Ever wondered what it takes to turn a love of doodling into a full-time creative career? We sat down with Mulga the Artist, the man behind those instantly recognisable wobbly-eyed characters and rainbow-bright murals popping up in schools and streets across Australia.

From ditching a career in finance to painting 200+ school murals, raising three kids who make art alongside him, and brightening up busy roads one wall at a time. Mulga's story is proof that it's never too late to give creativity a proper crack.

1. How did you turn your love of art into a full-time career? Were you always a creative kid, or was there a moment when you realised art was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

I was always drawing as a kid. Bart Simpson, muscleman dudes with eyeballs popping out of their heads, all sorts of weird stuff. I was forever doodling in the margins of my school books when I was supposed to be listening. If I've got a pen or pencil in my hand, I'm probably going to draw something. I just love making stuff, even if it's only a little sketch.

2. As a dad yourself, how have you encouraged creativity in your own home and with your kids?

I've got three kids, and one of my main jobs is telling them to get off their devices and stop playing video games so they actually make something. We do little artworks together. Sometimes they'll sketch something and I'll finish it with Posca markers. Other times I'll start it and they'll finish it. Sometimes we'll pick a random theme like frogs and everyone has to make an artwork around that. Every year for their birthdays I paint each of them an original artwork based on a brief they give me, so they've all got heaps of original art hanging on their walls.

3. You've created murals in many schools over the years. Why do you think art has such an important place in schools, and what kind of reactions do you get from the kids when they see your work?

I've painted around 200 school murals now, and I reckon schools and murals are the perfect combo. So many walls. So many eyeballs. I honestly think if a school doesn't have murals, something's missing. It feels a bit too much like a prison.

One of the coolest parts is when kids come up and say, "Are you Mulga? We studied your artwork in class." That's always pretty funny and pretty special.

4. A lot of your artwork can be found in public spaces and community projects. Why do you think it's important for communities to have access to art, and what impact do you think it has on the people who experience it?

I paint heaps of murals in community spaces. I just finished one in Miranda on a busy road and had heaps of people stopping for a chat, waving or beeping as they drove past. Public art makes a place feel happier. I'd much rather see a big colourful mural than another giant grey wall. It gives a place a bit of personality and can make someone's day just by putting a smile on their face.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to a child who loves drawing, painting or creating, what would it be?

Just do it. Draw heaps and have fun. You don't have to wait until you've got loads of spare time. You can draw while you're watching a movie, watching YouTube or just hanging out. The more you draw, the better you'll get. Don't stress about making it perfect. Just keep creating.