Hello everyone, we continue reviewing NFT projects that are currently popular and making waves. Recently, the CEO of Doodles confirmed an airdrop. But what is this project, and is it worth investing in? Let’s find out together. Remember DYOR, and NFTs are far from their peak in 2021.
What is Doodles?
Doodles is a popular NFT project launched in 2021 by former Dapper Labs employees Evan Keast and Jordan Castro, along with digital artist Scott Martin (known as Burnt Toast). The collection includes 10,000 unique tokens created on the Ethereum blockchain and ranks tenth in terms of sales volume on the OpenSea marketplace, reaching 317,000 ETH (approximately $963.4 million).
In November 2024, Doodles announced a partnership with McDonald’s. From November 18, Doodles-style artwork appeared on 100 million McCafe holiday cups in US restaurants as part of the “GM Spread Joy” initiative. In addition, digital gift giveaways and collectibles with McDonald’s and Doodles branding were organized.
In September 2024, the Doodles team released an animated series called “Dullsville and the Doodleverse,” further expanding their presence in the digital space. Earlier, in September 2022, the project raised $54 million in funding at a valuation of $704 million, reflecting its significant influence in the world of NFTs and digital art.
The History of Doodles
The Doodles NFT project was created in October 2021 by three founders: Evan Keast, Jordan Castro, and digital artist Scott Martin (Burnt Toast). Keast and Castro had previously worked at Dapper Labs, the company known for its groundbreaking NFT projects like NBA Top Shot. Their extensive experience in blockchain and NFT development helped lay a solid foundation for creating Doodles.
Scott Martin, known for his unique artistic style, became the creative force behind the project. His bright and minimalist illustrations, inspired by pop art and animation, formed the basis of the collection. Over several months, the team worked on developing an original concept and approach to stand out in the crowded NFT market.
The project was launched as a collection of 10,000 unique tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. The entire collection sold out quickly after launch, attracting attention from collectors and investors. One of the key features was that NFT holders received voting rights to participate in the project’s development, creating a unique community and enhancing user loyalty.
The Doodles Team
- Evan Keast — Co-founder of Doodles, previously worked at Dapper Labs. He was involved in the launch of projects like CryptoKitties and has extensive experience in developing and promoting blockchain-based products. At Doodles, Evan serves as the strategic leader responsible for project development and community engagement.
- Jordan Castro — Co-founder and known as Poopie. Before Doodles, he worked at Dapper Labs, where he helped create and launch NFT projects. At Doodles, Jordan oversees the technical side and product design, ensuring the platform’s stability and innovation.
- Scott Martin (Burnt Toast) — Lead artist and creative director of the project. His unique style, combining bright colors, minimalism, and animation elements, became the hallmark of Doodles. Scott not only handles the visual direction of the collection but also participates in creating new content, including animations and merchandise.
- Farokh Sarmad — Key advisor and well-known entrepreneur and NFT collector. Farokh plays an important role in Doodles’ marketing strategy, helping attract attention from major investors and celebrities.
- Julian Holguin — CEO of Doodles, who joined the project in 2022. Before Doodles, he worked at Billboard, where he expanded the brand into the digital space. Julian is responsible for long-term strategy and partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with McDonald’s.
The Doodles team is a mix of creative brilliance, technical expertise, and well-thought-out business strategy. Their coordinated efforts have helped the project become one of the leaders in the NFT market.
Partnerships and Funding of the Doodles Project
- Partnerships
Doodles is actively building strategic partnerships with large brands and organizations to strengthen its market position and expand beyond the traditional perception of NFTs. One of the most notable events was the partnership with McDonald’s in November 2024. As part of the “GM Spread Joy” campaign, Doodles illustrations appeared on over 100 million McCafe cups in the US. The partnership included not only physical products but also digital collectible giveaways, which enhanced the brand’s visibility in popular culture.
Another significant development was the creation of the animated series “Dullsville and the Doodleverse” in 2024. This project demonstrates Doodles’ ambitions to enter the multimedia entertainment market and strengthen its position in digital art. Doodles also collaborates with leading crypto companies and NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea, which helps the project maintain its popularity and attract new users.
