The People Behind Geotoys: Mandy Sloan Meador

Meet Our Expert, Geotoys Illustrator Mandy Sloan Meador

Mandy Sloan Meador is one of Geotoys' leading illustrators. The designer of all seven of Geotoys' Regional USA Puzzles and our newest Dinos of the World puzzle, Mandy has been designing for 9 years and creating art since she was a little girl. She even designed the GeoCurious logo of this newsletter (see it below)! We sat down with Mandy to learn what influences her as an illustrator and which secret Easter eggs we can look for in her puzzle designs.

What inspires the look and feel of your Geotoys puzzle designs?

There are too many artists right now to name who inspires me. Probably the very base level inspiration I received as a little girl was Van Gogh.

I've always loved how much color and life Van Gogh placed into everyday scenery. He made all his images feel as if they're moving. I try to carry that into my own style, by using bright colors and adding whimsy to each of the symbols on the puzzle maps. That way they become playful, fun images for kids and adults to look at and put together.

Do you have favorite pieces or details hidden in the puzzle art?

Keep a lookout for the manatee and sail boats on each of the maps. Those are always my favorite to draw.

What's your go-to setup for making art - music, snacks, pets, weird lighting?

My go-tos are always setting up in my corner chair by the window. I usually always have my dog Mitski at my feet, sparkling water and sometimes will put on a favorite comedy show like The Office in the background. Other times, a good indie album or silence. I think it's the best to create when you're in a good head space, and I've found sunlight, water, cozy chairs, and puppies to be the best way to do that!

If you could turn any place in the world into a puzzle, where would it be?

I would probably turn Positano, Italy into a puzzle. My husband and I took a trip out there, and still talk about the winding roads and beautiful scenery. I would love to see the sparkling water, the vespas and limoncello on a puzzle. It's a magical place.