Hi, I’m Bohie Blackwood.
I create visual storytelling that inspires connection
to each other, and to the natural world.
Partnering with government agencies, educational institutions, and community groups, I create graphic design, illustration and murals aimed to educate and inspire.
My work is hands-on, inclusive, community-engaged, and designed to celebrate diverse human and non-human voices while transforming spaces and stories into meaningful, shared experiences.
My Services
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Collaborating with schools to co-design and deliver murals and creative projects that reflect student voice and real-world themes like school values, sustainability, and inclusion. Young people lead the way as co-creators, while I work closely with leadership teams to align with project goals, curriculum, and funding requirements.
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Designing indoor and outdoor mural projects in private and public schools, localised public space activation for regional and urban communities, corporate offices and live art for event activation.
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Utilising my creativity as a tool for social and environmental change through such projects as large scale public murals in collaboration with the Australian National University’s Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, graphic design for corporate and educational institutional Reconciliation Action Plans, infographic illustration design for government environmental agency educational material, and raising young female and non-binary voices in partnership with UN Women for International Women’s Day.
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Specialising in graphic art & illustration, I partner with governments, education institutions and corporate campaigns to deliver high quality, professional designs on time, and within budget.
Drawing from years of passion and experience learning the dying craft of traditional sign painting, I also provide high quality hand lettering and physically painted signage for space activation, events, conferences and more.
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I support organisations, councils, and teams to design and deliver creative campaigns that leave a meaningful mark on public and workplace culture. From strategic planning to hands-on workshops, I guide teams through place-based projects that promote wellbeing, social connection, and authentic community impact—drawing on over a decade of experience across government, corporate, youth, and research sectors.
Every project I take on is rooted in co-design, problem-solving, and original thinking—
big words for a simple idea:
the best projects are created with
community, not for them.
I collaborate with schools, community groups, and organisations to create meaningful, story-driven designs. Every project is shaped by the voices of those it represents—grounded in place, purpose, and perspective.
Youth Projects – Co-designed murals and public art that amplify young voices, support leadership, and drive creative activism.
Public Mural Art - Socially engaged fine art murals that add key value to local placemaking and event initiatives
Corporate Social Impact – Creative collaborations that connect corporate teams with local communities for visible, lasting impact.
Graphic Art & Illustration – Custom posters, booklets, teaching aids, and event visuals with purpose and polish.
Consulting – Strategic advice for schools, councils, and grassroots orgs on funding, planning, and delivering community art that matters.
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13+ Years of Design Experience
Leaning on my training in client-led graphic design to bring “hyper-local” grass roots change-making campaigns to workplace cultures, passionate youths, and communities like yours
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![Socially-Engaged Designs]()
Socially-Engaged Designs
Involving communities and client groups in the co-creation and participatory design of my works, ensuring the output reflects relevant, lived experience
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Servicing Regional Areas
While being based in Geelong, Victoria, I consciously raise regional voices alongside urban stories, celebrating the meaningful work being achieved in regional areas across Australia.
Testimonials
“Bohie builds bridges; she connects the most surprising areas of intellectual exploration and inspires all who work with her…”
- Anna-Sophie Jurgens, Australian National University Centre for the Public Awareness of Science
“Bohie is dedicated, honest and creates meaningful creative work that helped our community connect with place on a deep level…”
- Nic Plunkett-Cole, Director of Placemaking, Suburban Land Agency
“Bohie’s youth-focused approach has always left young people feeling heard, empowered and a key part of every project. If only there were more Bohie’s out there!”
— Zac Noble, Youth Worker and Youth Project Coordinator
“Bohie was a delight to work with. She was responsive to our school's needs, worked really well with the students and adaptable to changing nature of a school. We are so happy with the final product, thank you Bohie.”
— Ben Sanderson, Wellbeing Leader, South Australia Dept for Education, School Mural Project Facilitator
"Absolute integrity from A to Z. Design, research, execution, professionalism, inclusion, kindness and an absolute rock star for the planet and for supporting up and coming females in the sector."
- Sophie Peer, Suburban Land Agency, ACT Government
“Bohie’s professionalism and exceptional talent enabled the successful realisation of our project… which received an incredible response from the public.”
— Victoria Bowes, Executive Officer, Guildhouse, Project Facilitator for UBER commission
“I am deeply inspired by the way that Bohie uses her art and design to celebrate the natural world and to give voice to those that don’t share her platform and power, challenging inherent social inequalities…”
— Paul West, Broadcaster, Author and gardener
“Bohie was great. We needed to create a different vibe in the main atrium of the National Museum and Bohie came up with a concept that was bang on. And then to top it off she came in on time and on budget (and was great to work with).”
