10 Minutes With … Big Head Bob on Highlighting Inclusivity10 Minutes With … Big Head Bob on Highlighting Inclusivity

David Bradley champions diversity through his character, Big Head Bob.

Barbara Smith , Digital Editor

May 17, 2024

3 Min Read
David Bradley.
David Bradley.Big Head Bob

Heading to Licensing Expo, the creator of Big Head Bob speaks with License Global about trends and partnerships. 

License Global: Can you share some background on Big Head Bob? 

Bradley: This is a character I have been drawing since childhood. His oversized head symbolizes the diverse nature of our physical and mental attributes. Three months into the pandemic my brother welcomed a baby, sparking my inspiration to craft uplifting content for my nephew. Bob’s mission is to bridge cultures and communities through mindful education and entertainment. As Big Head Bob gained traction on social media, I welcomed feedback from parents, friends, teachers, mental health experts and students, shaping an all-inclusive universe. He guides us in identifying and transforming our weaknesses into strengths.  

What trends do you see for kid IPs in the next year?  

We see a significant trend in parents and educators increasing their concern for the mental well-being of children. We hear them asking for fun, accessible tools and toys that support kids with social-emotional learning. Big Head Bob books address this need by encouraging positive mental health through humor. Our approach integrates age-appropriate practices endorsed by mental health experts, spanning art, communication, exercise and more. Big Head Bob's impact extends across 1,000 classrooms in the States, Canada and Australia, promoting mindfulness in a playful manner.  

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What do you look for in a licensing partner?  

Someone that shares our vision of creating tools that spread positivity and kindness through art and merchandise. Fortunately, we’ve been identified as a social-emotional learning tool for kids. Due to Big Head Bob being transparent and having no religion or ethnicity, everyone can relate to his stories. In a short period of time, we have produced books in seven languages, two games, a school curriculum, 160-plus YouTube videos, four songs, a vast college internship program and had amazing events with schools, after-school programs, festivals and more. I am looking for a partner that wants to create lasting memories that will make a big impact in helping our youth and therefore our planet.  

How do you identify those potential partners?  

Great question. Luckily, working in entertainment I have an A-plus team of support and mentors who can help guide me. This includes our amazing licensing agent, Alison Wallace, friends who work at or have worked at The Simpsons, Happy Madison, E! News, among others. It’s important that we collaborate with as many people as possible. As I grow from a self-published author into whatever is next, we need partners who share our vision of creative inclusivity and understand how powerful this project is and will be.  

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What excites you most about creating new collaborations?  

Where do I start? We are looking for collaborations in publishing, merchandising, representation, gaming and of course, television/streaming. I have been able to connect with people in all these categories so far to create the Big Head Bob experience. What excites me most about Licensing Expo is that instead of having 170 contracts on Upwork with individuals, I will have contracts with the biggest companies in the world. This is the opportunity I am ready for.   

What can we expect from Big Head Bob for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025?  

Something big is here. Come visit our booth #F236 and we’ll tell you about it.   

About the Author

Barbara Smith

Digital Editor , License Global

Barbara Smith is a Digital Editor for License Global. Based in the U.S., while Barbara's remit is general news coverage, she enjoys focusing on apparel, travel and social media throughout North America. Barbara loves all things fashion, fitness and food!

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