Life
9-year-old disciplined for doodling in class gets a job out of it
He may have been getting in trouble in class but it certainly got him noticed taking his parents by surprise.
Kristin Danley-Greiner
11.13.19

Coloring and doodling are proven outlets to help overly stressed people diffuse, unwind and relax. In fact, there are even coloring sessions and workshops designed specifically for busy adults who need a way to cool down.

But kids who doodle, especially on their school folders or homework, usually get into trouble for engaging in this creative outlet. Harvard Medical School shared that 26 of 44 American presidents doodled, including Theodore Roosevelt who doodled animals and children, Ronald Reagan who doodled cowboys and football players, and John F. Kennedy who doodled dominoes.

Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk
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Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk

Some see doodling as an indication that the mind has wandered off and a person isn’t paying attention. But research shows that’s really not the case.

A 30-minute doodle session can help people better remember information by allowing the mind to calm itself for a bit. That break also allows the mind to tune in better when it’s engaged again, according to Harvard.

Nine-year-old Joe Whale kept getting into trouble for doodling during class. But when his parents looked at the doodles blanketing all of his school notebooks, they realized they weren’t an act of boredom, but rather the end result of an incredibly talented little boy.

Instagram/thedoodleboy.co/uk
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Instagram/thedoodleboy.co/uk

Instead of squelching his doodling, Joe’s parents enrolled him in an after-school art class where he quickly flourished.

Joe had always loved drawing, his dad Greg told Bored Panda, and even participated in his school’s talented and gifted program at the age of four along with his identical twin brother Jesse.

Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk
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Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk

Joe’s art teacher couldn’t believe how talented this old soul was and began sharing his artwork on social media. It caught the eye of people at the restaurant called Number 4 in Shrewsbury who felt that this nine-year-old’s impressive ability would look terrific spread across the walls of their dining room.

“They wanted to get Joe into their restaurant to complete an art piece on their wall, and it was in their main dining area, we were over the moon. I asked Joe and he, of course, leaped at the chance to do it.”

LinkedIn/Greg Whale
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LinkedIn/Greg Whale

Greg drove Joe to the restaurant after school and watched as his son’s skillset manifested itself across the white walls of Number 4.

“Joe spent about 12 hours illustrating the wall.”

LinkedIn/Greg Whale
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LinkedIn/Greg Whale

The nine-year-old has since earned the nickname The Doodle Boy and even has his own website and social media accounts where his mom shares his masterpieces.

“Joe loves doodling and we’re so proud of everything he’s achieving, the fact that a completely independent business has asked our 9-year old son to do a professional piece of work for them is incredible.”

Even Joe’s art teacher Kerry is impressed with the level of talent he possesses at such a young age, she told Metro.

“His work is very exact and immaculate, it’s very balanced, he goes straight to ink and creates perfect work straight from the start, no practicing beforehand.”

Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk
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Instagram/thedoodleboy.co.uk

Greg encouraged other parents with kids who have special abilities to support them and allow them to flourish instead of shutting them down.

“I would advise parents to encourage their children to always follow their passion and dreams — research local workshops or groups within your local community.”

When you look at Joe’s doodles, you won’t believe they come from a nine-year-old boy. They’re quite impressive! This kid is bound to become a professional artist some day.

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