Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
3 April, 2026, 3:35 pm
Central - 27°C Rain
3 April, 2026, 3:35 pm Central - 27°C Rain

Lad, 13, who kept being told off for doodling in class ended up with a Nike deal

Lad, 13, who kept being told off for doodling in class ended up with a Nike deal

By Alifereti Sakiasi
03/10/2023
[Photo: LAD Bible]

It seems like doodling in class is just simply a right of passage when it comes to passing the time in a boring classroom at school.

However, while many of our scribbles of those graffiti 'universal s' symbols or, more commonly, very intricate penis drawings, one lad's doodles wound up securing him a mammoth deal with Nike for a digital campaign to encourage children’s creativity.

Joe Whale, 13, who is better known on social media as 'Doodle Boy', was often told off in school for doodling but it seems he's been able to turn his passion with a pen into a full-on job.

After being frequently lectured in class for the free-hand artwork, Joe later gained attention for his illustrations through Instagram, where he now boasts more than 166k followers.

In a bizarre turn of events, Joe, who hails from Shrewsbury, went on to collaborate with one of the world's biggest sport attire brands.

DOODLE-1

His agency, Loveblood Creative, confirmed the partnership in a written statement released last year.

It read: "We are so very excited to confirm that Joe is now part of the Nike Family.

"It really is a unique relationship that puts Joe’s talent and love of sport together to inspire others to have fun and do what they love."

Joe's father, Gregory Whale, revealed to CNN at the time: "Joe is really excited to join the Nike Family, he absolutely loves the brand.

"It is a dream come true for him as he loves both sport and creativity and partnering with Nike will give him the opportunity to embrace both."

DOODLE-2

On the official Doodle Boy website, Joe explains: "I have been drawing and painting since the age of three and art has been a huge part of my life - I would draw, paint and do crafts at every opportunity and that hasn't changed to this day."

He also told fans that his 'favourite characters to draw are food, monsters and aliens'.

However, he noted: "I pretty much create doodles from anything as I get inspired by my surroundings and create characters from all of the things I see such as my burger and fries characters, flowers, vegetables, cakes - yum -, clouds, etc."

And, according to Joe, there is just 'one rule' he religiously follows when it comes to his doodles.

"There is no right or wrong in art just interpretation," he revealed, "and this means when I create I am completely free to express."

Who knows what's next to come for the child prodigy?

Source: LAD BIBLE 

FEATURE NEWS
RFMF urged to uphold truth, discipline, and vigilance
Members of the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) have been encouraged to stand up for the truth, even in difficult environments, especially durin...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Multi-Ethnic Minister calls for unity in Easter message
On the occassion of Easter, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh has extended heartfelt wishes to all Fijians, calling the season a ...
4 minutes ago

Rabuka celebrates 100 years of TISI Sangam, thousands gather for the historic celebration
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka reflected on the humble beginnings of Sangam that built a strong foundation based on unity, faith and ...
3 hours ago

New ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie from Stephen Colbert and his son in development at Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. has revealed that Stephen Colbert and his son are developing a brand-new “Lord of the Rings” movie.The announcement came on Tuesday ...
3 hours ago

FCCC investigating two service stations for fuel hoarding
Two service stations are currently under investigation for hoarding under section 87G of the FCCC Act 2010.Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission ...
3 hours ago

LTA urges caution and responsible road use during long Easter weekend
The Land Transport Authority is calling on Fijians to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant on the roads this Easter long weekend, as traffic ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
28 days ago

TOP