A Business Case for a Blank Wall: Why I Approach Murals like a Project Manager

I've spent a lot of my life listening.

In my digital work, I listen to what users need from a website. On a job site, I listen to what a community wants from a public space. Usually, I'm the person in the background, making sure the permits are filed, the scaffolding is safe, and the budget is being respected while others do the talking.

One thing I've observed is that many commercial property owners look at a blank exterior wall as a maintenance task. But if you look a little closer, that wall is actually a missed opportunity to connect with your neighbourhood.

If you've been thinking about a mural but aren't sure if it's worth the cost or logistical time, here's my perspective as an artist and community builder.

Make your property a landmark, not just an address.

People rarely remember street numbers; they do remember stories and cool art! A mural turns your building into a destination. It's a visual cue for the public that says you care about the space you occupy and the community you do business in. It's a low-volume, high-impact way to stand out.

The TikTok factor is real (even if you aren't using it)

You don't have to be the one posting to benefit from your mural. Let the community generate the content for you. When people see big art, they take photos. Folks will tag your location when they post online, and they will talk about it to their friends they meet for coffee. It's organic word-of-mouth marketing that happens while you're busy running your business.

Execution matters more than the artist

The biggest hesitation I hear from developers and mural project organizers is that artists can be really flaky. They are into art and not business, and they show up when they feel like it. That's why I approach art with a project manager's brain. A client once called me a 'unicorn' because I organize and facilitate the stakeholder engagement, I handle the draft designs and contracts, I bill on time, I can hold workshops, I can even create a post-launch marketing campaign for your new art, and I tell you what equipment to rent and provide clear timelines and communication. I do all of this so you don't have to. My goal isn't to be the loudest person in the room; it's to deliver a final product that we're both proud of, on the day I said I'd finish it.

If you have a wall, a budget and a rough idea, I'm happy to listen to what you're looking for. I create art with community for community. I won't give you a sales pitch. I'll provide you with a clear plan, a fair price, and a really cool finished mural.