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We're so excited to welcome Marc Jenkinson to the Hoop team as a Founding Designer! Marc joins Hoop after a 7-year stint at Trello and then Atlassian. When he's not doodling, he's bird watching, gardening or trying to convince non-Canadians to add an extra "u" to words like favorite. We asked Marc to share more about himself and why he joined Hoop.
Why Hoop?
Deciding to join such a small startup wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I spent 7 years at my last job, and exercised a lot of caution as I eased myself back into the job market.
What made my decision to join infinitely easier, was getting to freelance for Hoop for a few months prior to accepting a full time role. Getting to work with the team and experience how they apply their values into their day-to-day work was like nothing I had experienced before. I continue to be impressed by how effectively I work in an asynchronous and supportive team environment. It’s also incredibly creatively fulfilling to be working on a product that is at the forefront of disrupting the productivity problem space with AI.
Finding a peaceful corner in NYC
New York was never on my bucket list of places to live, but a work opportunity came up a few years back that I couldn’t turn down.
I’m originally from Toronto and generally enjoy living at a slower pace, so when it came time to picking a borough and neighborhood to live in I really wanted to find a place where I could hide from the chaos of New York City. My husband and I got really lucky and found a great apartment in Greenpoint Brooklyn, where the two of us (and our many plants) feel a sense of quiet.
Around 6 years later I’ve fully embraced Brooklyn life. The coffee is unbeatable and the neighbours are friendly. Recently we’ve joined both a local garden club and a birdwatching club. Nothing says Brooklyn like peeping birds!
Building my career
When I’m not bragging about spotting an Eastern Kingbird in McGolrick Park, I’m obsessing over design. My design career started in graphic design, before you could study UI/UX in school, and I’m incredibly grateful for the foundations I learned back then. Once I was in the working world I bounced around a few different agencies and developed skills across a multitude of design areas, including illustration, UI/UX, and branding. Notably I got to lead in the branding and website design of Meghan Markle’s “Goop” competitor “Tig”, before she was the Dutchess. Pretty big deal for someone new in their career! I also have spent considerable time teaching in the classroom, which has taught me invaluable facilitation and communication skills.
My design timeline would feel incomplete if I didn’t mention my time at Trello. I first met Justin, Stella, and Brian in 2016 when I was hired as a product designer on Trello’s then small product team. I spent 7+ years building upon the beloved product, and left a much stronger product designer.
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Illustration side hustle
I’ve always loved to doodle. In elementary and highschool all of my binders, organizers, notebooks were covered in doodles. Drawing was relaxing, and a fantastic escape.
Today I still find pleasure in the same experience. Ever since the Apple pencil started getting amazing I really got back into drawing, and started sharing my doodles online.
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My Canadian agenda
While I’m building a life here in the United States, there are a few Canadian-isms I refuse to shake
- Toque = any warm winter hat
- Adding “u’s” to words like “colour”, “neighbour”, and “yogourt” are fun and acceptable.
- Ketchup is a perfect topping on mac and cheese
- Freezie’s are the best way to stay cool in the summer
- Celcius all the way
- Being nice is a superpower