Bringing Downtown Reno to Life: The Story Behind the Business Improvement District Mural
At Design on Edge, we recently had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the Downtown Reno Partnership (DRP)—a 501©(6) nonprofit business improvement district dedicated to making downtown Reno safer, cleaner, and more vibrant for both residents and visitors. Our mission? To design a mural that captures the energy and positive spirit of the business improvement district while celebrating the diverse activities within its boundaries.
A Mural That Moves with the City
The real challenge was crafting a mural that felt alive—art that not only showcased DRP’s brand identity but also appeared hand-painted, despite being designed in modular pieces. This segmentation enables the use of icons and graphics from the mural independently or in combination, providing versatile branding assets for DRP’s communications.
The final piece isn’t just a mural; it’s a dynamic visual narrative that reflects the pulse of downtown Reno.
Why Murals Matter: Beyond Beautification
Murals do more than just brighten walls—they transform communities. Here’s why this mural project is so much more than decoration:
Community & Culture
- Builds Community: Collaborative projects like this one cultivate pride and unity, visually narrating shared history and values.
- Preserves Identity: The mural honors local traditions and cultural heritage, strengthening the district’s unique identity.
- Sparks Dialogue: Public art invites reflection and conversation, helping raise awareness on social issues relevant to the community.
Economic & Business Benefits
- Drives Foot Traffic: A captivating mural becomes a destination, attracting visitors and increasing revenue for surrounding businesses.
- Increases Property Value: Revitalized, art-filled spaces become more desirable neighborhoods.
- Enhances Branding: For DRP, this mural provides a distinct visual storytelling element that enhances brand identity and generates social media buzz.
Aesthetics & Well-being
- Beautifies Spaces: The mural transforms once-bland walls into vibrant landmarks.
- Improves Mood: Art in public spaces has been shown to reduce stress and uplift well-being.
- Discourages Vandalism: Graffiti artists often respect murals, protecting these spaces from unwanted tagging.
Inspiration & Education
- Inspires Creativity: Public murals ignite imagination and can motivate younger generations.
- Educational Tools: Such artworks serve as outdoor classrooms, teaching history and promoting civic engagement.
From Sketch to Streetscape: Our Design Process
Creating this mural was a thoughtful journey, beginning with numerous hand-drawn sketches that allowed me to explore various directions and concepts. We conducted hours of research and applied color theory to ensure the palette resonated with Reno’s vibrant community.
The unique style emerged from the designer’s own voice, harmonizing with other custom illustrations within the DRP branding system. Once digitized and refined, this modular design allowed flexibility for various uses beyond the mural itself.
The final artwork has since been translated onto postcards, supporting creative campaigns, and digital media—amplifying the mural’s impact far beyond the walls on which it was painted.
Celebrating Downtown Reno—Together
This mural is a testament to what happens when design meets community values and vision. It’s a symbol residents and visitors alike can stand behind, celebrating downtown Reno’s dynamic culture and the Downtown Reno Partnership’s unwavering dedication to the district’s prosperity.
At Design on Edge, we’re proud to help bring local stories to life through thoughtful, strategic design. Want to learn how your community or business can benefit from creative collaboration? Reach out to us today.
