10 Game-Changing Australian Female Mural Artists
Female mural artists in the Australian street art scene are taking over!
We asked a number of masterful female mural artists how to change the game in the once exclusively “boys only” street art scene.
It’s no secret that street art is a difficult path to navigate. Many artists fight tooth and nail to land jobs and create a name for themselves. Traditionally, graffiti and street art have been male-dominated. But as the industry grows, more and more women are honing their skills and working on walls.
Through dedication to their craft, these women have built reputations and painted massive walls with intricate designs across the country. We asked these wonderful female mural artists to share their experiences working in the art world and the challenges they may have faced in creating a space for themselves. They shared their tips, tricks and advice to young artists tempted to pick up the brush but cautious of failure. Whilst gender shouldn’t change the perception of an artist’s work, these female mural artists are leaving their mark on Australia’s blank and bare walls.
Imogen Palmer, Perth
The wonderfully talented Imogen Palmer is a self-taught from Perth, Western Australia. Imogen’s work often includes abstract representation paired with detailed focus themes, usually flora and fauna. Imogen shared with us how incredibly rewarding working in the mural art industry is.
“Not to say it doesn’t come with its own set of rules and a huge amount of trial and error but once I got the opportunity to combine my love for murals and community engagement I’ve just loved every second of it. In my earlier days it was very intimidating, especially being such a male dominated industry and coming from a background where I taught myself to paint, I think taking that step to paint large scale on someone’s wall took a lot of courage.”
Imogen mentioned a want to create and be part of more community spaces for mural artists to collaborate and thrive together.
It can be really lonely if you don’t reach out and engage with others in the field. I’ve been really lucky to have had wonderful artists make themselves available to me and I’m happy to do the same and pass on my knowledge too.
Community is a crucial part to growth as a street artist, especially a female artist. Many street and mural artists work together or recommend one another for jobs when schedules collide.
“My first council job which really felt like a game changer. Working with a council and the community was a step that just pushed my career in the most amazing direction and led to more wonderful community opportunities.”
We asked Imogen what challenges she may have faced or had to overcome throughout her career thus far.
“How much time have you got? A mural project encompasses so much more than just rocking up to paint. Sometimes months of planning and re design- sometimes you get ghosted, sometimes you just can’t find common ground with a client. It really is just life experience that you can’t fast track that give you the tools to re-assess these situations.”
“As a female mural artist, I do feel like I get questioned a lot more often, on the scope of my work, my materials and equipment. It’s unfortunate, but something that I’ve had to learn to deal with.”
Imogen also shared some insights on her latest project with Victoria Park Hotel.
“I feel at 25 I still have a lot more to offer and learn which is exciting, but my most recent mural I completed at Victoria Park Hotel has been the one I am most proud of to date. It was the first time I’ve had to work with a construction team and watch the actual walls being built for the mural. I also had to organise and work with other assistants for the first time as I was so busy with work!”
Browse more of Imogen’s mural artwork.
Alison Mooney, Sunshine Coast
Alison Mooney is a full-time and internationally represented Australian artist, specialising in public artwork, mural art, paintings on canvas and sculpture. Alison’s designs are vibrant explorations of colour, movement and curiosity.
“I’m passionate about how colour, movement and curiosity can disrupt space, or landscape, a daily routine, even a habitual, invisible thought, in a positive way. When combined, they seem to stimulate creative thinking.”
Alison gave us some insight into her thinking as she specialises in more abstract artworks.
“My theory is that the brain gets busy trying to make sense of what it’s looking at – especially with abstracted designs or themes of absurdity – so there’s a momentary break in the ‘business as usual’ inner musings for a person’s mind. It’s like keeping the conscious mind busy decoding the work, so the subconscious can step into the sun and maybe whisper something different in their ear. And that’s the space I’m working from.”
Throughout Alison’s career, a recent highlight has been working on a project titled ‘Clever Snorkelers.’ An agency in Sydney reached out on behalf of their client asking for a mural for their blank wall. The design incorporated Alison’s usual colourful elements, plus both text and people for maximum impact.
The project was an exciting opportunity to paint an impactful, colourful artwork.
“Clever Snorkelers is a highlight for me for three reasons:
- I got to paint it with a carbon-absorbing paint – they call it a smog-eating mural as the lime-based paint absorbs carbon for a period of time. How good is that!?
- I had real fun with it – it’s a huge wall in a massive carpark so didn’t need to match anyone’s internal fittings or anything like that. So I went in with an idea that I’d love to just come across on a walk through a carpark.
