Todd McFarlane: Spawn Creator

If you’re a fan of th e Spawn comic series then you definitely know Todd McFarlane.  If you’re a sports fan, play Guitar Hero, or have bought an action figure recently, then you should know Todd McFarlane.

You see, Todd McFarlane, has gone from working for Marvel Comics as an artist to creating his own empire.  After working for Marvel/DC Comics for some time, Todd became disenchanted with the corporate world and decided to branch out on his own.  That’s when he created the ever-popular comic Spawn.  Chatting with Todd over the phone, I got some really good insight about what it means to give up the status quo and build a business.  Even though Spawn was wildly successful Todd told me, “The comic business is a single business and I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.”

So what did he do?  First he expanded the branding for Spawn via television, movies, video games, and toys.  In the beginning of this expansion process he explored different options for distribution and marketing.  He soon realized that he “didn’t feel comfortable with the companies he talked to, that they were going to do the obvious”.  This discomfort led to Todd starting a company himself.

His goal?  To continue to diversify with the ebb and flow of the market.  And obviously, he’s been successful.  Big brand names like NFL, MLB, and Shrek are all connected to Todd’s toy distribution channel.

I asked Todd what advice he could offer those who want to leave the corporate world to branch out on their own too.  He said, “It’s not like walking off a cliff.  If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back.  It’s like cutting your hair.”   Todd also added that the problem with starting a business “isn’t having tremendous ideas, it’s how to finance.  You need ambition and you need to save up and start small.”

Start small?  This coming from the guy who could easily take over the world with his portfolio of business?  And whose toys can be found in any toy department at major stores like Toys R Us and Walmart?  Todd tells me, “Opening day isn’t the end.  It intimidates people when they think the first day has to be end result. But no. It’s just the first step!”

Smart guy, that Mr. McFarlane.  One question I didn’t ask that I wish I had:  How often do you get to play with all those toys?

Want to connect with Todd?  Check out his myspace page for latest news and updates.