Doddz

Starting at Staffordshire

Doddz, a name now synonymous with innovation and creative talent, traces his journey back to his days as a student at University of Staffordshire. Graduating with a degree in Graphic Design in 2016, Doddz embarked on a path that would see him carve out a unique role in the world of digital art and augmented reality (AR). His time at University of Staffordshire provided him with a solid foundation in design principles and sparked his curiosity for pushing the boundaries of creativity.

After graduating, Doddz made the decision to move to Manchester to pursue his dreams. While working part-time at a marketing agency, he had ambitions of venturing into uncharted territories, fuelled by a drive to make a mark in the industry. It was during this period that fate intervened in the form of a fortunate encounter with Steven Bartlett, the charismatic entrepreneur known for his role on BBC’s Dragon's Den.

 

Standing Out from the Crowd

Doddz's collaboration with Steven Bartlett marked a turning point in his career trajectory. Despite lacking prior experience as a videographer, Doddz's out-of-the-box thinking caught Steven's attention. In a bold move that would foreshadow his future actions, Doddz crafted a giant inflatable fish accompanied by a video pitch, showcasing his creative flair and vision. “I bribed the building manager Tony with four beers to let me fly a 6ft remote controlled inflatable fish through the front door with a memory stick attached to it, which contained a video of me explaining why I felt Steve should be vlogging every day and why I was the person to do that. I also said I was looking for a business mentor. That led to a trial, then they offered me the job the same day. I quit my job and started filming Steve for the next three years.”

This gesture not only secured him a place on Steven's team but also laid the foundation for a rich collaboration that would shape Doddz's journey. As Doddz immersed himself in various creative pursuits, from pottery to oil painting, it was augmented reality that emerged as his true forte. With a talent for blending digital elements into the physical world, Doddz captivated audiences, and his work caught the eye of renowned brands such as Dior, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger, setting the stage for a series of high-profile collaborations that would propel him to international recognition.

 

Collaboration King

Doddz's rise as a leading figure in the realm of augmented reality was marked by a number of prestigious collaborations. From serving as the Artist in Residence for Twitch to partnering with iconic fashion houses and global brands, Doddz's portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects that showcase his creative talent. Together with his partner, Steph, affectionately referred to as the "Head of Happiness," Doddz has cultivated a dynamic creative partnership that fuels their collective vision for pushing boundaries and inspiring others.

Despite his rise, Doddz remains grounded in his roots, sometimes returning to University of Staffordshire to witness the next generation of talent first hand at the Degree Show. From his humble beginnings in university halls to travelling the world in pursuit of artistic excellence, Doddz's journey showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and creative collaboration. As he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, Doddz serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

Course studied

Graphic Design

Year of graduation

2016