The NFT landscape is often defined by a few dominant names—CryptoPunks, Bored Apes, and Pudgy Penguins. But there’s a fourth powerhouse that has not only kept pace but, in many ways, redefined what an NFT project can become: Doodles.
This vibrant collection of 10,000 unique, hand-drawn characters has evolved from a digital art experiment into a full-fledged entertainment brand. With bold creative vision, strategic partnerships, and a deeply engaged community, Doodles has carved out a space at the forefront of the Web3 movement—and beyond.
But what exactly are Doodles? How did they rise so quickly? And where are they headed next?
In this comprehensive 2024 guide, we’ll explore the origin, evolution, and future of Doodles—one of the most dynamic NFT projects of our time.
What Are Doodles?
Doodles is a collection of 10,000 procedurally generated, line-art NFT characters, each bursting with color, personality, and whimsy. Created by Canadian artist Scott Martin—better known as Burnt Toast—the project launched in October 2021, just before the peak of the NFT boom.
Each Doodle is a one-of-a-kind digital collectible, combining playful design with high artistic quality. What set Doodles apart early on wasn’t just the art—it was the team’s clear ambition to build something bigger than blockchain art.
The founding trio behind Doodles includes:
- Evan Keast (Tulip): A product and marketing veteran from Dapper Labs, best known for his role in the success of CryptoKitties.
- Jordan Castro (Poopie): A blockchain engineer and co-creator of CryptoKitties, bringing deep technical expertise.
- Scott Martin (Burnt Toast): The visionary illustrator whose work has been featured by global brands like Google, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
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Their combined experience laid the foundation for a project that would grow far beyond its NFT roots.
In 2022, Doodles made two high-profile hires that signaled their intent to go mainstream:
- Julian Holguin, former President of Billboard, joined as CEO.
- Pharrell Williams, global music and fashion icon, was named Chief Brand Officer.
These moves transformed Doodles from a niche crypto project into a cultural phenomenon.
The Evolution of Doodles: From NFTs to Transmedia Empire
Launch and Early Growth
Doodles officially launched on October 17, 2021, with each NFT minted at 0.123 ETH. The collection sold out rapidly, driven by strong community interest and the project’s fresh aesthetic.
From day one, Doodles emphasized community engagement, interactive events, and long-term brand building—setting it apart from many other NFT drops that prioritized quick profits.
Key Milestones and Expansions
As the project matured, Doodles introduced several innovative features and spin-offs:
- Space Doodles: A companion NFT collection that allows holders to send their Doodles into space for exclusive digital experiences.
- Dooplicator: Launched in summer 2022, this tool lets users create wearable digital fashion items based on their Doodle’s clothing.
- Genesis Box: Released in June 2022, this NFT lootbox contained wearable accessories that could be equipped by Doodle characters.
These additions deepened user engagement and expanded the utility of owning a Doodle beyond mere speculation.
Pharrell Williams Joins the Movement
In June 2022, at the NFT.NYC conference, Doodles announced Pharrell Williams as Chief Brand Officer. His involvement brought unprecedented mainstream attention and opened doors in music, fashion, and entertainment.
This partnership led to the Pharrell Pack, a collaboration with Adidas featuring digital wearables—a perfect blend of streetwear, celebrity influence, and Web3 innovation.
Acquiring Golden Wolf: A Leap into Animation
In January 2023, Doodles acquired Golden Wolf, an award-winning animation studio known for its work with brands like Apple and Adult Swim. This strategic move signaled a clear focus: storytelling at scale.
With Golden Wolf’s talent now in-house, Doodles began developing original animated content—laying the groundwork for its debut short film.
The Stoodio: Democratizing Creativity
April 2023 marked the beta launch of The Stoodio on the Flow blockchain. This free-to-join platform allowed anyone to create their own Doodles-style character and equip it with digital wearables from existing NFTs or lootboxes.
It was a bold step toward inclusivity—inviting non-holders to participate in the Doodles universe while expanding the brand’s reach.
