I recently came across a comment on one of our mural posts for the   James Jean x Johnnie Walker  collab that really stuck with me. It's a sentiment we hear often, surprise, nostalgia, and ultimately, appreciation for the craft of hand painting. "Oh wow!! People still paint signs?! I used to have that job until I was replaced by a printer! Lol! This is gorgeous, though. Nothing beats the real thing!" - jberthelotart In a visual landscape where digital and vinyl advertising are prevalent, hand painted murals stand out as a unique form of advertising . The artistry and authenticity of these murals offer a distinctive charm that resonates with audiences in a way that feels deeply personal and engaging. I should know; I work in the hand painted outdoor advertising industry. We must step back to its roots to understand why hand painting matters. The craft of sign painting stretches back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, signs and hieroglyphics were painted on the walls of tombs and temples to communicate messages and tell stories. Fast forward to the 19th century, and sign painting became vital to commerce and culture. Sign painters are the unsung heroes of advertising.They are responsible for creating billboards, storefront signs, and painted signs that adorned city buildings. You may have even noticed a ghost sign  or two while walking around New York City.  Artists and craftsmen painted those ghost murals you still see fading on brick walls today. They weren't just painters, they were highly skilled and resourceful tradespeople who worked at scale and often in dangerous, high-up conditions. Today, we carry on that legacy. Our paint crew at Overall Murals are modern-day walldogs —a term used to describe advertising painters who work like dogs, hanging off walls, hand painting massive designs with precision and grit. But today's walldogs bring something new to the table. Many of our artists have formal training . They've studied anatomy, typography, color theory, and design fundamentals in art school. Others come from graffiti and street art, where they've honed their skills on the streets and developed a deep understanding of the power of visibility . What unites them is not just fearlessness in the face of sketchy heights or tricky surfaces; it's a passion for the analog process. Despite being deeply plugged into technology and influenced by social media, our painters are drawn to the tactile, physical nature of painting by hand outdoors. In fact, that digital saturation makes them appreciate this slower, more intentional medium even more. They know they're not just making something beautiful—they're crafting moments that stop people in their tracks . That sparks conversations. That creates memories. There's just something undeniably human about this process. Passersby ask about our techniques, watch as blank walls come to life, and share stories of when hand painted signs were the norm. We're often referred to as human printers , and for a time, we were. Then, machines replaced many of us. But the walldog spirit never left. It just evolved. And in the digital age, where attention is the most valuable currency, that kind of impact is everything. Unlike a banner ad that disappears with a scroll, a hand painted mural holds physical and emotional space .  It's tangible, immersive, and personal. It carries a level of prestige that digital and print simply cannot match. There's a reason luxury brands and high-end campaigns turn to hand painted advertising. It's about more than just visibility; it's about making a statement . A hand painted ad isn't mass-produced. It's crafted. It stands apart from the noise of digital screens and glossy posters by offering something rare: an original, brushstroke-by-brushstroke creation that commands attention in a way that flat print or fleeting pixels never could. The richness of color, the texture of the wall, and the way natural light interacts with the paint make for a visual experience that's both vibrant and unforgettable.  Up close, you can see the detail in every stroke —the layering of color, the subtle hand movements, the marks that prove a human was here. You can feel the energy that went into it, the time, the care, the physicality of it all. Even the surface itself becomes part of the piece. The cracks, the contours, the imperfections of the wall all contribute to the final image. It's why people stop to take it in, photograph it, and talk about it. A mural doesn't just blend into the urban landscape. It enhances it, making a city feel alive with art rather than just another backdrop for digital noise. We love that our work   sparks these conversations . It's a reminder that what we do isn't just about advertising—it's about keeping the age-old craft of hand painted signs and murals alive, honoring the past while making a bold statement in the present. The nostalgia people feel when they see a hand painted mural isn't just about the past; it's abou t recognizing the artistry t hat still has a place in the modern world. So yeah, people still paint signs. And from what we see, the world still loves them.

