I’ve been painting murals professionally for about eight years now, and in that time I’ve had the chance to answer just about every question a client could throw at me. Recently, someone asked me:
“I see the value in murals, but I have two partners who don’t. Is there any data or case studies I can bring to them to show the real impact?”
That question stuck with me—because I know firsthand the value a mural can bring, but sometimes it helps to see the bigger picture.
Murals Build More Than Walls
A mural isn’t just paint—it’s a signal. It tells the community: this space matters. Studies have shown that public art can increase foot traffic, improve business visibility, and raise perceptions of safety and pride in a neighborhood. But I’ve also seen these impacts play out in real time with my own work.
A National Movement on a Local Street
Back in 2020, I was part of the team that painted the Black Lives Matter street mural in Charlotte. What started as a small, organic group of people putting brush to pavement turned into something far bigger than any of us imagined. Within hours, the mural was picked up by national news outlets and even shared on LeBron James’ Instagram. That moment showed me how powerful murals can be—not just for beautifying a space, but for amplifying a message and bringing global attention to a local street.
Neighborhood Foot Traffic & Business Growth
On a local Charlotte level, murals I’ve painted in Plaza Midwood and South End have become destinations in their own right. People stop to take photos, tours bring groups by to see them, and businesses nearby have noticed the difference in foot traffic and social sharing. It’s not uncommon for someone to discover a restaurant, coffee shop, or boutique because they came to snap a picture in front of the mural first. That’s real visibility and economic impact created by a piece of art on a wall.
The Economic Impact at Scale
Increased foot traffic: Research backs up what I’ve seen—areas with murals attract more people and keep them around longer.
Business growth: Shops near murals often report sales bumps after the artwork goes up. A mural is essentially a permanent, shareable billboard that doesn’t feel like an ad.
Tourism & media: Entire districts like Wynwood in Miami have been transformed by murals, drawing millions of visitors and millions of dollars in economic activity.
The Social Impact
Community pride: Murals give locals a sense of ownership and identity. I’ve lost count of how many times neighbors have stopped me mid-paint to thank me for “making their street feel special.”
Safety & maintenance: A painted wall is less likely to get tagged with graffiti—people tend to respect the art.
Connection: Murals create conversation—between neighbors, visitors, and businesses. They spark smiles, photos, and stories that spread beyond the block.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you’re on the fence, think about it this way: a mural is part branding, part community engagement, and part investment. It’s not just decoration—it’s marketing you can’t scroll past. It lives in the real world, drawing eyes, phones, and stories every single day.
And unlike a billboard or ad campaign that disappears once the budget runs out, a mural keeps working for you as long as the paint is on the wall.
Closing Thoughts
I’ve seen murals change neighborhoods, spark national conversations, and bring new life to local businesses. The numbers and case studies support it, but honestly—it’s the human stories, the smiles, and the way people engage with the work that make me believe in the process every time.
If you’re ready to start a conversation about what a mural could do for your business, I’d love to talk.
