Finding a place in Britain to grow an agency from scratch, with Gush Mundae artwork
The Creative Boom Podcast

Finding a place in Britain to grow an agency from scratch, with Gush Mundae

  • S4E78
  • 1:32:25
  • May 30th 2022

What was it like to move to the UK from Delhi in the 1970s, aged just five years old? For Gush Mundae, founder of creative agency Bulletproof, he felt that, as an immigrant, he was never "invited in", so he admits it was a real hustle from the beginning.

Hip-hop was just emerging in Britain, which he became obsessed with – along with all the associated culture, like graffiti art and sneakers. But Gush admits the street art "got him into a lot of trouble with the boys in blue and rival gangs" until his art teacher encouraged him to take that passion for art to explore graphic design and consider a respectable career in the creative industry.

So, in 1998, Gush took the plunge and founded Bulletproof using £2,000 of his personal savings. Today, his agency works with Cadbury, Football Association Wales and Soapsmith from studios in London, Amsterdam, New York, Sydney, Singapore and – most recently – Shanghai.

Describing Bulletproof as his "life's work", we were eager to learn more about what he's been through. The blood, sweat and tears. The big lessons and the bold moves. Join us for this fascinating, honest chat from one of the best names in the business – from racism and Brexit to hip hop, modern music and design; from overcoming childhood traumas and growing a global agency to adapting to the world today – Gush Mundae reveals all.

Season Four of The Creative Boom Podcast is kindly sponsored by Astropad Studio.

The Creative Boom Podcast

The Creative Boom Podcast is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to thrive in the creative industry. Join host Katy Cowan as she sits down with leading creatives to understand what it truly takes to succeed. With honest insight, practical advice, and insider secrets, you'll learn everything you need to build your own booming creative career.

Meet the Host

Katy Cowan avatar
Katy Cowan
Founder of Creative Boom

A journalist, writer and broadcaster, Katy Cowan is the founding editor of Creative Boom, one of the UK's leading platforms dedicated to the creative industries. She launched her magazine in 2009 with a mission to celebrate and support artists and designers, particularly those who are underrepresented. Today, her site delivers inspiration, insight and advice to seven million creative professionals every year.