Mel Odom is known these days primarily as the father of Gene® Marshall and the guy who helped to jump-start the entire second wave of fashion dolls. 

Previously he was a successful freelance illustrator with many editorial illustrations and book covers to his credit.  He was a regular contributor to Playboy magazine and includes covers for Time, Blueboy, and Omni magazines in his portfolio.  He has had three books of drawings published.

“Gene® is probably what I will be remembered the most for having created.  She is that rare creation that goes from being the most private of things to the most public.  She is my most optimistic comment on people”.

Odom lives in New York City, where he works on Gene® and several of his other creative endeavors. (Photography by Aaron Cobbett)