You should always support your kids and their natural talents. And if you nurture them, great things will happen. That’s what 9-year-old Joe Whale’s parents thought when they encouraged their son to keep drawing, even though he got into trouble for doodling during class.

They sent Joe to an after-school art class and his artistic abilities were quickly noticed by those around him. In fact, Joe was invited to decorate the dining room of the ‘Number 4’ restaurant in Shrewsbury, England. Now, Joe is known as The Doodle Boy and has his own website, as well as social media pages showing off his awesome art. Scroll down for Bored Panda’s interview with Joe’s dad Gregory!

More info: TheDoodleBoy.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram

9-year-old Joe Whale loves drawing, but he got in trouble for doodling in class…

Image credits: Bloom

All of his notebooks are covered in doodles

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Bored Panda spoke to Joe’s dad Greg about his son’s artistic talents. According to Greg, his son has ‘always’ loved drawing and “was added to the Gifted register in primary school aged 4.”

He added: “His identical twin brother Jesse was also added to the register.”

Joe’s parents sent him to an after-school drawing class. His teacher loved his art and shared it on Instagram

Image credits: Greg Whale

The 9-year-old’s drawings were immediately noticed by the ‘Number 4’ restaurant staff

Image credits: Greg Whale

Greg also revealed how long it took Joe to finish his drawings on the dining room walls in the restaurant. “Joe spent about 12 hours illustrating the wall.”

What’s more, Greg had some advice for parents who want to encourage their kids to develop their talents: “I would advise parents to encourage their children to always follow their passion and dreams — research local workshops or groups within your local community.”

They invited him to decorate the restaurant’s dining room

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Joe’s dad drives him to draw in the restaurant after school

Image credits: Greg Whale

When their kids get into trouble for something at school, some parents tend to shut that behavior down. However, others know how to recognize a talent that needs creative space to flourish, so they give them what they need.

Many an artist would love the creative freedom that Joe’s been given

Image credits: Greg Whale

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Joe’s teacher recognized his talent and posted his work on Instagram. His drawings caught the eye of the ‘Number 4’ restaurant which asked him to come over and decorate their walls with his doodles. Now, his dad drives him there so he can draw his heart out. Who knew that drawing in an after-class program would lead Joe to get his first job at barely 9 years old?

Image credits: Greg Whale

Image credits: Greg Whale

“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,” Joe’s dad Greg told the media. “I asked Joe and he, of course, leaped at the chance to do it so we have been going there after school where for a couple of hours a night he’ll put his creativity on their wall.”

Joe is now known as The Doodle Boy and has his own website, as well as social media profiles

Image credits: Caters

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

The amount of imagination that went into the drawings is inspiring

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

Image credits: Caters

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

He continued: “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.”

Joe is on his way to becoming a professional artist

Image credits: The Doodle Boy

According to Self-Sufficient Kids, it’s incredibly important to embrace whatever talents, ambitions, goals, dreams, and desires your children might have. Even if what they excel at doesn’t match your vision of their future.

Joe’s family is incredibly supportive

Image credits: Greg Whale

What’s more, parents have to learn to differentiate between when their child is uninterested in something and when they find an activity too tough and need encouragement, as well as support.

Here’s what people had to say when they saw Joe’s story

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