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In Artist Interviews

Featured Artist – Mike Watt

Graffiti mural of a man with a cap and hoodie at Blackbook Ink.

Featured Artist – Mike Watt

Red and black graffiti-style art of faces with 'Hello My Name Is Was' text.

Graffiti mural of a man with a cap and hoodie at Blackbook Ink.

Firstly who are you and where & how did you grow up?

My names Mike Watt and I grew up in the Northern Beaches. I grew up being a toy, I painted quite a bit but unfortunately it was all super trash. They’re important years though, everyone is bad at the start, some people are shitter for longer so you got to keep going till you get through it. Also to figure out your strengths. I’m really average at piecing so after years of trying I started focussing solely on characters which was definitely the better way to go.

How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?

I guess seeing that putting in work pays off. My stuff isn’t too related to traditional graffiti nowadays but I think those experiences and my appreciation for it are definitely still there and shaped how my work looks today. 

When/How did you know you wanted to be a artist?

I never stopped drawing from being a kid but I started piecing in 2000. I’ve painted on and off but I never stopped drawing. I rarely go a day without drawing at least something. I fill up way too many black books.

How did you learn to do what you do?

The main way is keeping at it. I think no matter how good a teacher is the only way to really get good at something is doing it yourself over and over again, also looking at your work, figuring out if it’s getting better or worse and what the weak points are that you could improve on. 

What is your dream project?

A full length animated movie that I write and direct. 

street artist mike watt

Creative Mickey Mouse illustration with a human face and smoking cigarette by Blackbook Ink.

Your favourite or most inspirational project/location you have painted?

I have a zine series, the first is called Super Ugly, the second is Double Ugly and the third and final one, which I’m finally working on at the moment, will be called Dead Ugly. It’s about a whole bunch of weird characters that are linked together. It’s easy for me to get distracted and make lots of separate bits and pieces but the stuff I’m most proud of are the big projects. Obviously heaps more work but so much more rewarding when they come out right. 

And my favourite location was the big orange House of Sins face piece I painted with HOS on the Sydenham line. Apparently the factory got knocked down but it was up for years which is always nice, fun day with a bunch of legends. 

What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art? 

I’m influenced mostly by people who make great work in any creative field, like movies, comics, cartoons, stand up… music. Anything done well really gets me excited about making my own stuff.

But I’d say art wise some people who had a big impact on me growing up are Robert Crumb, Exit KOC, Jack Kirby and Jamie Hewlett.

Did this help guide you to where you are today?

I try to avoid being influenced by other peoples work but I think those guys definitely seeped into my brain.

What are your personal goals now and in the future as a professional artist?

The next one, probably after I finish Dead Ugly, is to release a full length graphic novel. It’s going to be a tun of work but I think it will be a real positive challenge that hopefully turns out well.

Graffiti mural of Queen Elizabeth with crown and scepter by Blackbook Ink.

Colourful graffiti mural with distorted faces at Blackbook Ink tattoo studio.

Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I have collaborated quite a bit over the years but lately I’m really enjoying being a hermit with my cats and working by myself. I think I’ll probably get sick of that soon and go back to collaborating, it’s probably a good thing to mix it up every few years, stops the process going too stale.

What direction do you feel your art is going?

The main thing I want is, to keep improving. That’s a real thing for me, trying to get better. For a while I felt like my work was staying at the same level and I was getting really bored with it, I feel like it’s a bit pointless if you aren’t improving. I finally got over a bit of a hurdle and feel like it’s improving again so I’m loving drawing and painting again. More details, angels, scenes.. Just trying to continue to add to what I do. 

Whats your thoughts about graffiti and street art as there is that tension between the two?

I really hate that there’s tension between the two. I feel like it’s not going to get better, some people are angry that people are painting street art, and on the other side some people aren’t respectful of graffiti. I think it would make more sense being angry at corporations putting awful graphics and advertisements everywhere then getting angry at an individual trying to put something on a wall for themselves. 

If you could share a message with the next generation of graffiti/street artists, what would it be?

Read Subway art, watch Style Wars, learn the history, be respectful, be as good as you can be keep getting better, don’t cap what you can’t burn and don’t bite.