- All the texts and messages (often with a picture of the wall and their big smiling head in the foreground) I got from people telling me how – in the moment that they walked passed it – it shifted the tone of their day – which is absolutely the goal!
It gave me a shot of renewed faith in the future of public art, especially from the perspective of regional Queensland. Proof that there is space for big, playful art.”
Despite the battle against gravity when tackling large walls, Alison sang nothing but high praises for her artistic career and the joy of painting big, weird, beautiful things.
Book An Artist has been a perfect playground to learn new skills and experiment while providing a service for people. Each project has been a real collaboration between a client and myself. I am stoked every day that I get to do what I love. If the careers counsellor at school had have told me this was possible, I wouldn’t have believed them.
Browse more of Alison’s mural artwork.
Melanie Caple, Melbourne
Focusing on botanicals, Melanie Caple‘s artworks bring Australian flora and fauna to the brickwork of Melbourne’s inner city streets. Specialising in canvas and mural art, Melanie uses botanicals, colour and birds to draw attention to the fragility and vibrancy of Australia’s landscape.
Melanie’s advice for women interested in pursuing mural art is to “go for it.”
“It is so nice painting large, and it has a physicality to it and a social aspect that you just don’t get when you’re alone in the studio. And the other mural artists I have met are all super amazing and talented people.”
Much like any job or role that involves working with or around the general public, there are precautions to take.
One tip – when you’re out there painting on site make sure you have any assistant or partner that you trust – it can be isolating on walls on your own, and can attract the odd overly interested passerby.
Fortunately the street and mural art scene is a community of artists all passionate about painting walls. There is always a way to find support and assistance when working on a large scale project. Everyone starts somewhere and creating positive relationships is one way to get your foot in the door.
Melanie told us how she made the big transition from canvas artist to becoming a mural artist.
“I really wanted to try my hand at mural art, but didn’t know how to start without having the opportunity to complete one previously. I ended up doing a digital design of a piece that I really wanted to paint, and did a call out on Instagram – a heavily discounted offer for a mural if I got to paint the design I’d created. Within minutes I had a lovely business owner jump on and snap up the opportunity, and it was her trust in me that kick started my mural career.”
We asked Melanie what her piece of advice was to amateur artists just getting started and interested in mural art.
“Just keep painting. Create designs, try things out in the studio and apply for opportunities as they arise. You never know who might say yes to you.”
Browse more of Melanie’s mural artwork.
Ella Germein, Adelaide
Adelaide artist, Ella, has created a name for herself through her bright colour palette and wild brush strokes. Her advice to women passionate about art and interested in pursuing mural art is to “100% go for it!”.
“If its something you are interested in but not sure where to start: THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY! Whether you are the most experienced artist in the city or starting new, if you have a passion for creating and bringing your ideas to life the technical things can always be learnt or acquired along the way (e.g. licences etc).”
Ella told us about how she learnt on the job and made mistakes that she quickly learnt from.
“My first mural I had no idea and definitely made some mistakes as I went eg, not using enough drop clothes or right brushes, but just ask lots of questions, talk to other artists or industrial painters, watch online tues, there’s so much out there and to be honest , well for me anyway, you are always learning more on each job as some can be completely different, but trust yourself, your skills and your vision and know there is always a way, once you feel prepped and ready, the world/walls are your oyster!”
Ella’s first mural job was for one her friends who happened to have a blank space for her to use and get creative.
I think it’s really important to put yourself out there, if you see a space ask the owners of the building or the council if they’ve ever thought about having a mural there.
Female mural artists grow their following and portfolio through time, practice and dedication. Ella’s advice is to always chase down an opportunity.
“If someone in casual passing mentions how they might like an art piece/mural, follow up with them in a few days. […] All you can do is ask and who knows after 10 no’s you might get one yes! I found once I started doing more murals and posting the process online to my followers the more and more people started requisition paintings and murals for their homes, venues or spaces. Book an Artist too has been an amazing tool to branch out past my followers and to a wider audience, I have really appreciated their support on the platform.”
Browse more of Ella’s mural artwork.
Jeanette Kavanagh, Sydney
Jeanette can’t express enough how much she loves street art! She is a bright, bold and colourful artist who takes her creativity from canvases to walls, floors, furniture, doors and more.
“All the work I wonder past that surround me create ideas and this feeling I can’t really explain, all I know is that is what I want to do with my life!”
One of the major challenges Jeanette faces is finding the time to grow her art resume. Finding the right jobs and finding the time to complete them is a delicate balancing act for young artists working full time in other fields.