- Funding
In September 2022, Doodles completed a Series A funding round, raising $54 million from major investors such as Seven Seven Six (a venture fund co-founded by Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian), FTX Ventures, and Acrew Capital. The project was valued at an impressive $704 million at the time. These funds were used to develop the project’s infrastructure, expand the team, and launch new products, including Doodles 2 — an updated collection offering more personalized and interactive features for users.
Thanks to successful investments and strategic partnerships, Doodles has moved beyond the traditional NFT market, transforming into a full-fledged brand that blends digital art, entertainment, and pop culture.
Utilities for Doodles Holders
Doodles is actively developing its ecosystem, offering unique utilities and opportunities to its holders. This not only strengthens the community but also stimulates long-term token ownership.
- Voting Rights in Project Governance
One of the key utilities is the ability to participate in decision-making regarding the project’s development. Doodles holders gain voting rights via the Doodlebank platform — a community treasury funded by secondary sales of the collection. This allows users to propose and vote on initiatives such as new collections, events, or educational programs. - Early Access to New Projects
Holders of original Doodles receive early access to new collections and ecosystem products. For example, the Doodles 2 collection allows users to personalize avatars with clothing, accessories, and animations. Early adopters receive unique items and bonuses. - Physical and Digital Merch
Doodles regularly releases exclusive merchandise available only to NFT holders. This includes clothing, accessories, and even collectible figurines. In addition to physical products, users gain access to digital items like stickers and animations for use on social media and messaging platforms. - Participation in Special Events
Doodles holders are invited to exclusive events. For instance, in 2022, Doodles hosted an event at Art Basel Miami, where Doodles 2 and a music collaboration with producer Pharrell Williams were announced. These events provide networking opportunities, a chance to meet the project team, and connect with other community members. - Financial Benefits from Ecosystem Participation
Each Doodles token represents a part of the ecosystem where holders can monetize their involvement. For example, rare Doodles are in high demand on the secondary market, and collectors gain access to auctions and other trading platforms. - Access to Multimedia Content
With the release of the “Dullsville and the Doodleverse” animated series, NFT holders can participate in its promotion and gain exclusive access to content, including new episodes, behind-the-scenes materials, and special projects.
Current Metrics of the Doodles Project
As of December 23, 2024, the Doodles collection ranks tenth in terms of sales volume on OpenSea, with 317,000 ETH in sales, which is equivalent to approximately $963.4 million.
Will Doodles Launch a Token?
In December 2024, Doodles co-founder Scott Martin (Burnt Toast) posted a message on social media X (formerly Twitter), where the first letters of each sentence formed the phrase “token coming soon.” This sparked speculation about the possible launch of the project’s own token.
Amidst these rumors, the minimum price of the Doodles collection rose from 4.3 ETH to 6.5 ETH, strengthening the project’s position among leading NFT collections, with a market cap of about $220 million.
Earlier, in March 2024, Doodles co-founder Jordan Castro (Poopie) stated that the project aims to go beyond being a traditional NFT project and become a leading media franchise. He emphasized that the team is focused on long-term growth and not on satisfying short-term speculative interests.
Meanwhile, the Pudgy Penguins project released its token PENGU, which initially saw significant price growth but later fell more than 50% after token distribution.
Considering these facts, if Doodles does launch its own token, its success will depend on the strategy for its introduction, the value it offers to holders, and the ability to avoid the mistakes made by other projects.
Conclusion
Doodles continues to amaze with its ambitions to capture not only the NFT world but also pop culture. From holiday McDonald’s cups to animated series — it seems the team is ready to turn every idea into success. And now, the rumors about a token are fueling even more interest.
For Doodles holders, it’s another reason to proudly say: “I was here when it all began!” And for those who are still unsure, remember: it’s better to buy Doodles now than later tell your friends how you missed out on yet another trend while sitting on the couch with a pack of chips. But don’t forget — in the crypto world, things can change faster than your cat’s mood.
So hold onto your Doodles tight, watch the animated series, and if the token does launch — maybe it will finally buy you that new couch!
Fun fact: Pharell Williams working with Doodles xD
