Mulga the artist X Soomom
Words: Joel Moore & Charlie Coquillard | Pictures: Charlie Coquillard
Mulga the artist is a well-known Sydney figure. With his crazy designs and colourful animal drawings, he is everywhere — from the Bondi beach mural to your local Westfield, the neighbourhood school, or the vast Kings Cross building.
We've decided to partner up with the Shire artist for our first Exclusive limited edition collection. Dive more in-depth into the world of Mulga, and don't forget to snatch one of the limited edition jerseys.
How did Mulga go from Finance to Drawing for Coca Cola and Samsung?
“I was working in financial planning for over ten years, and at some point, I realised that's not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was always drawing in notebooks and on post-it notes at work. I had a stall at Bondi Markets for around 2 years while still in my day job. The same year I painted a mural at the Seawall in Bondi — that helped me get noticed. One thing leads to another and after hustling for many years I'm now at a point where opportunities pop into my inbox.”
What type of work do you like doing the most?
“I like murals because they are big scale and can have a significant impact. I also really love putting art on products such as streetwear — I like the practical aspect. People get to use it, wear it, and do stuff with my art on their back. That's why I enjoy collaborating with cool brands that create products people can use.”
I enjoy collaborating with cool brands that create products people can use.
What’s your favourite animal to draw?
“One of the first animals I got into drawing were gorillas. I saw a massive one at Taronga zoo one day, and he inspired me. I go through phases — gorillas, flamingos, pink dolphins, orangutans, unicorns. Sometimes someone asks me to do something, and it clicks with me.”
Do you have a dream project?
“I'd like to have a theme park like Disneyland one day, maybe it could be called MULGALAND. When you've got a theme park, you know you've made it.”
Have you ever got onto a road bike?
“I've got a hybrid bike that I rode from my house to my office job back when I had an office job. It's pretty nice — it can go on the road but also off the road.”