Meet Hayden Todd, our Senior Video Producer and the creative force behind capturing and crafting the stories that bring our hand painted advertising murals and the painting process to life. Whether managing videographers or actively working in the field, Hayden always thinks two steps ahead.  If you haven't met Hayden in person, you are missing out on his frequent use of sports analogies to explain his thought processes. Like a coach breaking down plays, he often asks, "How can we improve, and how can we elevate?" Hayden's approach goes beyond simply capturing beautiful footage; he delves into the "why" behind every mural to ensure our clients’ murals tell a story with purpose .  Read more about Hayden's journey and the philosophy that fuels his work: ANNA: How did you get into videography, and what drew you to filming murals specifically? HAYDEN:   I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for graphic design, which naturally included photography and videography. As I sourced photos and videos for my projects, I realized that if I couldn’t find what I was looking for online, I had to create them myself . I have always been interested in the actual production of content, and this led me to want to learn how cameras operate and understand how to present visuals effectively.  After college, I was able to pursue video when I worked for a friend who painted a lot of commercial signage for local restaurants and businesses in Nashville . We documented our work with my phone. This eventually led to me moving to New York , where I could roll my experience into a career at Overall Murals . ANNA: What’s unique about filming murals compared to other types of videography? HAYDEN:   Mural painting is a process that spans five to seven days, and there’s no immediate "boom, we got it" moment. It’s more about documenting the entire journey and capturing the project as a whole. It’s all about planning, being in the right place at the right time , and finding the perfect angle. Then, in editing, I condense everything into something that tells the full story in a short clip . That’s why there are so many cameras on set to capture the moment’s full impact. ANNA: How does documenting the mural process change the way people experience the artwork? HAYDEN:   It's like capturing posterity, documenting something that will live on forever, especially through video. There's a record of the mural's creation that extends beyond just the people who witness it in person. While some people may have seen the mural being painted in person, the video needs to appeal to people who have no idea what’s going on or aren’t even in the same city as the mural. The goal is to make it engaging for everyone , no matter where they’re watching from. It's about capturing both the documentary side; the raw footage of the mural being made and the production side, where the video is crafted specifically to tell the campaign story, all to create an experience that connects with people beyond just those who are in the right place at the right time . Then, with campaigns like the rain-activated mural we did for Ore-Ida , the experience shifts even more. Someone walking by might only see it change when it rains, but the video tells the full story to those at home, making it clear right away how it works and why it’s special. The campaign is extended through videography, showing the audience the bigger picture. ANNA: Walk us through your camera bag. what’s your go-to setup for capturing a mural in the best possible way? HAYDEN:   The full setup includes: Sony FX3 with 3 lenses - wide (16-35mm), medium (24-70mm), and zoom (70-200mm) Canon 5DSR with 2-3 lenses for timelapse and a sturdy tripod to eliminate shake 2 video tripods with a ball head for stable shots and smooth camera movement Ronin RS2 gimbal for smooth close shots at street-level walls Rhino R2 slider for dynamic movement to time-lapse shots ND filters on all cameras to manage lighting, ensuring optimal exposure, F-Stop, and shutter speed  Drone - Mavic Cine Camera wipes SD & Sony Tough Cards Backup batteries for the two camera systems Ultimately, it’s about knowing how to use these tools with purpose , not just about having them. The right gear doesn’t guarantee great results, it’s the educated shooter who understands lighting, timing, and technique that makes the difference.  The key is knowing when and how to use the tools to tell the best story . ANNA: What’s it like seeing a mural you filmed go viral or get a huge audience reaction? HAYDEN:   It’s cool to see when a project gets posted and gains traction, especially from artists or brands with big followings. After creating around 75 videos last year , most of them circulate internally within the agency or brand, so when one gets published and receives attention, it feels validating. It’s not just about the publicity; it’s about knowing that the creative risks taken as a videographer resonate with the audience. ANNA: What’s your favorite part of filming a mural from start to finish? HAYDEN:   The creative process during mural painting is unpredictable, much like my own editing choices. Each painter approaches their section of the mural with unique micro-decisions, often solving small puzzles with every stroke. Capturing this micro-level creativity is something I’m working to expand beyond the typical 30-second client video. While the process is familiar to those in the industry, I want to highlight these intricate, behind-the-scenes decisions that painters make , which might not make it into the final edit but are essential to the final piece. It’s not just about the finished product, it’s about recognizing and documenting the unique problem-solving that goes into every part of the mural . ANNA: How do you see mural videography evolving in the future, and what new techniques or technologies are you excited to explore? HAYDEN:   I see the future of our content moving towards longer-form, behind-the-scenes pieces. Content has evolved from quick, bite-sized videos to more in-depth, immersive stories. Think of how movies used to be just a two-hour experience. Now, with social media, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content, there's an entire narrative that goes beyond the final product . People become invested in the process, like learning about the director’s methods or the actors’ stories. For us, we're not just producing content for brands but telling our own creative story . I envision the painters becoming personalities in their own right, similar to how movie stars or creators are followed for their behind-the-scenes journeys. This shift is happening now with short content, and I think the next step is expanding it. Just like how people get curious about a film's production after watching it, viewers could dig deeper into how we make our murals and learn more about the painters themselves. It’s about creating a "lore" around our work , something people can follow beyond just the final ad. Hayden has a passion for storytelling and is committed to highlighting the artistry of every mural we hand paint. As video technology and techniques advance, his approach continues to develop how we experience and connect with murals. With his keen eye for detail and a dedication to revealing the ‘why’ behind the art, Hayden ensures that the stories behind our murals resonate long after they’ve been painted.

