Doodles has emerged as one of the most vibrant and ambitious NFT projects in the digital collectibles space. More than just a profile picture (PFP) collection, Doodles blends art, community governance, music, fashion, and interactive experiences into a dynamic ecosystem. With high-profile partnerships, innovative utility features, and a growing brand universe, Doodles is redefining what an NFT project can become.
The Origins of Doodles
Launched on October 17, 2021, Doodles began as a limited collection of 10,000 unique NFTs minted on the Ethereum blockchain at a price of 0.123 ETH (around $300 at the time). The artwork was created by Scott Martin, better known by his alias Burnt Toast, a Canadian illustrator and designer with a background in muralism and digital animation. His signature pastel-colored, hand-drawn aesthetic brings to life a whimsical cast of characters—ranging from anthropomorphic animals to surreal beings like skeletons and pickles—each adorned with bold accessories, vibrant clothing, and expressive features.
The project was co-founded by Martin alongside Evan Keast (aka "Tulip") and Jordan Castro (aka "Poopie"), both former leads at Dapper Labs, the company behind CryptoKitties and NBA Top Shot. Their combined expertise in blockchain gaming and digital collectibles laid the foundation for Doodles’ long-term vision: to build a joyful, community-powered brand with real-world impact.
One of the most notable sales in Doodles history occurred on January 7, 2022, when Doodle #6914 sold for 296.69 ETH—worth approximately $1.1 million at the time—highlighting the project’s early market appeal.
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How to Buy Doodles
While the initial mint has long sold out, Doodles are actively traded on major NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea, LooksRare, and Nifty Gateway. These secondary platforms allow collectors to browse rarity traits, view price histories, and purchase directly using Ethereum (ETH). Due to their popularity and limited supply, prices vary significantly based on attributes like background color, headwear, species, and special effects.
For new entrants, researching rarity rankings via tools like Rarity Sniper or Trait Sniper can help identify high-value pieces. However, many collectors emphasize emotional connection over pure investment metrics—choosing Doodles that resonate with their personal style or identity.
Community Governance and Utility
Unlike static digital art drops, Doodles positions itself as a community-driven brand with tangible utility. Holders don’t just own an image—they gain access to exclusive events, merchandise, future mints, and decision-making power through the Doodles Community Treasury, also known as the Doodlebank.
Holders can submit and vote on proposals via Snapshot.org, influencing everything from live activations to product launches. Half of the 5% royalty from OpenSea resales flows into this treasury, ensuring ongoing funding for community initiatives.
Additionally, Doodles holders enjoy perks such as:
- Early access to new collections
- Free companion NFTs like Space Doodles and Dooplicators
- Physical merchandise drops
- Invitations to immersive real-world events like the Genesis Factory
This blend of digital ownership and real-world engagement strengthens long-term value beyond speculative trading.
Expanding the Universe: Space Doodles and Dooplicators
In early 2022, Doodles launched Space Doodles, a free generative NFT collection for existing holders. Using wrapped NFT technology, owners could temporarily lock their original Doodle to receive a Space Doodle—a unique astronaut version with on-chain stats like piloting skill and mechanical knowledge.
A Space Doodle is backed 1:1 by its counterpart Doodle 🚀🧑🚀 = 😛🌈
Only one can exist in your wallet at any time, and you can wrap/unwrap freely.
These stats are designed to play a role in future gamified experiences within the Doodles metaverse. Since no new NFTs were added to circulation, the move preserved scarcity while expanding narrative depth.
Later that year, the team introduced Dooplicators—free-to-claim utility NFTs that allow holders to carry rare traits from the original collection into Doodles 2. With "perpetual utility," Dooplicators are more than transitional tools; they’re foundational assets in the evolving ecosystem.
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Leadership and Creative Vision
Doodles’ rapid growth has been fueled by strategic hires and celebrity collaborations. In May 2022, Julian Holguín, former President of Billboard, joined as CEO and Partner to lead expansion into music, gaming, and consumer products. Then in June 2022, global music icon Pharrell Williams came aboard as Chief Brand Officer—a landmark moment for Web3.
Under Pharrell’s creative direction, Doodles launched Doodles Records: Volume 1, an artist-curated music project featuring original tracks and hand-drawn album art by Burnt Toast. The release also included wearable assets for use in future virtual environments.
This fusion of mainstream creativity and decentralized ownership exemplifies Doodles’ ambition: not just to survive in Web3, but to become a leading global lifestyle brand.
Intellectual Property Rights for Holders
Doodles grants meaningful IP rights to its holders. Owners can:
- Use their NFT as a profile picture
- Sell it freely
- Create and sell physical merchandise (up to $100,000 annually) without needing prior approval
Beyond that threshold, official licensing agreements with Doodles LLC are required. Importantly, while commercial use is encouraged, derivative NFTs are prohibited unless approved through the Doodlebank governance system.
A notable exception is Noodles, a food-themed spin-off created by community members and officially sanctioned by the team—the first approved derivative project in the ecosystem.
The Future: Doodles 2 and Beyond
Doodles’ roadmap includes Doodles 2, a dynamic NFT platform allowing users to mint customizable avatars with interchangeable wearables. These avatars support full-body views, animations, and real-time look changes—making them ideal for social media, virtual worlds, and gaming.
Central to this launch was the Genesis Box—a limited-edition wearable pack auctioned via a blind "bucket auction" mechanism. With only 24,000 boxes minted and never to be reissued, these NFTs form the backbone of Doodles 2’s wearable economy.
Each box contains rare apparel items that can be used or traded, creating an internal marketplace driven by holder activity. Combined with Dooplicators enabling legacy trait migration, Doodles ensures continuity between generations.
The project has raised $54 million at a $704 million valuation to fund engineering talent, media production, acquisitions, and proprietary technology—signaling serious intent to scale globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I own both a Doodle and a Space Doodle at the same time?
A: No. You must wrap your original Doodle to receive a Space Doodle. Only one version can exist in your wallet at any time.
Q: What blockchain are Doodles built on?
A: Doodles run on Ethereum (ERC-721 standard), ensuring compatibility with major wallets and marketplaces.
Q: Do I need permission to sell Doodle-themed merchandise?
A: For physical goods under $100,000 in annual revenue, no permission is needed. Beyond that, you must partner with Doodles LLC.
Q: What is the purpose of Dooplicators?
A: Dooplicators let holders bring rare traits from original Doodles into Doodles 2, preserving legacy value across generations.
Q: Is Doodles 2 already live?
A: As of now, Doodles 2 is in development. Genesis Boxes and Dooplicators are preparatory steps toward its full launch.
Q: How does community voting work?
A: Holders submit proposals via Snapshot.org. Approved ideas receive funding from the Community Treasury for implementation.
With its bold artistic vision, strong leadership, and deep community integration, Doodles stands out as more than an NFT collection—it’s a cultural movement building toward a decentralized entertainment empire.