There any up and coming artists that we should keep an eye out for?

To be honest I’m shit with following other peoples art and I don’t really know what’s going on.

Any shouts out you you would like to give?

Shout out to Lonnie Walker IV. 

Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.

 

You can find more of Mike Watt work at:

Instagram – @mike_watt

Website – mikewatt.org

Graffiti mural of a man with a cap and hoodie at Blackbook Ink.

Dont forget to check out the blog for other interviews with artists such as:

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In Artist Interviews

Featured Artist – Paul Deej

Vibrant street art mural by Blackbook Ink featuring a woman with long hair.

Featured Artist – Paul Deej

perth local artist

Where & how did you grow up and how do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?

I grew up in the northern suburbs of Perth, and there were a lot of older crews and writers around, although I didn’t do much of that myself I always looked up to the graffiti artists. The interest in the graffiti scene as well as comic books led me to keep practising to become a better artist.

When/How did you know you wanted to be an artist/graffiti writer?

As soon as I could hold a pencil I was drawing, first copying comic books like Garfield and Footrot Flats. So my future as an artist was set early. I always had an interest in street art/graffiti but I didn’t pick up a can again until my early 30’s.

How did you learn to do what you do?

I am mostly self taught, I went to TAFE in WA and have an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design and Multimedia, majoring in illustration. I learned to spray paint through trial and error and a lot of practise, getting tips from more experienced artists along the way.

How long have you been a professional artist?

I have been an illustrator for 15 years, and a street artist/gallery artist for 6 years.

What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art? Did this help guide you to where you are today?

My first major influences were from the comic book 2000AD, names like Steve Bisley, Kevin Walker, Greg Staples etc. While growing up I was a big fan of local graff artists Showbiz, Shime & Dash. I am also influenced by hip hop culture and Marvel comics which I think shows in my work.

paul deej

What are your specialty skills in the field(s) of work you are in? Why do you enjoy them the most?

I am happy to use any medium but my favourite is definitely aerosol. It is really satisfying and quick using spray paint.

What are your personal goals now and in the future as an artist?

At the moment my goals are to paint overseas and just continue to paint murals for a living.

What are some of your most prestigious honours, awards, achievements, and renown clients?

I have worked for companies like Westfield, Stockland, Audi, Sharpies, Ray Bans etc, and I have won “Best Album Art” 3 times for my Australian Hip hop cover art.

What’s the biggest misconception other people have of artists in your field(s) of expertise?

That what I do is ‘graffiti’, I am often explaining to people the difference between what I do (street art) and graffiti art.

Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I like to work alone in my own little world of music and paint. I like to paint socially but I don’t get much chance to do that while working on huge walls. I usually set myself ridiculous deadlines, I seem to produce better work under pressure.

Why is it important for you to be a freelance artist other than a commercial artist?

I like to make my own rules and hours, and I have a family so I need to be flexible.

What software / equipment do you work with and for how long have you used it?

I do digital illustration in Photoshop, and I like to use Molotow paint markers, acrylics with brushes, and my favourite spray paint to use is MTN94.

What do you hope to achieve with your art form other than just making income?

It sounds corny but I like to make people happy with my art, I think its pretty cool when you make someones day a bit better while I am painting on the street.

Why are you better suited to work with (a particular client) rather than someone else of the same field of expertise?

The experience I have as a designer and following briefs while running my own business. I can create any kind and style of art professionally with any medium, and I have a lot of experience with large scale murals.

Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.

  • Street art mural of a woman at Blackbook Ink tattoo studio in Australia.
  • Vibrant graffiti mural at Blackbook Ink featuring a skull, airplane, and bull in a workshop setting.
  • Colorful beach mural featuring a woman with an afro playing guitar at sunset.
  • Colorful mural of a woman with flowing hair and sunglasses at Blackbook Ink.
  • Portrait of a bearded man with styled hair on red background.
  • Vibrant dance-themed mural at Blackbook Ink studio in Australia.
  • Vibrant mural of two women in front of a restaurant, painted by Blackbook Ink.
  • Colorful mural of a bird with swirling patterns at Blackbook Ink studio.