“I have found it quite difficult making time to get on larger scale murals mainly because life and work get in the way so this year I’ve really been focusing on canvas pieces as it works around my schedule and you really get to focus on the details of it all.”
“I have found it challenging finding jobs that really reflect my style and give me that freedom to just create.” Jeanette shared.
A major highlight for Jeanette was her project for Mardi Gras in 2022. Seizing the opportunity when it was presented to her, Jeanette took on the challenge of live painting inside a corporate building on Elizabeth Street in Sydney.
“I really had to think on my feet for this and work around my day job. It was my first live work done in a corporate building and all the interactions with everyone were so positive! It made me realise how lucky I was, doing something I love and for such an exciting, spiritual and cultural event like Mardi Gras! The work was auctioned off and proceeds went to an LGBTQI+ charity. The best bit of it all was my dad bought the art in the silent auction and has been hanging in my parents bedroom since, such a cute proud dad moment!”
Browse more of Jeanette’s mural artwork.
Hayley Smith, Perth
Hayley is quickly becoming one of Perth’s most sought after female mural artists! Her optimistic, colourful attitude has landed her some awesome mural jobs across Perth.
We’re sure all female mural artists can agree that there can be challenges to overcome when stepping into the art industry. Hayley’s advice to women interested in pursuing mural art is to “go for it.”
Hayley reflected on her high school days, on how she was known as the “arty” friend as her love for getting creative was no secret.
“In 2017 my friend was working as a barista in Newcastle, NSW and their boss was looking for someone to create a mural for the cafe. My friend referred me to the owner. I had no clue about how to paint a mural so we discussed a price and I got to figure it out as I worked.”
Hayley jumped into it head first and began building her resume of mural artworks.
“After that I volunteered with some other artists to paint some murals while I was travelling in 2018. This gave me a better understanding on the process of design and wall preparation as well as how to paint large scale. I had more confidence after that experience.”
You don’t have to have all your ducks in a row to start painting murals, you learn and develop as you go. Reach out to other artists that you admire, I know most of the muralists I have spoken to have been so kind and helpful.
Hayleys first tip to getting your foot in the door is to source a wall from friends or family. “Just ask them!”
“In the very beginning, the most important thing is to get a few projects under your belt that showcase your unique style. I found that the interest people had in my work grew very quickly after my first few projects. Everything you do has a compounding effect.”
Browse more of Hayley’s mural artwork.
Kat Smirnoff, Central Coast
Kat has a range of artistic abilities – her commissioned work spans from mural art, to canvas paintings and illustrations. Many artists, whilst focusing on one specific category, are available to hire for many art projects. Due to the similar tools, Kat explains that “mural art is not much different from painting on canvas or paper.”
“It’s just bigger and sometimes you have to stand outside in the heat or balance on wobbly ladders. But if you love painting, you’ll be able to paint on walls, and you should definitely give it a go. It’s quite a special feeling to see your artwork on the wall of a restaurant, a school, a hospital, or in somebody’s home, where it positively affects people’s mood, and probably makes their day a little bit better.”
The question of materials and mediums can often plague wannabe mural female mural artists when beginning their artistic journey. There are many methods to painting a wall and Kat’s advice is to work with what works for you!
If you want to get into spray painting, that’s cool, but don’t think you have to just because most mural artists use spray paint. You can – and should – stick to your own style, your favourite colour palette, your own ideas. When you do what you truly love, it attracts people who love it too and they will want you to paint something for them.
Can’t source walls from friends or family? Kat’s got an idea to get your paint brushes off the ground.
“First I painted 3 small murals in my own home, just to practice. Then, I went to my favourite yoga studio where I knew the management, and asked if I could paint a mural for them, for free. They offered me a year of free yoga for that and asked me to paint more murals in their place. So that was awesome! And through these lovely people, I actually got my first paid job – a large mural in the carpark of a shopping centre next to the yoga studio. I already had my website and social media pages running, so I had a small portfolio to show. From then on, people started finding me on Google and I never really had to look for customers anymore.”
“I would recommend approaching some of your local cafés, restaurants or yoga studios and offering a mural for an attractive price or even for free if you’re just starting out. Once you have a few murals to show, you can charge regular prices. Have an Instagram profile and a website – it’s crucial. Google is your best friend. You can also send out an email to local schools, child care centres, hospitals or even offices, introducing yourself and showing some of your work. Many people have played with the idea of getting a mural but don’t have the time to look for an artist. Being the local artist in your area is always a plus – people like to support small local businesses and to strengthen their sense of community.”
Sophi Odling, Sydney
You can spot Sophi’s wonderful, large scale murals across Australia and across the globe. Sophi shared with us that she’s been working in the mural and street art industry for five years.
