For businesses, a mural can be much more than just a visual statement. In the urban landscape, it becomes a way to gain visibility in places where people pass by every day. At Treepack, we’ve noticed that it’s precisely that unexpected encounter with an image that captures real attention, because it can’t be swiped away or ignored. The only question is: which murals really work well for your business?
What makes a street mural impactful?
On the street, you only have a few seconds to grab people’s attention. People are on the go and often only glance briefly at their surroundings. That’s why an image needs to be immediately clear and impactful, without needing any explanation. Because if it isn’t immediately clear, it can’t really make an impact.
The most successful murals usually have the following characteristics:
- You can spot them right away from a distance.
- They work with a single, clear visual concept.
- They stand out because of their color and contrast.
- They're real eye-catchers, making passersby stop in their tracks.
What types of murals work well for businesses?
Not every style has the same impact on the streetscape. Certain shapes and colors are particularly effective at making a business stand out on the street.
3D and optical illusions
These murals work because they surprise viewers and immediately grab their attention. They momentarily break the routine of passersby and cause people to slow down or stop. By playing with perspective and depth, they create a powerful visual effect that works even from a distance.
Photo opportunities with a designated viewing spot
Here, the design is built around a single, clear vantage point. From that spot, the view is perfect, making it immediately clear where people should stand for the best experience. This often leads to spontaneous photos, social media moments, and greater visibility without the need for additional explanation or activation.
Interactive elements
A mural can do more than just be looked at. By making it interactive—for example, by adding a QR code or turning it into a walking tour—it becomes a brief experience rather than just an image. A great example of this is our own Tour Elentrik and Tour Surprise.
Subtle brand integration
For businesses, it’s often more effective when a product or service is naturally woven into the scene—not as a standalone advertising element, but as part of the story. There are two ways to approach this. You can place the mural on your building’s facade so that everyone can see your story, as with the mural at Martens Brewery.
Did you know that a mural isn’t just for the outdoors—it works indoors at your company, too? That way, your employees see it every day, and it truly becomes part of the space, just like at Safran.
Local context
When a mural reflects the neighborhood or the surrounding area, it fosters a sense of connection more quickly. People recognize elements from their own lives, which makes the artwork more relevant and human.
Live painting
The process itself can be just as powerful as the final result. When people see the mural taking shape, it naturally sparks curiosity and conversation in the neighborhood. It becomes a temporary event in the community that comes alive as it’s being created, often generating additional content and attention.
What works best for businesses?
Powerful street-level murals usually combine a few key elements:
- A simple idea that takes shape with input from you and your employees.
- A clear connection to the company.
- A location with heavy traffic or high visibility.
- A reason for people to take a look or stop by.
It’s not about showing as much as possible, but about choosing what really sticks with you.
Common mistakes
Not every mural works equally well. Here are some common mistakes:
- There are too many details, making the image difficult to read at a glance.
- A logo that is too prominent or just a bit too vague.
- No clear connection to the surroundings or context.
- No reason for people to pause for a moment.
Ready to make your brand stand out on the street?
Striking murals in the urban landscape are no accident. They are based on a clear concept that is immediately understandable to anyone passing by. Not too complex, yet recognizable, and always with a strong visual impact.
At Treepack, we’re happy to guide you through the entire process so you end up with a mural that will blow people away. We make sure it’s tailored to the location, the context, and what your company hopes to achieve with the mural.