The Ironic Intersection of Tradition and Technology Like a digital tsunami, artificial intelligence has swept across our world, transforming everything in its wake. While debates rage about AI's promise and peril, we've discovered an unexpected paradox in our corner of the advertising world: our artists, wielding traditional paintbrushes to create murals promoting the very technology that's disrupting human creativity.  There’s a delicious irony in all of this: AI, the technology that’s designed to automate, optimize, and streamline human tasks, is now putting its faith in the one thing it can't replicate: human touch . After all, there’s nothing quite like a hand painted mural, no algorithm can replicate the tactile beauty of brushstrokes on a brick wall. Yet, in the midst of a digital revolution, Overall Murals was chosen to paint massive murals for AI companies. The future of technology is splashed across walls in a very analog way and it's nothing short of genius.  Picture this: AI companies like Claude and AssemblyAI , known for their sleek algorithms, self-improving systems, and ultra-fast data processing, are now being represented by the one thing AI can never fully replicate… human artistry. It’s like watching a robot walk into a jazz club and asking for a piano lesson. A little confusing? Absolutely. But also wonderfully poetic. While AI can help with everything from generating marketing copy to designing websites, when it comes to true artistic expression, those raw unfiltered moments of creative magic, humans still have the upper hand. Our murals, painted by real artists with real brushes, are a testament to this. The very technology that aims to predict the future is now being immortalized on brick walls in different markets across the country. If there’s one thing AI hasn’t figured out yet, it’s how to stand back and admire the sheer beauty of imperfection. In the age of algorithms and social media campaigns that target our every click, there’s something almost revolutionary about the idea of using paint  to advertise tech. Murals, unlike digital ads, can’t be scrolled past or skipped. They don’t pop up between cat videos or Twitter rants. They’re tangible, massive, and impossible to ignore. For AI companies like Inflection AI , this approach is a brilliant way to showcase the mortal side of their technology. Because, let’s face it: AI companies, despite their robotic persona, are made up of people, creative minds pushing the boundaries of what's possible. What better way to showcase that humanity than by commissioning human artists to create something more memorable?  The partnership between AI companies and traditional mural artists reveals a profound truth: as technology races forward, it still relies on humanity's oldest forms of expression to connect with its audience. In the end, even our most advanced innovations need the human touch to tell their story.

