Mark Justin Roiland was born in Manteca, California. His early life in California would later influence his comedic style and artistic aspirations. His upbringing played a vital role in developing his unique sense of humor and creative vision that would later define his career.

Roiland became involved with Channel 101, a short film festival created by Dan Harmon. This was a crucial period where he honed his animation skills and comedic timing, creating various short films and interacting with other budding animators and comedians. It was here that he truly found his creative voice and began experimenting with the style that would later define his work.