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Andy Evans aka Doddz – otherwise known as his online alter ego Doddz – is considered to be one of the best augmented reality creators in the UK, if not the world.
After a difficult childhood and school experience – Andy has severe dyslexia – he picked up graphic design and leapt into a world he felt comfortable in. A world where he defied the odds – a phrase that would later influence the name Doddz.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book technology augmented reality creator Andy Evans aka Doddz for your next event.
Having only been diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 16, Andy Evans struggled with all schooling, being put in a lower set class and told he wouldn’t amount to much. He was surrounded by teachers who would belittle him and discourage him, not realising he was actually having difficulties reading. This treatment followed him through life and inspired his “Defy the Oddz” method, breaking down barriers and believing there are no limitations to achieving your goal.
Andy Evans was determined to work at businessman Steven Bartlett’s Social Chain, a worldwide, innovative social media agency. With no formal training or videography skills, Andy taught himself and eventually became Steven’s videographer. Being this close to him meant Andy quickly picked up a lot of excellent business advice.
After working for Steven, he launched his own graphic design company, GG, where he put on a 10-day exhibition in Solihull, seeing 400% more visitors pass through than average and selling all bar three items of artwork.
Andy developed his skills and founded the Virtual Art Space, a media house working on augmented reality projects such as custom jackets,
He began making custom jackets that came to life using augmented reality, which led to Andy building up a very impressive list of clients. Andy has worked with boxer Anthony Joshua, singers Drake and Doja Cat, comedians James Corden and Russell Howard, media personality Logan Paul and former basketball player Shaquille O’Neil. He has also partnered with Adidas, Amazon, Boohoo, Coachella Festival, Disney, Dior, Facebook, FIFA, Gymshark, HBO, Meta, Puma, Snapchat, Sony, TikTok, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Andy participated in London Fashion Week, collaborating with Snapchat to produce a fashion show with a difference. The 150 attendees held their phones up to models to reveal his collection of digital streetwear. The aim was to highlight the damage to the environment the fashion world does and inspire talks about sustainability. He aims to continue collaborating with big brands to promote the use of AR in education and innovation.
Through his Doddz Academy, Andy offers courses and workshops on Augmented Reality, designed to share simple steps and improve global AR skills. The idea for the academy was influenced by his own frustration in learning about AR when he didn’t have the education to support him. Through the academy, Andy hopes to inspire new creators clearly and concisely. His skills have seen him named as one of TechRound’s 29 Under 29 Entrepreneurs.
In 2020, Andy created a 13-minute TEDx talk following 13 years of life, speaking about his “Defy the Oddz” message, how to start a business, how to be a successful entrepreneur, how to defy expectations, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.
– Technology
– STEM
– Augmented Reality
– Fashion
– Dyslexia
– Diversity and Inclusion