Doritos < Back SOLID BLACK Overview Service Outdoor Advertising, Overall Creative industry CPG markets Atlanta, Chicago Wall(s) 2 Walls impressions 533K+ Doritos is using its platform to elevate Black voices in the fight against racial injustice with its latest campaign ‘Solid Black’. The initiative includes a handful of murals across the country in areas that are symbolic of the movement. We had the privilege of transforming three of our walls located in New York , Chicago , and Atlanta into inspiring murals. Our in-house Art Studio team enlisted two well-known artists in the Black creative community from Atlanta and Chicago who took on designing the murals with the intention of subverting the narrative and highlighting Black joy, instead of trauma. In the West Loop of Chicago, artist Joe Cujo designed the mural with a message focused on supporting each other and working together through the complicated issues that we all face. He notes, “Together we ALL have the strength to live a free and colorful life”. Joe is an accomplished fine artist and graphic designer with exploits and achievements both locally and abroad. In New York City, Doritos sought artist Megan Lewis to design a mural for our Harlem wall unit. The design focuses primarily on figurative imagery that has become her staple aesthetic as it has allowed her to express frustrations or prideful moments in Black Culture through the lens of an evolving Black woman. The design included a Snapcode hand painted onto the mural allowing passersby to interact with the mural by bringing the elements of the artwork to life. All three mural activations were designed by Black changemakers who inspire their communities and change the lives of those around them. We are proud to have participated in using our services to collaborate with Joe and Quake to deliver a design that can evoke change and inspire the cities the murals live in. Our in-house Art Studio team enlisted two well-known artists in the Black creative community from Atlanta and Chicago who took on designing the murals with the intention of subverting the narrative and highlighting Black joy, instead of trauma. We had the privilege of working with native Atlanta artist Quake who designed a piece that pays homage to the nostalgic Atlanta of the artist’s childhood. The artwork features a woman (fun fact: it’s his wife) holding up the famous symbol “Peace up, A-Town down” a slogan made popular by Atlanta-based artists, Usher & Lil John. Quake wanted to keep the true soul of Atlanta intact as the city has progressed over time. Within his work, Quake’s main goal was to develop art that invokes unexpected feelings from within the viewer and his artistic expression stems from the gritty, yet sensual nature of life pertaining to societal issues and current events. Previous Next

Lionsgate < Back IMAGINARY Overview Service Outdoor Advertising, Special FX industry Entertainment markets Los Angeles Wall(s) 1 Wall impressions 808K+ Jeff Wadlow's horror movie, Imaginary blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. To prepare for the terror, Lionsgate Entertainment and Horizon Media commissioned Overall Murals to hand paint a design in Melrose/Fairfax, Los Angeles , intended to be both haunting and impactful. Using glow-in-the-dark elements, the mural tells one story during the day and a chilling tale at night. To create the terrifying effects, our production team at Overall Murals conducted multiple tests to achieve the desired results. We experimented with three different paint colors to match the daytime artwork as closely as possible. After extensive testing, we found a color that would mute the copy at night while allowing the glow colors to shine. Additionally, we tested the application of a new product, translucent blue paint, on top of the daytime copy to achieve the brightest glow at night without being visible during the day. The outcome exceeded our expectations. Our handcrafted murals are inherently authentic and unique, and our Paint Lab services allow us to bring our client's ideas to life in a personalized and captivating way. The meticulous planning and execution involved in these services create a heightened wow factor, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship behind each campaign. This process established a genuine connection with over 808K passersby, leaving a lasting and meaningful impression to get audiences lined up for the film release that hits theaters on March 8th. Previous Next

Skrewball < Back PEANUT BUTTER WHISKEY Overview Service Outdoor Advertising, Content Creation, Special FX industry Alcohol markets Los Angeles, New York, Chicago Wall(s) 3 Walls impressions 1M+ Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey, with its unique and memorable taste, aimed to promote its brand in a way that mirrored the distinctiveness of its product. The goal was to create a multi-sensory experience that not only seized attention but also sparked curiosity and cravings for their one-of-a-kind whiskey. The idea was to utilize large-scale murals in conjunction with scent machines to disperse the aroma of peanut butter, luring people in and encouraging them to connect with the brand on a deeper level. Overall Murals hand painted three eye-catching murals for this campaign, strategically located in high-traffic and trendy areas in West Loop , Chicago , Venice , Los Angeles , and Soho, New York . The artwork featured vibrant visuals that embodied the playful and unconventional spirit of Skrewball. Each mural included a message prompting people to "sniff me" and experience the scent of peanut butter, enticing them to explore the sensory surprise. This innovative approach ensured that people passing by would be greeted with the delightful and unexpected scent, making the murals a visual treat and an olfactory experience. The campaign resulted in over 1 million interactions as passersby often stopped and exclaimed, "Wow, it smells like peanut butter!" This reaction emphasized the effectiveness of the scent element in capturing people's attention nationwide, demonstrating that unconventional thinking in outdoor advertising is impactful. See it in action on our Instagram . Previous Next