Community Empowerment: The Inkubator & Council
In July 2023, Doodles launched the Doodles Inkubator, a platform for community-driven projects. Selected ideas receive funding and support to bring creative extensions to life.
This initiative paved the way for the formation of the Community Council, strengthening ties between the brand and its most passionate supporters.
Real-World Experiences: Pop-Up in Chicago
August 2023 saw Doodles team up with CAMP to launch a 3,500-square-foot pop-up experience in Chicago. The event brought The Stoodio to life physically, allowing visitors to step into the colorful world of Doodles—an immersive blend of digital art and real-world interaction.
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Mainstream Breakthrough: “Dullsville and the Doodleverse”
One of the most significant milestones came in September 2024, when Doodles premiered its first animated short film, “Dullsville and the Doodleverse,” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Featuring voice talent from Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, and Coi Leray, the film received widespread media coverage and marked Doodles’ official arrival on the global entertainment stage.
Accompanying this release was the launch of Doodles Records, a new record label under the Doodles umbrella—further cementing its presence in music and culture.
Strategic Shifts: Moving to Base Blockchain
In mid-2024, Doodles announced a major technical transition: moving The Stoodio—and Doodles 2—from Flow to Base, Coinbase’s Layer 2 blockchain.
This shift aims to:
- Reduce transaction costs
- Improve scalability
- Enhance user experience for mainstream audiences
By leveraging Base’s infrastructure, Doodles is positioning itself for mass adoption—making it easier than ever for new users to join without deep crypto knowledge.
Brand Collaborations & Cultural Impact
Doodles has forged high-profile partnerships across industries:
- Adidas: Co-created digital wearables and physical merchandise.
- Crocs: Launched themed footwear and Jibbitz.
- Casio G-SHOCK: Limited-edition watches inspired by Doodle designs.
- AriZona Beverages: Branded cans featuring popular Doodle characters.
These collaborations have helped Doodles transcend Web3 circles and embed itself in pop culture.
Controversy and Clarification
In March 2023, Jordan Castro sparked debate when he stated that Doodles was “no longer an NFT project.” Many in the Web3 community interpreted this as a rejection of their crypto roots.
However, subsequent actions have shown that Doodles remains committed to blockchain innovation—just not limited by it. Like Bored Apes and Pudgy Penguins before them, they’re pursuing a hybrid model: rooted in Web3 but designed for mainstream appeal.
What’s Next for Doodles?
The roadmap ahead is ambitious:
- Expand animated content through DoodlesTV, a pay-per-view platform for exclusive shows.
- Grow Doodles Records with new artist signings and music drops.
- Deepen integration with Base blockchain to enhance accessibility.
- Continue launching real-world activations, merchandise, and collaborative products.
With Golden Wolf’s creative power and Pharrell’s cultural influence, Doodles is poised to become one of the leading independent entertainment brands of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Doodles still valuable in 2024?
A: Yes. Despite market fluctuations, Doodles remain among the top-tier NFT collections due to their strong brand, active development, and mainstream visibility.
Q: Can I create my own Doodle without buying an NFT?
A: Yes. Through The Stoodio (now transitioning to Base), anyone can create a free Doodles-style character and customize it with digital wearables.
Q: Is Pharrell Williams still involved with Doodles?
A: Yes. As Chief Brand Officer, Pharrell continues to play a key role in shaping the brand’s direction in music, fashion, and media.
Q: What blockchain does Doodles use now?
A: While original Doodles reside on Ethereum, The Stoodio (Doodles 2) is moving from Flow to Base to improve accessibility and reduce costs.
Q: How can I get involved with the Doodles community?
A: Join their official Discord, participate in Inkubator proposals, attend real-world events, or create content using The Stoodio platform.
Q: Will there be more animated content after “Dullsville”?
A: Absolutely. With DoodlesTV launching and Golden Wolf onboard, more animated series and shorts are expected throughout 2025 and beyond.
Doodles has proven that NFTs can be more than speculative assets—they can be launching pads for global entertainment brands. By blending art, technology, community, and culture, Doodles is writing a new playbook for digital creativity.
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