Employee Spotlight: Emily Goodspeed

Community Spotlight: Meet Emily, Graphic Designer at Marky Sparky

At Marky Sparky, our team is just as fun and creative as the toys we make! In this edition of our Employee Spotlight, we're excited to introduce Emily, our resident in-house graphic designer. She is a master of design & marketing mischief by day, chaotic neutral adventurer by night (and very early mornings thanks to her baby’s sleep schedule). She has the ability to juggle deadlines, dragons, and diapers without breaking a sweat. 

Can you tell us a little about your role at Marky Sparky?

I am a professional doodler and occasionally make stuff that's cool enough to get put on our packages/website/ect! All while wrangling two feral humans whom make it all worthwhile! 

What does a “typical” day look like for you, if such a thing exists?

Most of my day is spent creating! Whether it's graphics, ideas, or food that a toddler finds palatable, the bulk in being in some form of creative headspace.

Let's talk about the path to graphic design in toys next. What inspired you to pursue a career in graphic design?

After pleading with my parents that art CAN be a job that bears fruit, I began honing in on marketable art fields. I'd always loved the digital world, so combining them just felt right. And here we are, a Visual Communications major! Thanks, mom and dad!

How did you end up working in the toy industry? Was it always part of the plan?

It wasn't the initial path, but I am so glad to be here! I originally was working on breaking into the game development industry, but the toy industry had bigger and better plans!

What’s unique about designing for toys compared to other industries?

It's a MUCH better environment, workflow, and life balance. The toy industry is so FUN to be in. You get to be a kid all over again and make things that 10 year old you would have been so stoked to play with.

Do you have a favorite product or packaging project you’ve worked on at Marky Sparky?

Absolutely not, thats like asking who is my favorite child!

(It's definitely the Faux Bow PRO Recurve box and the website tbh)

When it comes to behind-the-scenes work and life at Marky Sparky, what’s it like working for a family-owned company?

Literally the best environment in the world. Coming into work feels like coming home. 

How would you describe the creative culture at Marky Sparky?

It's truly a space to let your colors fly and really dive into creativity. No idea is too "out there" or "wild". Ideas no matter how outlandish, niche, or non-conforming are heavily encouraged and explored. 

The Fun Factor: Do you ever spend the day playing with toys during the design process when hitting mental roadblocks? (Be honest!)

There's a reason I've got a Faux Bow & a target at every workstation I work at. Loosing arrows just helps clear the mind, man.

How do kids or family members react when they find out you design toy packaging?

Almost Everyone: That is the coolest thing i've seen, i'll take 12 of them right now.

My kids: "Weaksauce. I only care about the toys inside birthgiver."

Looking ahead, what’s something you're excited about creatively in the next year?

It's always so exciting to see products coming down the pipeline. The anticipation of creating art for them is sooo much fun!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to combine creativity with play in their career?

DO IT AND NEVER SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS. If you're a creative individual, keep on creating. No matter where you're at in life or career, keep on doing it!

Now, some just-for-fun questions. What is your favorite childhood toy?

Gotta be a tie between Moon Shoes or the countless Tomgatchies that we're sadly neglected by 6th grade me.

If you could design packaging for any type of toy — real or imagined — what would it be?

Oooh, thats a fun one. I would LOVE to make packaging for LARP swords/foam weapons. Maybe I'll try and convince Mark & Ethan to come out with a new product line 👀

Last but not least, can you share some special Emily lore?

• Survived Comic-Con in full foam armor — in July — while smiling (she installed computer fans on the interior of the armor to help keep cool.
• Knows an alarming amount of Elder Scrolls history. 
• Logged more hours on Dota 2 than most people pour into their entire education. 
• Ex clusively drinks pickle juice and eats spam one weekend per month while pretending to be a sorcerer in the woods. (apparently thats what LARPing is all about)

Thank you for joining us, Emily!