–Present)

  • AP History 4; AP Computer Science 5.

  • Mandarin (since 6th grade).

  • Junior year classes: AP Computer Science A, AP Lang, AP Computer Science Principles, Pre-calc

Key Projects

🎮 Game Development (Self-Taught)

  • Designed and coded multiple retro-style games using GB Studio.

  • Hosted builds on itch.io.

  • Competed in Game Jam 2024 (Mount Rock) and 2025 (Archaea).

🧵 Merch Design & Entrepreneurship

  • Founded Be Tru (2022–Present); designed and produced apparel, stickers, and accessories.

  • Created exclusive merch line for Friday Harbor Suites (2023–Present).

  • Sold at FAD Market, Phiz Coffee, and Lululemon pop-ups.

  • Special project/ events: Commission design stickers for VOX Media holiday gifting, Gifting activation for Redeemer Church

📺 Creative Media & Content

  • Produced/edited videos for multiple YouTube channels (CapCut).

  • Developed short-form art/process content for Instagram and X.

Experience & Volunteer

Friday Harbor Suites — Family Hotel (Washington)   2020–Present

  • Kitchen prep, café service, and guest hospitality.

  • Designed, packaged, and managed in-lobby gift-shop merchandise.

  • Helped curate and update store layout.

Church Youth Ministry — Elementary Helper   Mar 2025–Present

  • Assistant to main youth leader, twice monthly; occasionally leads creative mini-workshops.

Skills

Creative
Procreate
Illustrator
CapCut
Cricut
Heat press

Technical
Python (Beginner)
GB Studio (self taught)
Unity (Beginner)
HTML/CSS (Basic)

Business / Other
Entrepreneurship
Branding & Packaging
Pop-up Planning
Collaboration & Customer Engagement

Competitions & Recognition

  • Game Design Project- 3rd place - Kyoto CIEE Program

  • Game Jam 2024 — Mount Rock

  • Game Jam 2025 — Archaea

  • Retail Pop-Ups: Phiz Coffee, Lululemon, FAD Market (2024–25)

Timeline Highlights (2015–2025)

  • 2015–2019: Cardboard consoles, comics, LEGO projects; early “Tru Show.”

  • 2020: Work at family hotel; first design experiments.

  • 2021: Learned pixel art & 8-bit coding.

  • 2022: Launched Be Tru collection.

  • 2023: Friday Harbor Suites merch & first pop-up.

  • 2024: Built first game cartridge (Mount Rock), 2nd pop-up (2 locations)

  • 2025: CIEE Japan design program; second Game Jam; new Be Tru collection, 3rd Po-up

View Full Visual Timeline → (need to make)

Toolkit
GB Studio • Procreate • Python • Illustrator • Cricut • Entrepreneur