Transform Your Space: Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Summer has officially wound down, and we've had an amazing time exploring new cities near and far. As the season drew to a close, our family made the most of it by hitting the road and exploring new places—and with travel comes the joy of discovering new art! Just when I think I’m going to melt like a popsicle in the Georgia heat, the travel bug bites, and I find inspiration in the most unexpected places. Let’s talk about how to use that inspiration to create something wonderful for your space!
The Artistic Rut
Sometimes the hardest part of the artistic process is what I affectionately call “blank page disease”—you know you want to change up your space. You know wall art is right up your alley. But what to paint is the question! That blank wall or empty Procreate screen stares back at you, unblinking, and asks… what are we going to make together? So, how do you move past that point? How do you push into the creation process with inspiration, ready to take on that kids’ room idea or outdoor wall mural with confidence?
My solution? Grab your passport (or maybe just your keys) and book that hotel! There’s nothing like changing your surroundings to inspire new wall mural ideas.
I had to snap a pic at the famous Nashville Wings; Mural by Kelsey Montague.
Nashville, TN
Having recently been in Nashville, I’ve arrived back in Georgia with a belly full of Jeni’s ice cream and my fingertips itching for a paintbrush. Coming home from a trip is always my most inspired time as an artist. There’s no denying the ‘pull to create’ that the Tennessee mountains inspire, and Nashville did not disappoint. Wandering around the Honky Tonk Highway, hearing the staggering variety of tunes drifting out of every door frame, I felt inspired to put pen to paper. Nashville, being the musical hub that it is, reminds me of the music-inspired street mural I created back in 2021. If you haven’t made it to downtown Macon’s Cherry Street yet, it’s worth a visit. This giant musical river was a massive undertaking with help from countless volunteers, but she makes an incredible statement about Macon’s identity and is a colorful addition to the downtown shops. Check out the awesome footage here!
Palm Springs, CA
Not only do different cities inspire the content of what you design, but they can also inspire what medium you design with or on. For the most part, clients seek out a mural artist when they want to paint a wall. But what if you don’t have a wall that needs painting? What if you have something else that’s been… well, a bit of an eyesore? Take a leaf out of Palm Springs’ book, and paint it! Palm Springs, California, a city high on my bucket list of places I’d like to visit, is teeming with artistic inspiration—from its unique desert mountainscape, teetering palms, spikey Joshua trees, and chic Old Hollywood houses, Palm Springs is a deep well of inspiration. Artists in Palm Springs have created a series of benches across their downtown to give each spot a bit of high-energy personality. Check it out here to see the full collection. How do you think a series like this would make an impact in your city? (Psst, let’s find out together!)
And Beyond!
Other big cities take similar approaches to mural art, challenging the definition of what constitutes a canvas. Boston and San Diego may be on opposite coasts, but the artists there have much in common, painting even the most mundane of items—power boxes. You can find a huge variety of styles and colors across these cities, making your stop at the traffic light a little brighter. I’ve also seen these colorful surprises roughly a mile above sea level, in Denver, Colorado, where they often feature hyper-realistic animals from all over America.
Coming home after seeing art in a typically forgettable space can shift your perspective on your own spaces. What might you have in your home that could be painted? Your place of business? Here are a few locations I’m manifesting:
A pool. Or, I suppose I should say, another pool. Painting the inside of a pool was HARD work, but SO worth it. I think the results speak for themselves! Can you imagine floating in this on a hot July day? Sipping a cold glass of sweet tea and letting all your troubles drift away. Who needs a vacation if you’ve got this in your backyard? Check out more pool photos here!
A backyard fence. Not everyone has a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean your yard has to be bland or boring. Adding a mural to an outdoor wall, patio, or fence is a fantastic way to inject personality into your space and create a unique focal point. A beautifully painted fence can do more than just define the boundaries of your yard; it can transform the entire area into an outdoor gallery, adding curb appeal and making your home stand out in the neighborhood. Plus, a mural can reflect your personal style, whether you’re drawn to bold, abstract patterns or serene nature scenes. Take a look at this stunning mural my friend Rhiannan Sibbald recently completed in Michigan—it’s a perfect example of how a well-executed design can bring color and life to an otherwise ordinary yard. Imagine coming home every day to a space that feels like an extension of your creativity and adds that extra “wow” factor to your home’s exterior.
A hotel. For a lot of people, a hotel is the first impression a visitor has of a new city. Let’s show off your city’s charm with a custom mural (which would also be a great opportunity for a photo spot)! Last year I created this wall mural at Visit Macon. While not a hotel, it has the same vibe of welcoming visitors and giving you a taste of the city. Macon is the home of The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, and Little Richard, and the client and I wanted to celebrate their impact on our city in a different manner than an expected portrait of the musicians.
A basketball court. While I was never quite coordinated enough to excel at basketball, I love that basketball courts are a community meeting place in most cities. They’re usually in public parks where people from all over can come together to play hoops, blow off some steam, and meet new people. What I love most about the potential of a basketball mural is that in the ideal situation, the community would be a part of the installation process. In my past community mural projects, I’ve learned that when the community helps install the mural, they become invested in the upkeep, preventing the mural from being tagged, and creating further ownership of the space. In Atlanta, my friend Elaine Stephenson created this beauty of a basketball court mural.
Photo credit: Jessica Whitley Photography
An electrical box. An electrical box might seem like an unlikely canvas, but it’s actually the perfect spot to add a splash of character to an otherwise overlooked space. These small, often drab fixtures are scattered throughout cities, blending into the background—until an artist transforms them into vibrant works of art. Recently, I came across an electrical box designed by Toronto-based artist Catherine Cachia, and it was a true testament to the power of public art. Bursting with color and community spirit, her design turned an ordinary street corner into a place that feels alive and uplifting. It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact on the vibe of a neighborhood.
So what’s it going to be? Another year of saving Pinterest pins in an album entitled “Someday?” Or is this the year you take the leap and make something unexpected?