You can find more of Paul Deej’s work at:

Instagram : @deej_artist

Facebook: PaulDeej

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In Artist Interviews

Featured Artist – Gimiks Born

Vibrant graffiti mural featuring a girl with a hood and a dagger on a brick wall.

Colorful mural featuring a woman with a horned helmet and swirling red and blue background.

Gimiks Born

Featured Artist

 

Recently we caught up with the Gimiks Born who is a artist, muralist, illustrator and a tattooist out of Brisbane Australia.

Where & how did you grow up and how do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?

 I spent the first seven years of my life in New Zealand, my parents worked on a dairy farm so I kept busy tending to my various pets, which included a calf and a goat . Then my family made the move to Brisbane, Australia. At first, I hated it. I had no friends and spent most of time on my own drawing and reading comics in the school library. By the time I got to high school we had moved again (locally) but I was lucky enough to meet a few locals who were keen on skateboarding. Once I started skateboarding, I began making life-long friends, my confidence grew and so to did my creativity.  The enjoyment of skateboarding really highlighted my need to pursue the other enjoyable outlets in my life, at the top of this list was art.  After I left high school the world changed – the internet began, computers advanced and a program called Photoshop was fuelling the need for Graphic Design courses. I signed up, determined to make a living of my art, I wanted to work doing what I love and what I know how to do – create. The world has really affected my journey towards being an artist, technology, the appreciation of creative expression and  social media. It is an exciting time for art and creatively, I feel very lucky to be a part of what I think is a creative revolution.

When/How did you know you wanted to be an artist/graffiti writer? 

I knew from an early age that I was an artist, drawing epic characters on the school chalk board was a give-away. A career in any other field other than art would have been bitterly unfulfilling, not being an artist wasn’t an option.  I had a lot of knocks and blows along the way, moments of self doubt, I devalued my art and struggled to keep going but I’m so grateful I pushed through. Graffiti was introduced to me by my homie Mystik, he encouraged me to give it a go, my first pieces were terrible, but I didn’t let that stop me. Again, it was timely that graffiti art was becoming appreciated around the world and was growing in popularity as I was growing my skills. As my confidence grew I wanted to do murals that were bigger and better, fortunately for me opportunities were growing and there was and still an appreciation for that type of art.

How did you learn to do what you do?

My artistic ability is a natural talent but it came with a lot of practice, dedication and hard work. When starting doing big murals, I was lucky enough to be able to paint alongside heads that had been doing it for a while, people who were keen to share some knowledge.  Again, learning to do murals came down to practice and confidence, which come hand-in-hand.

How long have you been a professional artist?  

It wasn’t until about three years ago that I began to class myself as a “professional artist”. Being a professional artist comes with a bit of business know-how, the confidence to take chances and the ability to say no. This takes practice. You also need a lot of patience.

What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art? Did this help guide you to where you are today? 

A love of comics and illustrative story telling have influenced my art a lot. Since having my children my art and my artistic perspective has changed greatly, they are a huge inspiration for me. 

What are your specialty skills in the field(s) of work you are in? Why do you enjoy them the most? 

I’m  a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Muralist and I recently got my Diploma of Interactive Design, majoring in gaming – this will allow me to turn characters into animations and 3D models. My specialty is that I have developed a range of skills that I can use interchangeably. I enjoy the fact that I can create, design and take my art to another dimension. 

What are your personal goals now and in the future as an artist? 

My personal goals are to keep to learning and adapt with changes in technology. I would like to paint progressively bigger murals with more of a narrative impact. I want to collaborate on projects with some insanely creative people. One day I would like to turn some of my concepts into a playable games.

What’s the biggest misconception other people have of artists in your field(s) of expertise? 

That we aren’t professional business people who are effectively managing functional business operations. Or, the style of art is borderline vandalism. The latter is changing, more people of all ages and backgrounds are embracing street art. 

Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…) 

At the moment I work alone, not as a preference but out of necessity. Once I have a brief I will mock up a concept in photoshop, to scale – using the dimensions of the wall. If the client is happy I will create a more detailed design – this helps with my paint order. Once I start the mural I will sketch the whole design on the wall – using my conceptual as reference. Then I fill with colour and detail.

gimiks16

Skeletons enjoying beach activities with vibrant sunset background.

