Before “Google Doodle” became a cultural staple, I had the unique opportunity to help shape its origins. In 2000, I was commissioned to create all the homepage illustrations for Google—making me the company’s first official Doodle illustrator. These drawings were hand-crafted to mark global events, holidays, and occasions, and they played a foundational role in defining one of the most recognizable visual identities in tech today. Wall Street Journal Article that mentions my involvement in the early days at Google LINK
The collaboration began when Susan Wojcicki, then Google’s marketing manager (and later CEO of YouTube), reached out to me with the idea of creating lighthearted visuals that would bring warmth and character to the Google homepage. It was still a young company—but even then, they recognized the power of thoughtful illustration.
All of my Doodles are archived and available to view online. Below are highlights from that era, each linked to the official source.
Alien Abduction Series (May 2000)
The first Google Doodle story arc – a five-day alien abduction sequence
Two polar bears ring in the new millennium—New Year’s Eve Doodle, 2000
My final contribution that year was a festive farewell to 2000. It features two joyful polar bears celebrating the arrival of 2001. View the official Doodle.
Google Doodles by Ian David Marsden – The Original Google Doodle Artist (Year 2000 Collection)
MentalPlex – First-Ever Google Doodle by Ian David Marsden
MentalPlex was the first Google Doodle, launching on April Fool’s Day 2000. A humorous parody of telepathic search, it marked the start of Ian David Marsden’s Doodle series.
Google Alien Doodle – UFO Theme by Ian David Marsden
The first of a five-part alien abduction series by Ian David Marsden, where a UFO begins its playful interference with the Google logo.
Google Doodle – Alien Abduction Continues (Day 2)
The extraterrestrial storyline progresses in Day 2 of Ian David Marsden’s Alien Series, with aliens closely examining the Google letters.
Google Doodle – Alien Series Investigates (Day 3)
Aliens investigate the letters of the Google logo in Day 3 of Ian David Marsden’s 2000 Alien Abduction narrative.
Google Doodle – Alien Abduction Escalates (Day 4)
The UFO activity intensifies in Day 4 of the Alien Series, as Ian David Marsden’s characters begin abducting parts of the logo.
Google Doodle – Final Alien Departure (Day 5)
The story concludes in Day 5 of the Alien Abduction Series, as the UFO departs, completing the first serialized Google Doodle concept.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Cycling (Day 1)
The first Doodle of the Sydney 2000 Olympics series. A cartoon kangaroo pedals over the Google logo, marking the start of the games on September 15, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Olympic Rings (Day 2)
On Day 2, the Google logo features colorful Olympic rings and a kangaroo mascot jumping into the design. Appeared on September 16, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Weightlifting (Day 3)
A cartoon kangaroo lifts weights in place of the second “o” in the logo. Celebrates Olympic weightlifting on September 17, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Torch Relay (Day 4)
A kangaroo mascot runs with the Olympic torch across the Google logo. Part of the Sydney 2000 Olympics Doodle series – appeared September 18, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Kayaking (Day 5)
On Day 5, a bear paddles a kayak through the Google logo. One of the rare non-kangaroo designs in the Sydney 2000 Doodle series.
Kayak, Canoeing, Sydney Olympics, Google Doodles, 2000
A kangaroo prepares to dive into a pool from a board replacing the second “g” in the logo. Featured on Google’s homepage September 20, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Basketball (Day 7)
The “l” in Google is a basketball hoop, with a kangaroo mascot dribbling toward it. Published September 21, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Long Jump (Day 8)
A l from the logo held by a leaping kangaroo jumps over the logo in Google. Symbolizing agility and creativity, it appeared September 22, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Archery (Day 9)
A target replaces the first “o” as a kangaroo draws a bow and arrow. Live on Google’s homepage September 23, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Soccer (Day 10)
A soccer ball forms the second “o” as a kangaroo in full kit kicks across the Google logo. Featured September 24, 2000.
Sydney Olympics 2000 Google Doodle – Gold Medal Podium (Day 11)
A victorious kangaroo stands on the Olympic podium with a gold medal beside the Google logo. Closing Doodle of the Sydney 2000 series – September 25, 2000.
4th of July Google Doodle Series – Day 1: Founding Fathers Meet
Three founding fathers gather beside the Google logo in quiet conversation. Part 1 of the July 4th 2000 celebration series – published July 1, 2000.
4th of July Google Doodle Series – Day 2: Founding Fathers BBQ
The Founding Fathers happily grill beside the Google logo in colonial attire. Day 2 of the Independence Day 2000 Doodles – July 2, 2000.
4th of July Google Doodle Series – Day 3: Fireworks & Toasts
Red, white and blue Google logo lights up under fireworks, with Founding Fathers celebrating. Released July 3, 2000.
4th of July Google Doodle Series – Day 4: Repainting the Logo
A Founding Father repaints the temporarily white Google logo letters to restore original colors. Concludes the July 4th 2000 series – July 4, 2000.
Google Doodle – New Year’s Eve 2000 by Ian David Marsden
Two festive polar bears celebrate the arrival of 2001 next to a midnight-themed Google logo. Final Doodle from Ian David Marsden’s official year as Google Doodle artist.
