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