Ali Gulec

Ali Gulec is a Turkish illustrator, living and working in Istanbul. He creates stunning visuals, largely featuring unique florals combines with skulls, creating a stark and eye-catching contrast.


For our latest interview, we were lucky enough to catch up with Ali to discuss his life, work and creative influences.





Hi Ali - Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about yourself?


I’m Ali Gulec. An artist and an illustrator from Istanbul. I’m married and the father of two gorgeous kids.


I have been drawing and creating since I was a little kid and I feel very lucky to be doing what I like most for living.



And what does a typical day in the life of Ali Gulec look like?


I wake up late in the morning because I mostly work at night as it’s the most silent time of the whole day. If I don’t have any work deadlines, I start with having a look at the news and then scan my favourite websites for inspiration.


Even if I don’t have any specific subject to draw or illustrate, I always do some sketches in my notebook. I check these sketches very often afterwards and eventually create something out of them.


Since I work from my home office, I have plenty of time to spend with my dogs and kids when they come back from school.


ali gulec interview
Skull Decay Wall Mural by Ali Gulec


Can you tell us a little about your creative process?


I love drawing and doodling in my notebooks. When one sketch sparkles an idea, I keep working on it till it looks good in my head too. I then scan these drawings and finalize the work on my computer with mostly Photoshop.



What tools do you use to create your pieces?


Starting with a pencil is a must for me. I also use brush, ink, watercolour, camera, broken scanners, and software like Photoshop, Illustrator and 3D Studio Max.


I sometimes use only software to create a piece and sometimes just a pencil. I have no limitations on my creative process.


ali gulec interview
Banana Allover Wall Mural by Ali Gulec


Skulls are a common theme within your work. Is there anything that draws you to them?


I like the challenge of converting something spooky and horrifying into a desirable tool that makes people want to have them. The contradiction and attraction of life and death have always amazed me.



Colour and florals are a big part of your work - Can you discuss their importance to you?


I love using vibrant colours to highlight the main subject of my work. Flowers are the most important tool for me to highlight the cycle of life in my skull-themed works.


ali gulec interview
Abstract Skull Wall Mural by Ali Gulec


Who and what influences your creative style?


I’m mostly inspired by what I see around me daily. Istanbul, the city I live in, is really influencing my works.


I use floral images from the places I visit. I can’t say I have been influenced by an artist but Dali and Escher are my favourite artists.



Your work has been used to create some pretty big tattoos. How does it feel knowing something you created is on someone for life?


That feels absolutely amazing. When they ask my permission to use my work as a tattoo, I immediately give my blessing because as an artist, I want my works to live forever and change people’s lives. It may fade on their skin but I know they found something valuable, maybe a message in my work that made them want to carry it forever.


ali gulec interview
Shh Allover Wall Mural by Ali Gulec


What advice would you give an aspiring illustrator?


Always try to be unique. Imitating is maybe okay at the beginning but trying to be unique is what makes you better.



Do you have any big projects on the horizon?


I’m working on visuals of a music album at the moment and that’s pretty exciting for me.


ali gulec interview
Glitch Fall Wall Mural by Ali Gulec



Check out Ali's full range of wall murals over on his page.