Why is it important for you to be a freelance artist other than a commercial artist?

 For me personally, I need creative leverage.  I desire some influence over a design as I like to incorporate narratives, my own style and colour palette. I’ve had experience working under restricted creative direction and I can’t say I enjoyed it in comparison to freelance. I like working on projects where the client trusts my ability and gives me flexibility. With art, everyone has an opinion but sometimes it’s best to let the experts do their thing.

What software / equipment do you work with and for how long have you used it? 

I predominantly use the Adobe Creative Suite, and Photoshop is the tool I use most. I have about 12 years under my belt with it now.  After completing my gaming course I’m getting into Zbrush, 3DS Max and Unity Game engine. Theres just way too much to learn and not enough time!

What do you hope to achieve with your art form other than just making income?

 I want to pass on the skills that I’ve learnt to the generations that follow. I want my children to be proud.

Why are you better suited to work with (a particular client) rather than someone else of the same field of expertise?

 Every client is different with different needs, outcomes and expectations. Some might require an artist with more experience, others have a particular style they are looking for. Art is very personal and everyone has a preference, the same conditions apply when employing an artist to work on a project. My art might be better suited as a matter of preference or experience. 

Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.

You can find more of Gimiks Born work of his work at @gimiksborn

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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In Artist Interviews

Featured Artist – Nico

Artist drawing intricate black and white mural at Blackbook Ink studio.

Artist painting a large black and white tribal-style animal mural.

Featured Artist – Nico

BBINK: Where & how did you grow up and how do you think this affected you on your journey towards being a street artist?

I grew up near Hornsby and was always interested in art. When I was a little kid I was always drawing stuff. I hated sports and instead would sit inside drawing. I remember seeing some graffiti in American magazines and videos. This captivated me as a young teen, I started noticing what little graffiti there was in my local area which.

In my teens I started painting graffiti. It was more of a social activity that I just did with mates to pass the time and have fun. I think this early experience in painting walls and art definitely, lead my progression to doing what I do now. Even though it’s completely different.

BBINK: When/How did you know you wanted to be a street artist?

To be honest I still don’t know. It was just something that sort of happened without me ever planning for it.

BBINK: How did you learn to do what you do?

Making art as a child lead me to develop lots of important skills. Painting walls as a teenager taught me how to use spray paint. Like everyone else at the time we had to use poor quality paint and stock nozzles. Which I think is something that kids today miss out on. It gave me a better understanding of how spray paint works and I am thankful for that. I learned a lot of tips as a kid from people that I painted with and still continue to learn from other painters today.

BBINK: How long have you been a professional artist?

I’ve been living off of art and design ever since I left school 13 years ago. It’s all that I have ever done and I’m grateful for that.

Vibrant sunflower wall art by Blackbook Ink in a tattoo studio setting.

BBINK: Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art? Did this help guide you to where you are today?

I am inspired by artists and designers of many different disciplines. I love traditional Eastern European folk art. In particular I attribute a lot of my aesthetic to this. My influences come from many of my peers over my life, but  there have been a couple that have helped me shape my art to what it is today – Doose (RIP) was an integral part in teaching me the ropes when I started painting walls and gave me the foundation for my art. My brother Perks inspired me and has always been my partner in making art and this has been important to me. Phibs has been a huge inspiration to me and I continue to learn from him. His skill and dedication to his art is something that has always inspired me.

BBINK: What are your specialty skills in the field of work you are in? Why do you enjoy them the most? 

A lot of my work is decorative and pattern based. I enjoy making art that is decorative.  My love of traditional folk art comes from a variety of different cultures. This has shaped my public art making practice. I consider myself to be following the ancient traditions of folk artists. Who painted murals rather than being a “street artist” by the modern definition.

BBINK: What are your personal goals now and in the future as an artist?

My only goals are to enjoy myself and grow as an artist. Each day we live is a gift and I am happy to be able to do what I love.

BBINK: What are some of your most prestigious honors, awards, achievements, and renown clients? 

Over the years I have been lucky enough to have done some jobs for big clients. As well as exhibited and published in books all around the world. In my mind, the most rewarding pieces of art that I have made are the ones that people enjoy. I have done artworks for collectors before and they just get locked away in vast collections. I find nothing more satisfying than handing a sketch to a young artist or member of the pubic. As it then actually means something to them.

