Doodle Artist’s Film Details Psychotic Episode

A documentary film, currently being screened at cinemas and festivals, features a Kent-based doodle artist discussing a psychotic episode he experienced. Sam Cox, recognized professionally as Mr Doodle, gained widespread recognition subsequent to adorning his entire Tenterden residence with his distinctive doodle art. The movie, titled *The Trouble with Mr Doodle*, delves into his intense preoccupation with doodling as well as his individual challenges. He stated that “people just see the positive parts of what I do as that’s what I share on social media, but this film goes into all the intricacies and the dark parts of my life”. Mr Doodle’s global renown significantly increased once his social media videos accumulated millions of views. He recounted: “I had a psychotic episode, the difficulties I had with Mr Doodle taking over.” He added, “I lost sense of reality. I didn’t know where I was or who I was.” Andrea Cox, his mother, remarked in the documentary: “As a mother the worst fear you have is of losing a child. “Losing him mentally was just as scary. “I think that Sam found himself caught up in a nightmare somewhere in some land that he had no control over.” By 2020, Mr Doodle had achieved the distinction of being the world’s fifth most successful artist under the age of 40 in auction sales. He commented: “People might feel drawing is the problem. But really for me it was the solution. “It wasn’t drawing that made me lose my mind. It was trying to separate work from any other part of my life.” In 2023, Mr Doodle created a 16m-high (52ft) doodle on the exterior of a multi-storey car park situated in Ashford, Kent. Regarding his personal challenges, he stated that they “could happen to anyone in any field of work, really”. He further added: “I feel like I was born to draw. But I am a human being.” He concluded, “I realised that I need Mr Doodle as part of my life.” Individuals impacted by the subjects discussed in this report can seek assistance via the BBC Action Line. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.