“It’s been a ride! Lots of different opportunities in all forms from walls, floors, ceilings, hotels, festivals, shows and so many other projects around the globe. It is exactly what I love about being able to do this for work, every project is unique which keeps the creativity challenging and flowing.”
Working within the mural and street art industry can present artists with plenty of challenges – time and skills being major hurdles to overcome. We asked Sophi to share a few of the difficult challenges she faced but managed to overcome.
“Learning new mediums such as aerosol. Developing my own personal style and pushing that in a commercialised industry. Balancing the demand of varied work hours, wearing all hats and being a parent.”
Like many mural artists, Sophi uses real life as her inspiration. Her favourite project to date is also the largest, featuring a design incorporating her two children.
“I was approached by Goodman property group to paint a 90 x 14 metre wall in the Sydney Corporate Park Entertainment Square in Alexandria. It was a game changer as it was the largest I have painted to date and is extra special to me as it is the first of my kids together. It was also the first that I produced in the style that I continue to do today.”
Browse more of Sophi’s mural artwork.
Hoffy, Melbourne
Hoffy also known as Jess Lowther is a multidisciplinary designer and artist living in Melbourne. Her abstract works are inspired by her love of colour and form. Jess says to any artists with a passion for painting to simply jump in and give it a crack.
“See if you can find anything biggish to paint, a wall or fence at your own house or ask a family member, friend or local business if they have an area you could paint on where you feel comfortable and can get a feel at painting larger scale.”
We asked Jess what key ingredients make for an easy paint day.
I find good planning and preparation is important and makes for an enjoyable mural install and runners and good tunes!
Finding your first paying job can be a challenge. There are many mural artists trying to make their mark so sometimes compromise is in order.
“It wasn’t officially paid [for my first job], however I did my first mural in collaboration with Haymes Paint. It was in the midst of Melbourne’s first lockdown and I had a bee in my bonnet to inject some colour into our backyard. I created a concept and reached out to Haymes to see if they might be interested to feature the project on their socials as a bit of fun and to provide some colour inspiration for followers wanting to freshen up their homes whilst we were all spending lots of time in them. To my delight Haymes supported the project and supplied the paint in exchange for me providing images and video content of the project for them to use across their digital channels.”
Collaborating with small brands and businesses is a great way to get some practice. Once you have a portfolio of work, it becomes easier to land customers.
“As far as advice on how to find customers I’d suggest being part of the Book An Artist directory as it’s an easy way for clients to find you while you’re building up a portfolio of mural work. Look out for expressions of interest opportunities with local councils and other private organisations and don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun, mockup concepts and reach out to organisations who you think might like some of your art on their walls.”
Katherine Gailer, Melbourne
Originally from Colombia, Katherine has made a name for herself amongst Melbourne’s best mural artists. She describes her experience as a mural and street artist as “truly magical.” Katherine is constantly pushed out of her comfort zone to create wonderful works of art that explore characters, our natural environment, cultural identity and spaces of contemporary design.
“Every single project allows me to grow and embody the role of ˋco-creator´. In the mural industry you do not work by yourself. You are constantly collaborating with other artists and stakeholders, and the result are projects with a shared vision, that respond to a specific time, space and community.”
Katherine touched on the value of public art and its use as a tool for social change and community engagement.
I am very interested in the service that we can provide as artists as true visionaries of our time, capable of nurturing the people around us with positivity, beauty, concepts, and colours that move beyond the bear eye straight to the soul.
We asked Katherine to share insight into some of her challenges as one of Australia’s growing female mural artists.
“The challenges that I have overcome in this field feel more like blessings rather than problems. Working with constant changing weather, the physical exhaustion that results from labour intensive walls, finding visual solutions to complex ideas, and thriving for equal racial and gender representation in these projects I develop are some of the challenges I come across.”
Katherine says these challenges make her feel alive and at peace with her creative self.
A career highlight for Katherine, and an artwork that greatly contributes to her growth is a public mural called “Flourish: Story Of A Diaspora.”
“This was a game changer because it gave me a lot of confidence in consulting with a specific community group to deliver culturally appropriate artwork. This was also a great opportunity to translate my studio work style into large scale mural painting and also be truth to my purpose of empowering and representing women from diverse backgrounds.”
“The mural is a homage to the local Australian African community and recognising their contribution to the Brimbank community. The focal point of the moral is the brilliant gaze of this strong African Australian woman, embracing her feminine identity and discovering her power. The inclusion of birds and butterflies are a symbol of transformation, migration, and the connection to our community and natural environment.”
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