Exploring art helps you see the world differently I’ve always lived in Hampshire.

I lived in Southampton for four years while I was at university and I still regularly paint in the city.

I first got interested in art through painting graffiti and street art as a teenager.

I then went on to study a foundation course in fine art at Southampton City College, after which I did a graphic design degree at Solent University, graduating in 2009.

I took influence from my graffiti background and combined this with my graphic design education to make the style of art I’ve been painting since.

I try to take inspiration from things in my everyday life, looking at all different kinds of art to give me creative ideas.

I do a lot of people-watching and sketching to come up with ideas for my characters.

There aren’t many downsides to being an artist, although I work from a home studio and during busy times I often go for weeks without seeing anyone other than my wife.

I think kids who are interested in being an artist should be told that it is very rewarding, but it can be a lonely profession!

I’ve had so many great opportunities recently. This year one of my pieces was included in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, which is something I was particularly proud of.

It’s such a famous show and I always try to get into it every year, so it was amazing to be accepted. I've also shown at several art fairs and exhibitions, as well as being involved with some mural projects across the south of England and further afield.

I’ve always loved working in Southampton. There’s a thriving art scene with a mix of big and smaller galleries giving a lot of opportunities to artists.

The arts courses at Solent University attract promising young talent to the city and the graffiti scene has always been strong too.

I think a lot of kudos has to go to Joe Ross, who works really hard organising a range of exhibitions and events.

Almost everything I've painted in Southampton over the past decade has been thanks to her.

One of my favourite projects this year was Multi-Stories at Westquay.

As part of the annual street art festival, Southampton Forward held a competition for children to come up with an idea for a mural.

The winner was 11-year-old Joseph, who imagined the wall as a window on a futuristic monorail train, and I was tasked with bringing his fun design to life. You can find it on level 1 of the Westquay car park.

Multi-Stories is such a great project and I was delighted to see that Westquay won an award for the first one, which took place last year.

I really enjoy working with young people and gathering their ideas for artworks.

I think it’s particularly important to do this when creating art in the public domain. I also like collaborating with artists from different creative backgrounds to combine our skills.

I think it's very important that art is accessible to everyone, both as a participant and a viewer.

Getting the community involved in art is beneficial on so many levels.

I also think getting children involved in art at school is crucial.

Creativity is something that can be applied in every industry and even if kids don't aspire to be a painter, I think it's important that they explore art so they can learn to think and see the world differently.

My art is available to buy at several art galleries and I have an online shop which can be found on my website, kevmunday.co.uk.

I also take commissions for paintings, so if you have something specific in mind, please do get in touch.

If you’d like to see more of my work, I regularly exhibit at different art fairs and shows.

My next solo exhibition will be at New House Art Space in Guildford in April 2025.

I also have a big public art piece going up in Reading in early 2025. It's a collaboration with sculptor

Stuart Melrose and has been in the works for over two years.