Every so often, a hidden gem shows up on your doorstep. Leslie came to Mad Genius with a boatload production art experience, but it was her stack of illustrations that dropped our communal jaw. (Her knowledge of comic book heroes and sci-fi flicks didn’t hurt, either.) To wit, one of her very first assignments was to generate the illustrations for the Bomgar video. She’s since become a key contributor in campaign concept and execution for Farm Bureau, The Shed BBQ, The Jackson Zoo, and many more.

What is your hometown?

My hometown is Madison, MS, near Canton. I still remember when there was nothing but Yandell Road and trees.

Share a bit about your family.

I have a loving and supportive mother, Carolyn Galloway, who has always been a cornerstone of inspiration in my life. My brother, Riley Galloway, is hard-working, hard-studying, and always an athlete. While he and I don’t share a lot of common interests, I couldn’t ask for a more admirable individual to call my sibling.

What are your hobbies? What’s your passion?

My hobbies are experimenting with art, finding mediums that are new and fun. I love playing video games, reading, and watching movies. I’m a total Xbox 360, sci-fi, and indie film nerd. I love singing at karaoke with friends. Although I fail at it, I really enjoy disc golf as well.

How did you hear about Mad Genius?

I came upon Mad Genius in a web search of local creative agencies. I immediately admired their work, as well as the obvious, fun-natured people who work in the labs. I was too intimidated to send in a resume, at first, but after pursuing an internship, and then working for another agency in town, I eventually mustered the courage and applied for a designer position. Mad Genius offered me a position and I was overjoyed to accept it.

Tell us about your first day at Mad Genius.

I wish I had better memory recall of my first day. I do remember I showed up super early and got to know some of the people in our media department. I also remember being intimidated by the other designers in the “design den”. There are a lot of talented people here.

What’s your greatest accomplishment (or what have you enjoyed most) at Mad Genius?

I feel delighted to have met and be working with such a creative and wonderful group of people. Their ideas and forward thinking continue to inspire me to do my best for the company.

What Genius memory(ies) stand out?

Our celebration of the season finale of Mad Men with “Mad Menius Day” and our first annual ping pong tournament. The ping pong tournament was a complete joy. The day was filled with laughter and fun-spirited competition. My only regret was that my teammate and I didn’t have matching tournament uniforms. Team Scared Hitless for life!

What’s your most NON-Genius moment at Mad Genius?

One day, a few of my coworkers and I were preparing to start our work day, getting coffee, etc. I noticed we were out of coffee stirrers, and were also out of spoons in our utensil drawer. In mid-conversation, I opened the dishwasher for a clean spoon. Later in the day there was an email sent out, office-wide, about how SOMEONE decided to open the dishwasher and retrieve some utensil or dish, which turns off the light that displays that the dishes are clean, leaving everyone else to wonder if the remainder of the dishes were dirty or clean. I replied to the email that I was the culprit, and further emptied and put away dishes from the washer. I still feel guilty to this day.

What is the one thing no one really knows about you?

I enjoy going to movies, alone, on days that the theaters are not populated. I’m actually easily agitated when people talk during movies. I feel like they’re little mini escapes into another life. So visiting the theater, by myself, on a day when there are not many people there, I feel like I get to lose myself into this experience that some other creative individual has provided for entertainment. I also grow highly agitated when people interrupt me when I’m reading a book. I don’t hulk-out on people, but, it usually ruins the experience for me.

Of all the world’s geniuses, whom do you most admire?

Jim Henson – For every smile he gave to the world through his original ideas, characters, and lessons.