Meet the Man Behind the Mugs: Dale Bigeni

From the start, DWC’s identity was formed by the bare knuckles attitude it takes to build something out of nothing. Artists embody that energy and its why Death Wish Coffee has always been steeped in creativity and worked with artists of all forms. And how we’re able to create the radical works of art that are the mugs and merch you love.

We were lucky enough to find a creator that has entrenched himself in this highly-caffeinated world of ours, and illustrated some of the most iconic and popular mug medallions and merch items we've ever released.

In honor of a new year, with all-new mugs coming your way–we figured it was high time you met the artist we collaborate with most often and whose hands are behind some of your favorite designs. Without further delay, meet the man himself– Dale Bigeni!

Name: Dale Bigeni

Location: Sydney, Australia

Instagram: @artbydale

Years working with DWC: Around 4 years now!

Last meal on Earth: It’s always gonna be pizza! Favourite pizza topping is the house special, Supreme.. classic, yeah no BS. 


Most prized possession: Would definitely have to be my Harley

DALE, YA WONDERFUL SON OF A GUN, CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE LOW DOWN ON WHO YOU ARE?

I’m a graphic designer / illustrator from Sydney Australia. I have a passion for all things custom and alternative and love to have the skate / punk / tattoo scene shape the way I create and influence my art! Im also just a really nice guy who is on the constant hustle and balancing act with my family and work! Life is good!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CREATIVE PROFESSIONALLY?

I’ve been a creative professionally for around 16 years.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST & NOTHING ELSE?

I knew I wanted to be an artist from day one, from when I was born I knew it, but going through high-school I definitely knew I was only ever going to be an artist.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH DWC? HOW DID THE RELATIONSHIP COME ABOUT?

The relationship started like all good business relationships. It was an email, it’s was a reach out and that’s exactly what it should’ve been. There was no foot in the door, it was just an email that asked me if I was interested in working with them, and I was interested! The rest is history.

DO YOU REMEMBER ANY OF THOSE EARLY PROJECTS?

I remember the first project being a T-shirt. It was Coffee & Donuts or Donuts & Coffee.. it was really sick. It was just a NASCAR with the Reaper, he was drinking coffee, everything about it was cool! Right up my alley.

YOU'VE ILLUSTRATED WELL OVER 30 DESIGNS FOR US, DO YOU HAVE A TOP 3 FAVES? WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT THEM?

I do not have a Top 3 but thinking about it, the Zodiacs were probably one of my favourite collections. But there was definitely not 3, there was 12 haha.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH DWC IF YOU DON'T MIND US ASKING?

I enjoy the team the most I think. The briefs are great but the briefs are only great because the team is good. Everything about working with them is easy from start to finish and it’s just a joy to work with. It actually is a dream client scenario.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEDIUMS TO WORK WITH?

I like all mediums. Whatever the project requires. I can draw on paper, I can paint on wood but usually it’s digital. It’s a big part of my job.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE IN THE STYLE YOU DO?

I think skateboarding, punk rock music, custom culture and that alternative lifestyle shapes what I draw and everything about it comes from those worlds. It’s a bit like everything coming into one and yeah, that’s Art By Dale. 

DO YOU LIKE SITTING DOWN WITH NO DIRECTION AND SEEING WHERE YOUR PEN TAKES YOU, OR STARTING WITH A BRIEF?

I definitely use to love letting my art lead the way but in a corporate and commercial environment I’d much prefer a brief. It makes the job easier for me, it makes it very concise, it’s easy and a quicker turnaround every time.

WHAT THREE ITEMS DO YOU NEED WITHIN ARMS-REACH WHEN YOU SIT DOWN FOR AN EXTENDED CREATIVE SESSION?

Coffee or energy drinks, chili chips and my phone.

YOU'VE CREATED DESIGNS FOR US TO BE PRINTED ON MUGS, TEES AND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WE COULD GET SOMEONE TO PRINT ON. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ITEM YOU LIKE TO DESIGN FOR? DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT ALL?

For me the artwork is not dictated by what I put on. My style lends itself to go here or there, but I do love merch design. I love seeing it on merch, I love seeing people wear it. The medallions are next level, the detail on them is second to none.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

I would say my biggest influences would be my brother and my Dad. Of course they shaped me as an artist I think, and as a person. Mum was obviously there but my brother and my Dad were the arty ones and we really pushed each other to be the best that we could.

DO YOU HAVE A PROCESS OR RITUAL YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH TO GET READY TO CREATE?

I need to be alone. I’m a shy person by nature, I think I need a headspace that’s clear. It’s my time, it’s my little world, my zone and it’s just got to be a quiet place and it needs to be the right kind of vibe and the rest is magic.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FEEL CREATIVELY BLOCKED?

I walk away. No brief is ever important enough for me to sit there and wrack my brain and lose hair, I mean I’ve already gone grey haha. Walk away, refresh, spend time with the family, reset that’s it. 

WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU LOVE THAT PEOPLE WOULDN'T GUESS BY LOOKING AT YOU?

I love my cat Dre, I don't think I come across as a cat guy!

IS THERE ANY DESIGN YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR US TO REQUEST? ANY MEDALLION MONSTERS, CREATURES OR MYTHS YOU THINK DESERVE TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN MUG-FORM?

I want a Reaper on a Harley just because I know a lot of guys that love Harley’s and drink coffee. They go for rides to have coffee and keep the culture alive!

Dale's latest design is releasing on early access January 22nd for Society of Strong Coffee Members. Subscribe now & don't miss out on this masterpiece by the one and only Dale Bigeni. Then check him out on social @artbydale.