How I Became the First Google Doodle Artist
For the full Ian David Marsden Google Doodles gallery, see:
https://marsdenillustration.com/ian-david-marsden-google-doodles/
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)
Day 1 – UFO Appears
Day 2 – Alien Contact
Day 3 – Investigation
Day 4 – Escalation
Day 5 – Departure
4th of July Series (2000)
Day 1 – BBQ Prep
Day 2 – Grill Time
Day 3 – Revolutionary Cooking
Day 4 – Celebration Finale
Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics – Kangaroo Mascot Series
To celebrate each day of the Sydney 2000 Summer Games, I illustrated a kangaroo mascot participating in various Olympic events:
Opening Ceremony
Kayak
Gymnastics
Archery
Diving
Track & Field
Cycling
Weightlifting
Soccer
Basketball
Closing Ceremony
New Year 2001
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.
Further Links & Projects
Additional resources and portfolio samples:
