Hey there — thanks for stopping by!
I’m John Stokes — a creative designer, social media wrangler, toy enthusiast, and full-time idea machine based in sunny San Diego (East County born and raised!). I’m also a proud husband, girl dad, and someone who genuinely geeks out over fonts, color palettes, and packaging design. If that sounds strange, you’re definitely in the right place.
I’ve spent over two decades designing for some of the top casinos outside of Vegas, currently holding down the role of Senior Graphic Designer at Jamul Casino Resort. Fun fact: I was named Team Member of the Year by the Executive Board my very first year there — out of more than 1,200 employees! Not bad, right?
Outside of the casino world, I run SpankyStokes.com, a globally recognized hub for designer toy news, where I’ve built a brand, written countless blog posts, and created products that have landed in the hands of collectors around the world. I also play in the ever-evolving world of AI — using cutting-edge tools to concept faster, dream bigger, and bring wild ideas to life with insane speed and style while still utilizing all the practical design tools that are the industry standard.
Basically, if it involves creativity, I’m in. From logo design and layout to social media campaigns, illustration, print, and packaging — I bring energy, experience, and a positive attitude to everything I touch. Take a look around, check out my work, and if you like what you see, give me a shout! I’d love to chat.