Sam Cox, famously known as Mr Doodle, is a British artist whose lively, intricate doodles have captivated millions around the globe. Renowned for his signature style, which he dubs "graffiti spaghetti," Cox's work features bold, interlocking patterns populated by whimsical characters, smiley faces, animals, and geometric forms. His art exudes a sense of playful spontaneity, reminiscent of Keith Haring's bold lines, yet focuses purely on fun and joy, avoiding political or social commentary.
The Origins of Mr Doodle
Born in 1994 in Kent, England, Sam Cox's passion for doodling emerged early in childhood. His obsession with covering surfaces began with sketchbooks, later extending to his clothes, hats, and even walls. During his time at the University of the West of England in Bristol, where he studied illustration, his professors affectionately nicknamed him "Mr Doodle" after he showed up in outfits adorned with his hand-drawn patterns. This moniker became central to his artistic persona.
Cox's breakthrough came in 2017 when a video of him doodling the interior of a vacant London shop went viral, capturing the imagination of viewers worldwide. By 2018, a solo exhibition at the Ara Art Center in Seoul solidified his popularity, particularly in Asia, where he is represented by the prominent dealer Pearl Lam.
Mr Doodle's Unique Art Style
Mr Doodle’s artwork is instantly recognisable for its dense, interconnected patterns. His imaginative "graffiti spaghetti" style weaves together countless characters and motifs, creating a sense of movement and energy. The influence of comics, cartoons, and street art is evident, yet Cox's work is distinct in its childlike wonder and humour. Notably, he avoids repeating characters within a single piece, challenging himself to create fresh, dynamic designs each time.
The Mr Doodle House
One of Cox's most ambitious projects is the transformation of his Kent mansion into the "Mr Doodle House." Purchased in 2020, the property has been entirely covered—inside and out—in his signature black-and-white doodles. From the walls and ceilings to everyday objects like toasters, every inch of the house serves as a canvas for his creativity.
The project required staggering amounts of materials, including 900 litres of white paint, 401 cans of black spray paint for the exterior, 286 bottles of black drawing paint for the interior, and over 2,200 pen nibs. This immersive masterpiece reflects Cox's commitment to bringing his doodle universe to life.
Auction Highlights and Exhibitions
Mr Doodle's work has achieved remarkable success in the art market, earning widespread attention from collectors and auction houses. Notable auction results include the sale of Big Kitty (2019) at Sotheby’s in April 2022, which fetched an impressive £650,000 (US$802,902). His painting Spring (2019) also made headlines in 2020 when it sold for nearly £800,000, just months after his work debuted on the secondary market.
Cox’s exhibitions have spanned major cities like London and Seoul, with collaborations and commissions for brands such as MTV, Adidas, Fendi, Puma, and Samsung further boosting his global profile.