 BBINK: What’s the biggest misconception other people have of  street artists?

That they are not artists.

 BBINK: Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I like to have a rough idea for a wall before I start painting but then just let the wall kind of paint itself. This is my favourite type of painting as it’s a bit of an adventure for me too.

BBINK: What software / equipment do you work with and for how long have you used it?

When i’m making murals I generally just use spray paint.

BBINK: What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I hope to keep growing as an artist and continue to enjoy art making. I also hope to bring people in the community happiness through art.

BBINK: Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing more of your amazing work!

  • Vibrant dragon mural painted on rooftop wall with cityscape background.
  • Colorful owl graffiti mural on garage door at Blackbook Ink.
  • Colorful mural art at Blackbook Ink studio in Australia.
  • Colorful abstract painting with swirling patterns in a modern living room.
  • Colourful owl mural with flowers on a white wall at Blackbook Ink.
  • Colorful geometric tattoo design by Nico on black background.
  • Vibrant graffiti mural on a small building with sliding glass door in outdoor setting.

You can find more of Nico’s work at https://www.artofnico.com/

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In Artist Interviews

Featured Artist – Puke

Colorful graffiti mural on a black wall at Blackbook Ink studio.

Graffiti mural by Puke on outdoor wall, vibrant colors and bold design.

BBINK: Where & how did you grow up and how do you think this affected you on your journey towards being a  graffiti writer?

I grew up in Port Stephens.. In my home town there were 2 pieces I remember from 87-88 (scene & topcat). The next piece I saw was on a 1/4 pipe skate ramp we bought off a mate (I’m pretty sure my mates older brothers were responsible for the topcat piece).. That’s the first memories I have of graff. From that point I have always looked at graffiti with curiosity and an open mind.. But I was a good kid back then….

BBINK: When/How did you know you wanted to be an artist/graffiti writer? 

Ummm, I didn’t think of graff as art when I started. My first experiences doing graffiti were a lot of fun. In fact more fun than any other experience I had at this stage in my life..  I started tagging with markers and shoe polish with my brother (R.I.P) and some friends…. This quickly escalated to raiding our dads garage for spray paint, then we started racking paint and bombing the streets (92-93). So it’s at this stage I was hooked on the excitement, adrenalin, and doing something that was different from regular humans.

BBINK:  How did you learn to do what you do?

 The first person to take some time out for me and give me some pointers was Tunz. I was pretty clueless about piecing before I met him, he showed me proportions, balance and structure… I guess he laid the foundations. Things moved quickly after I moved to Sydney and met Jiesk, who took me to the next level, along with Krush we all focused on our letter structures. 

 BBINK:  How long have you been a graffiti writer? 

24 years of graffiti! Still got plenty left in me

BBINK: What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art? Did this help guide you to where you are today?

My friends have always been the biggest part of who I am as a writer, it’s my friends who continue to inspire me in different ways. Jiesks style and dedication commands respect and is my single biggest influence   Krush helped me develop my style too.. All my friends have been and continue to be a massive inspiration- Sekt, Shine, Tuns and Kawps all in different ways. Melbourne is a big source for me too at the moment! So much history, so much talent, so much graffiti! It’s a very positive scene and has really inspired me to paint more. 

Colorful graffiti mural on a wall at Blackbook Ink studio in Australia.

BBINK: What are your specialty skills in the field(s) of work you are in? Why do you enjoy them the most?

I specialise in the fine arts of sinking piss. I enjoy it most

BBINK: What are your personal goals now and in the future as an artist?

I hope to achieve the perfect piece one day.  

BBINK: What’s the biggest misconception other people have of  graffiti artists?

The common misconception is that we cause damage when we paint! The fact is its paint; paint protects surfaces! As for trains, our spray paint doesn’t stick very well to glass and steel or shiny 2pac finished surfaces… So we (writers) get the blame for excessive train ticket prices..meanwhile our government just signed a $700 million deal with a Japanese company to take care of the myki ticketing system used on ‘ public’ transport system that’s actually privately owned by offshore companies… 

BBINK: Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I like to sketch a lot. I feel sketching is where my style develops the most. When I’m sketching I’m trying to achieve a fresh look, focusing on letter structures and the way they work with each other. To me fills, colours, neatness and effects only compliment a good outline. 

