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Told to Stop Doodling, This 13-Year-Old Turned His Passion into a Nike Deal

A young artist from the UK nickamed Doodle Boy turned his notebook scribbles into a partnership with global sportswear company Nike.

Caryn Ganess by Caryn Ganess
November 27, 2024
in Nike
lad doodle boy nike sneaker deal
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We’ve all been there: scribbling in a notebook to kill time during a dull class. For most of us, it might not lead to much more, but for one gifted youngster from the United Kingdom named Joe Whale, more popularly known as Doodle Boy, it opened up the door to some very significant opportunities, most notably a partnership with the global sportswear company Nike.

  • From Classwork Doodles To Major Designs
  • The Doodle Boy’s Work
  • More Sneakers

From Classwork Doodles To Major Designs

Told to Stop Doodling, This 13-Year-Old Turned His Passion into a Nike Deal

Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s probably necessary to acknowledge that Joe’s achievement did not happen overnight. Before the 14-year-old artist grabbed the attention of big brands like the Swoosh Label, he spent many hours perfecting his skills in class, which, may we add, he was frequently chastised for. 

Yet despite being constantly lectured in class for his doodling, the young artist remained committed and started to promote his work on social media platforms such as Instagram, with support and encouragement from his parents, of course.

Interest in his work quickly grew, resulting in a current following of 185K people on Instagram (and counting) and opportunities to partner with other artists and brands in the industry. Naturally, the most exciting opportunity occurred when the Swoosh Label approached him about joining the family in 2022 for the opportunity to team up on some inspiring projects.

RELATED: Are Jelly Shoes the Next Big Thing For Jordans?

The Doodle Boy’s Work

While this is not the first time Nike has collaborated with children to design sneakers, as evidenced by the number of Doernbecher Freestyle releases in previous years, this opportunity is unique in that this young talent was HIRED as a “co-creator” for the brand for promotional and marketing activity, as well as “special projects.”

So far, he has completed a number of special designs for the brand, including Nike Air Force 1s for the England women’s national football team, known as the Lionesses, and Nike cleats for YouTuber Tekkerz Kid.

We’re sure there’s still a lot more in the works for this young co-creator, and we can’t wait to see what other amazing collaborations he has planned with Nike in the future. 

Some super cool doodled @nike football boots for @TekkerzKid as promised👌🏻#doodle #nike #football #boots #joewhale #thedoodleboy pic.twitter.com/gRlD0KCkj5

— The Doodle Boy (@TheJoeWhale) February 3, 2023

RELATED: The “Dark Knight” Air Jordan 6 Is the Hero Sneakerheads Deserve

More Sneakers

If you want to view more of Nike’s collaborations with young creatives, check out the Nike Air Foamposite One, Air Jordan 6, Nike SB Dunk Low, and Air Jordan 3 designs from their ongoing collaborations with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. And remember to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more updates on the latest sneaker releases and collaborations from Nike and other brands. 

Do you want to see Doodle Boy and Nike work together on a new sneaker design in the future? 

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Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess is a South African writer and pop culture commentator with a razor-sharp eye for sneaker trends and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Originally from the windy shores of Port Elizabeth, Caryn graduated cum laude with an Honours Degree in Psychology — a background that now fuels her captivating explorations of human behavior, fashion, and fandom. Whether she’s unpacking the cultural legacy of the Nike Cortez, breaking down the enduring cool of the Air Jordan 11, or analysing the psychological depth of your favourite movie villain, Caryn blends academic insight with real-world relevance. Her writing doesn’t just cover sneakers, film, gaming, and comics — it dissects them with precision, flair, and a personal touch that resonates with readers. An accomplished contributor to Fortress of Solitude, Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress, Caryn has become known for her ability to connect the dots between psychology and pop culture. As a full-time mother, she brings an added layer of empathy and lived experience to her work, offering a refreshing perspective on the emotional power of entertainment and storytelling. From retro kicks to psychological thrillers, Caryn tells the stories behind what we wear and what we watch — one article (and one sole) at a time.

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