— Dr Jono Lineen, Curator, National Museum of Australia
I take a unique approach to murals across pre, primary, secondary, and tertiary settings—treating each project as a leadership opportunity for young people. Using a round-table co-design model, I empower students, teachers, and community members to shape their environment together, turning creative expression into meaningful, lasting impact.
Looking for a school mural that builds leadership and connection?
Selected Clients
Government Funded
Public Mural Commission Inspired by Field Work with Molonglo River Ranger In Charge
Research-led public mural commission with strong environmental messaging, inspired by field work undertaken with Molonglo River Reserve Environmental Protection Agency
Case Studies
Design Thinking Strategist’s Unique Approach to Office Mural Commission
Including two week in-house art residency at their global headquarters, team building workshop with employees, and bespoke mural artwork commission that doubles as event backdrop in their hirable corporate space and meeting room
Public Mural Created in Partnership with ACT Government “NoWaste” Initiative
Project documented by Australian National University’s Centre for the Public Awareness of Science resulting in co-authored paper published in Jcom international science journal and mini documentary focus screened at National Film & Sound Archive
Mural Commission by the National Museum of Australia, including School Holiday Program and Paid Mentorship for Emerging First Nations Artist to Assist
Sustainable Messaging in Street Art.
In this short video, I sit down with key stakeholders from the ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency and research partners from the Parks and Conservation Service to discuss my mural project. The project involved creating an 8-sided mural on suburban ICON waterboxes, focusing on themes of sustainability and belonging.
Video by: Ocolo Digital
Design Thinking Strategist’s Unique Approach to Office Mural Commission
Documentary Focus.
“We knew that public art could start conversations and be divisive. But what we didn’t know, was how much artists like Bohie want to reflect their local community in their work and bring people together. Street art is often government-funded and a way to make tired spaces colourful - but that doesn’t mean there’s not a strong social message behind what you walk past everyday on your way to work.” - Director, Nicholas Arganese
Video by: Nicholas Arganese & Callum Lawrence
Contributors: John Barrington
My Approach
My Why
Shaped by the 2019/2020 bushfires and my own journey of healing, I’m committed to environmental and mental wellbeing communication, and empowering young women+. My work is grounded in resilience, inclusivity, and authenticity—bridging gaps, sparking dialogue, and making visible what truly matters.
I aim to challenge superficial design with deeply considered, deadline-ready solutions that hold space for sensitivity in the public realm.
Research-driven
I use a hyper-local, research-led approach—collaborating with communities, schools, agencies, and environmental stewards to create site-specific work that reflects both people and place.
Considered
Empathy guides my creative process. I centre socially relevant themes like youth voice, mental health, and climate action, ensuring every collaborator—young or old—feels seen and heard.
“In Our Hands” collaboratively painted, socially-engaged street art responding to 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires
Case Studies
National Museum of Australia Mural Commission, including School Holiday Program and Paid Mentorship for Emerging Artist to Assist
Commissioned by the National Museum of Australia to design and install large-scale wall murals for “Riding the Olympic Wave: Breakthrough Sports” exhibition in the Gandel Atrium of the National Museum of Australia (NMA). Exhibition curated by International Olympic Committee in Switzerland and Head Curator of the National Museum.
Community Mural Promoting Positive Self-Talk for Young Women & Non-Binary, Featuring Keynote by Female Olympian for International Women’s Day
Co-created public space activation involving Erindale College students to paint a community mural in the heart of Canberra. Supported by YWCA and Mura Lanyon Youth Centre, the project was unveiled with a media launch opened by the ACT Minister for Women, attracting coverage in The Canberra Times, City News, WIN News, and ABC Radio.
Exploring Subversion and Ritual at Guapamacátaro
Art & Ecology Residency, Michoacán, Mexico
10 day art residency reflecting on the cultural melting pot of symbolic and mythological traditions in Mexico. Through my work I explored communication design, power, and the role of subversion in art through ephemeral environmental creations on the external walls of a 400 year old Hacienda.
Conversations with fellow international artists in residence and my own research led me to local rituals where syncretic traditions, such as the use of Coca-Cola in Maya-Catholic, are creating a striking juxtaposition of old and new.
I acknowledge the Yuin and the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the two beautiful lands and waters that I live, work and play on.
I pay my respect to all First Nations and Torres Strait Islanders, Ancestors
- past present and emerging.
Get in Touch!
Schedule a free 1:1 introductory session with me to discuss your project needs.