BBINK: In your opinion, what are some major changes that has happened within the graffiti scene since you started?

 First one is paint! The quality is much better and they are now very user friendly. This has made piecing easier than ever.. I also feel that as the paint was changing (It was late 90s when the first writers paint hit Aussie shores) styles and techniques changed/adapted to the new paint and nozzle systems. For example, ghost cap finals vs power plus push forward finals.. Each system slightly changed the way we paint.. Generally we paint larger pieces in  2016 compared to the nineties. 

Second is social media/internet. The Internet has increased exposure both of current and old pieces in all corners of the globe! It’s helped unite and strengthen the whole community of writers. 

BBINK: Do you feel like invented or developed something very unique yourself?

I’ve invented some words

BBINK: What would you say is the most important thing to you about graffiti?

Having fun! If you don’t enjoy it then you are doing it wrong!

 BBINK: Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work! 

Cheers blood! Keep up the good work

  • Colorful graffiti mural on wall showcasing urban street art style.
  • Vibrant graffiti artwork on a wall with spray paint cans in a parking lot.
  • Colorful graffiti mural with bold 3D lettering at Blackbook Ink studio.
  • Colorful graffiti mural on a black wall at Blackbook Ink studio.
  • Colorful graffiti mural on black brick wall at Blackbook Ink studio.
  • Vibrant graffiti artwork on tunnel wall with railway tracks in foreground.
  • Colorful graffiti mural on outdoor wall at Blackbook Ink studio.
  • Colorful graffiti artwork on train carriage in an urban setting.
  • Colorful graffiti mural on city wall at Blackbook Ink studio.
  • Vibrant tattoo artwork by Blackbook Ink in Australia.
  • Vibrant graffiti artwork on a city wall by Blackbook Ink.
  • Colorful graffiti mural with bold lettering and fierce face at Blackbook Ink studio.

Photos: @jieskie

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In Business & Commercial Murals

The Benefits of Office Murals in the Workplace

Contemporary office meeting room with wall art and glass partitions.

Office murals are becoming increasingly popular across businesses and corporate environments. What was once seen as a luxury is now being recognised as a valuable addition to the workplace.

As businesses evolve, creating an inviting and stimulating atmosphere in the workplace has become essential. Office murals serve as a visual representation of a company’s culture and values, impacting not just aesthetics but also employee engagement and productivity. By integrating vibrant designs, companies can foster a more dynamic and innovative environment that inspires creativity among their employees.

Many businesses underestimate the real impact that murals can have. Beyond aesthetics, they contribute to productivity, workplace culture, and overall employee experience.

Murals can also provide a sense of community within the workplace. For instance, a mural that highlights local landmarks or achievements can instill pride among employees, reminding them of their shared goals and collective identity. Furthermore, thematic murals can spark conversations, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

These outcomes are part of the broader benefits of murals seen across commercial, public, and educational spaces.

From subtle branding to a bold office graffiti feature wall, office murals can be tailored to match your company’s culture and space.

How Office Murals Can Ease Your Pain

Moreover, the process of selecting or commissioning a mural can itself be an engaging team-building activity, where employees contribute ideas or vote on designs that resonate with them. This not only makes the mural more meaningful but also deepens employees’ connection to their workplace.

Below is a brief explanation of how office murals can transform a workspace that might otherwise feel bland or uninspiring.

Integrating nature into office design has gained popularity, with studies showing that natural elements can enhance well-being. Murals featuring greenery or landscapes can create a calming atmosphere, counteracting the stress often associated with corporate environments.

Studies into workplace psychology  including research by Dr. Craig Knight from the University of Exeter, suggest that the design of a workspace can directly influence how people perform and feel.

The choice of colors in murals can influence mood and productivity. Warm colors like orange and yellow are known to stimulate creativity and energy, while cooler colors like blue can promote a sense of tranquility and focus. Thus, selecting the right color palette for murals is crucial in establishing the desired workplace atmosphere.

