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.

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Get to know the area SOHO SoHo, in New York City , is a vibrant neighborhood where history meets creativity. Known for its iconic cobblestone streets and stunning cast-iron facades, it combines old-world charm with modern energy . Once an artist haven, SoHo has transformed into a global hotspot for art lovers, fashion enthusiasts, and foodies. The streets feel like a gallery adorned with public art installations and pop-up events. Chic cafes and gourmet restaurants are plentiful, making it a hub for style and sophistication . Whether you’re shopping, dining, or exploring its creative treasures, SoHo embodies the timeless, trendsetting spirit of New York City. Audience Income level: Upper-middle class Occupation: Wealthy professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives Interests: Gallery hopping, shopping at designer boutiques, dining at trendy restaurants, attending exclusive events, and staying ahead of cultural and style trends Lifestyle: High-end living, creative exploration, and social buzz Education: College degrees and advanced professional qualifications. Population 18.9K+ Median Age 41 Individual Income $152K+ Residents 12.5K+ Population density High Population growth 0.12% Fun Fact SoHo has been home to many famous people, including Taylor Swift, Jake Gyllenhaal, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Philip Glass, Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker. SoHo is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for brands to have a presence in. Soho's iconic cast iron architecture, abundance of shopping, world-class restaurants, and the city's most expensive real estate attract affluent consumers ready to spend. Our variety of hand painted premium inventory offers something unique for brands to tell their story. Scott Burdick, VP of Sales M-58 + M-63 LAFAYETTE ST. & CANAL ST. A dynamic group of fashion-forward individuals who set trends and influence the pulse of urban fashion with their unique , curated looks. Why Advertise here Position your brand at the heart of culture and style with two prime wallscapes at Lafayette and Canal Streets in SoHo, a hub for fashion influencers and industry leaders. Your campaign will become part of a vibrant tapestry of creativity and luxury , impossible to overlook. Nearby, patrons enjoy crafted cocktails at local bars, dine on upscale farm-to-table dishes, and shop at local boutiques, making your advertisement a lasting impression where the fashion world meets, even after Fashion Week ends. M-64 CANAL ST. & BROADWAY This area draws night owls with its late-night hotspots , stylish lounges, and vibrant energy, offering endless options for those who thrive after dark . Why Advertise here Advertising on Canal Street and Broadway offers exceptional exposure at one of NYC’s busiest intersections . Located between downtown’s edgy charm and SoHo’s sophistication, this wall overlooks SoHo, Chinatown, and Tribeca , capturing a diverse audience of locals, tourists, and professionals. Its cultural and commercial blend makes it ideal for high-impact advertising. M-68 W. BROADWAY b/w HOUSTON & PRINCE ST. Individuals who shape and influence trends by curating art, fashion, and experiences that reflect the latest creative expression and style. Why Advertise here Our West Broadway wallscape is in one of New York's most iconic neighborhoods . The area features luxury shops and top restaurants, attracting a stylish crowd of influencers and celebrities. This vibrant stretch between Houston and Prince connects your brand to a dynamic group of individuals at the center of style, fashion, and culture, making it an ideal location for maximum awareness and impact . M-69 LAFAYETTE ST. & SPRING ST. A refined and culturally engaged group that influences cultural shifts and values uniqueness , innovation, and high-quality artistic expression. Why Advertise here Located at the intersection of Lafayette St. and Spring St. , this vibrant mural connects the trendy neighborhoods of Nolita and Soho , known for their shopping, dining, and cultural scenes. The area attracts a diverse crowd of pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors drawn to high-end shops, popular eateries, and cultural spots. With easy subway access and Citibike stations nearby, advertising here places your brand in the heart of Manhattan’s most energetic areas, reaching trendsetters who appreciate style and innovation. M-74 GRAND ST. & THOMPSON ST. Navigating the city streets to uncover hidden gems and vibrant cultural niches in this ever-evolving artistic hub . Why Advertise here Advertising on Grand Street and Thompson Street presents a prime opportunity to reach one of Manhattan's most vibrant areas , blending SoHo and Tribeca. This hub is surrounded by high-end shopping , trendy boutiques, and artisanal cafes, ideal for fashion, art, and food lovers. Make your advertisement in a dynamic neighborhood offering diverse experiences and an excellent venue for brand exposure . Get to know the area Meatpacking District The streets feel like a gallery adorned with public art installations and pop-up events. Chic cafes and gourmet restaurants are plentiful, making it a hub for style and sophistication . Whether you’re shopping, dining, or exploring its creative treasures, SoHo embodies the timeless, trendsetting spirit of New York City. Anchored by landmarks like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line —a unique elevated park with breathtaking city views—the district offers a perfect blend of culture, style, and urban charm. It's a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike, embodying NYC's spirit of reinvention. Audience Income level: Upper-middle class Occupation: Finance and Banking, Technology, Legal, Healthcare, Real estate brokers and developers, creative directors, producers, Management consultants, Executive Roles Interests: Young, affluent professionals with a strong interest in fashion, dining, art, and nightlife Lifestyle: Tourists, fashion lovers, and people looking to have a night out, high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife. Education: Bachelor's Degree and advanced professional qualifications. Population 34.2K+ Median Age 37 Individual Income $154.9K+ Residents 78 Population density High Population growth -9% Fun Fact The neighborhood was a major destination for produce, poultry, fish, and meat in the 1880s. The Gansevoort Market, an open-air space for buying and selling produce, opened in 1879. You're reaching a sophisticated, high-spending audience, locals and tourists alike, who walk these streets daily. This isn’t just an ad—it’s a statement piece in one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New York City. Mike Christensen, Director, East Coast Sales M-62 GREENWHICH ST. & GANSEVOORT ST. A premier shopping destination where luxury brands, cutting-edge fashion, and stylish boutiques converge in a historic yet modern setting. Why Advertise here Positioning your advertisement at the intersection of Greenwich St. & Gansevoort St. offers unparalleled visibility in the heart of the Meatpacking District, a cultural and commercial hub . This prime location attracts a dynamic mix of affluent locals, fashion enthusiasts, tourists, and industry trendsetters drawn to the area’s luxury retail stores, world-class dining, and art galleries. The vibrant foot traffic and steady flow of visitors ensure your brand reaches a diverse , highly engaged audience in one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods .

We are always looking to grow our team. Apply to join Overall Murals today! JoiN OUr TEAm If you don't see a job opening that matches your skills and interests but still want to join our team, we encourage you to send us your cover letter, resume, and examples of your work here .