Dan Goodsell is a collector, author, and artist who lives in Los Angeles with his wife and small dog. Dan's been a huge fan of Funny Face
ephemera: When did you become interested in funny face packs?
Goodsell: As a kid I was a huge Funny Face fanatic. So years later, when I began collecting items from my childhood, I ran across a Funny Face walking toy. I immediately recognized the character, but I had not had the toy when I was a kid. So, I decided that I wanted to find out more about this product that I loved as a child. This was back before there was an Internet, so I had to piece all the information together myself. To do that, I looked for the premiums, ads, packages, and displays. Eventually, I was able to put together a history of the brand.
ephemera: What challenges or obstacles do you encounter in collecting? How do you overcome these challenges?
Goodsell: The main challenge is finding the stuff and having the money to afford it. When I started collecting, I was the only one seriously pursuing it. But, as time went on, a few serious competitors for the nicer pieces came along. Now, after almost 20 years of collecting, I am good friends with my biggest competition, and I usually back off on items he is interested in. The fire of collecting is still there, but I don't have to own everything like I used to. ephemera: I've heard other collectors mention that they've befriended rival collectors for similar purposes. What are your favorite items in your collection?
Goodsell: I am a big fan of grocery store display items. They were not meant to survive and a large and colorful. So they really excite me.
ephemera: What's your advice for achieving success as a collector?
Goodsell: Persistence and boldness. If you want the item go for it. The guy that waits around because he can't afford it, is the guy sitting at home regretting not getting an item. As a collector I have bought thousands of items and only regret paying to much for a few. But the amazing items I bought and never saw again far outweigh those few over priced ones. You only live life once so be passionate about what you do.
ephemera: What resources and tools do you recommend?
Goodsell: The Internet is the greatest resource for information. The heyday of pop culture collecting was in the 1990s, when tons of magazines existed, but such is not the case now. But there are great books out there, even my own Krazy Kid's Food
ephemera: The good ol' Internet, indeed. Will there ever be a better source? It's a pleasure to see these Funny Face items. Thanks for sharing, Dan.