Murals in office environments have been linked to:

  • Increased creativity
  • Elevated productivity
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved morale
  • Stronger connection to the workplace

By introducing visual elements into a workspace, businesses can create environments that feel more engaging and less repetitive.

Additionally, murals can serve as a canvas for employees to express their creativity. Encouraging staff contributions can lead to unique designs that reflect the workforce’s diverse talents and backgrounds, further enhancing workplace culture.

Creating a Stronger Workplace Culture

This visual storytelling can be particularly effective for businesses looking to attract younger audiences who value authenticity and creativity in their workplaces. By showcasing stories through murals, companies can establish a narrative that resonates with clients and employees alike.

Office murals do more than improve how a space looks. They help communicate what a business stands for.

Furthermore, murals can also address social issues, making a powerful statement about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, murals that celebrate various cultures or advocate for social justice can help create a more inclusive workplace.

Murals can:

  • Reflect company values
  • Reinforce branding
  • Create a more welcoming environment
  • Encourage interaction between employees

Employees often report a higher level of satisfaction when working in spaces that feel considered and visually engaging.

The Impact on Clients & Visitors

Murals don’t just affect employees, they also influence how clients perceive your business.

Additionally, the emotional connection fostered by murals can lead to improved customer experiences. Clients are likely to feel more engaged and appreciated in a visually stimulating environment, which can facilitate better business relationships.

A well-designed mural can:

  • Create a strong first impression
  • Make your space more memorable
  • Act as a visual talking point

This can be especially important in offices where clients visit regularly.

See how this is applied in real spaces:
Corporate mural projects

Murals as a Long-Term Business Asset

Modern corporate office featuring Bitcoin mural and workstations in Sydney.

Vibrant graffiti mural of a sinister figure with flames in a modern office space.

Murals are not just a one-off visual upgrade, they are long-term assets.

As design trends shift, companies that invest in murals can stay relevant and visually appealing to clients and employees. This commitment to aesthetics can set a company apart from competitors and attract talent that values creativity in the workplace.

They can:

  • Improve employee experience
  • Strengthen brand identity
  • Enhance the overall environment

Unlike temporary design elements, murals become part of the workplace itself.

Explore more about
custom mural services

Colorful mural of a woman's face with a red bird in an office space.

technology graffiti art

How Murals Can Increase Engagement & Visibility

Ultimately, the strategic use of murals can enhance branding. By aligning mural themes with marketing strategies, businesses can create a cohesive brand message that resonates through visual storytelling, both internally and externally.

Many businesses also find that murals influence how people interact with their space.

Murals can:

  • Attract attention from outside the business
  • Encourage social media engagement
  • Create opportunities for organic exposure

Read more about how murals increase foot traffic

Why Businesses Are Investing in Murals Now

As workplaces continue to evolve, businesses are placing more focus on environments that support both productivity and culture. Office murals are becoming a key part of this shift, helping companies move away from generic spaces and towards more intentional, engaging design.

Murals offer a practical way to stand out, especially in competitive industries where brand perception matters. When combined with a clear concept and professional execution, they can transform not just the look of a space, but how people experience it on a daily basis.

commercial office art

street art canvas artworks

From Concept to Completion

At Blackbook Ink, we’ve worked with businesses to transform office spaces into environments that reflect their identity and values.

Each project is developed based on:

  • The client brief
  • The space
  • The intended outcome

Whether it’s a feature wall, full office mural, or custom artwork, the goal is to create something that adds lasting value.

Learn more about
our mural process

Office Murals Across Sydney

Businesses across Sydney are increasingly using murals to differentiate themselves and create more engaging environments.

Moreover, showcasing local artists in mural projects can strengthen community ties and reflect the company’s support for the arts. This partnership can enhance a company’s reputation and attract clients who share similar values.

View examples of
Sydney mural projects

Is an Office Mural Right for Your Business?

If you have a workspace that could benefit from a stronger visual identity, a mural can be an effective way to transform the environment.

To assess whether a mural is right for your business, consider conducting employee surveys to gather feedback on desired themes and styles. This inclusive approach ensures that the final mural resonates with the workforce, enhancing its effectiveness.

Explore our corporate mural services or get in touch to discuss your project.

Investing in high-quality murals can yield long-term benefits. With proper maintenance, murals can last for years, making them a cost-effective solution for enhancing office environments over time.

Ready to Transform Your Office Space?

Take the next step and consult with mural professionals to explore custom designs that align with your business’s vision. The right murals can not only transform your office space but also elevate your brand’s identity in the marketplace.

Get a Quote Today

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In Mural Guides & How-To

Benefits of Murals

Colorful mural of blue and yellow flowers at Blackbook Ink tattoo studio.

Why Invest in Street Art & Murals?

Street art and murals have evolved far beyond their early perception as something temporary or controversial. Today, they are recognised as a powerful tool for transforming spaces, engaging communities, and adding long-term value.

Across Australia, businesses, councils, and schools are increasingly investing in mural art  not just for aesthetics, but for measurable results.

If you’re considering a mural, understanding the real benefits can help you make the right decision.

Murals Transform Spaces Instantly

A professionally designed mural can completely change how a space is experienced.

Instead of blank or ageing walls, murals create a strong visual identity that draws attention and adds character.

For businesses, this often leads to:

  • Increased foot traffic
  • Stronger brand recognition
  • More social media engagement

If you’re looking to transform your space, explore our custom mural services

Proven Economic & Community Impact

Research into urban development shows that public art contributes to economic growth and stronger communities.

A study by Chanuki Seresinhe found that areas with more artistic activity often experience:

  • Increased property values
  • Growth in local businesses
  • Higher community engagement

This is one of the reasons governments and councils invest heavily in mural programs.

See how this applies locally through our community murals & public art projects

Colorful mural of an eagle with intricate patterns at Blackbook Ink.

Real Example – Sydney’s Street Art Programs

A strong example is the Perfect Match Program Marrickville.

This initiative connects artists with property owners to create murals across Sydney’s Inner West.

The results include:

  • Increased tourism and foot traffic
  • Cultural activation of local areas
  • Ongoing economic benefits

View similar outcomes in our public art case studies

Murals Help Reduce Graffiti & Vandalism

One of the most overlooked benefits of murals is their ability to deter graffiti.

High-quality, respected artwork often:

  • Discourages tagging
  • Improves how the space is treated
  • Reduces ongoing maintenance costs

Learn more about this approach in our graffiti art & mural solutions

Real Example – Anti-Graffiti Mural in Sydney

We worked on a 100m wall project in Sutherland for Sydney Water that had ongoing vandalism issues.

By bringing together a team of graffiti artists to create a cohesive mural, the wall was transformed into a respected artwork.

 The result:

  • No ongoing tagging
  • Positive community feedback
  • Long-term cost savings

 Read the full case study:
Anti-Graffiti Mural Project in Sydney

Man cleaning graffiti on wall with spray paint removal tools.

Long-Term Value for Businesses

Murals are more than decoration — they’re a long-term business asset.

They can:

  • Reinforce brand identity
  • Create shareable customer experiences
  • Improve the overall environment

See how this applies to commercial spaces: corporate mural projects

Case Study – Hospitality & Brand Experience

Murals are widely used in hospitality venues to create standout environments that customers want to photograph and share.

From restaurants to gyms and retail spaces, murals help turn blank walls into branded experiences.

View examples:
Corporate & Commercial Mural Projects

Case Study – School Murals & Student Engagement

Murals in schools go beyond aesthetics — they help create identity, pride, and engagement among students.

Explore:
School mural projects

Why More Clients Are Investing in Murals

There’s been a clear shift across industries.

Businesses want spaces that stand out.
Schools want environments that engage students.
Councils want projects that activate communities.

Murals bring all of this together — combining art, branding, and placemaking.

If you’re based locally, see how we deliver projects across Sydney mural projects

Working with Professional Mural Artists

At Blackbook Ink, we’ve delivered hundreds of murals across Australia for:

  • Schools
  • Councils
  • Commercial businesses
  • Developers

Each project is designed specifically for the space, audience, and purpose.

Learn more about our mural process and what’s involved from concept to completion.

Thinking About a Mural for Your Space?

If you’re considering a mural, the right approach can make a significant long-term impact.

Get a Quote Today

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