Dempsey Construction
November 2024 • Carlsbad, California
This custom commercial mural in Carlsbad, California was created for Dempsey Construction in November 2024—and it marked a first in my nearly decade-long career as a professional mural artist.
With nine years of experience painting large-scale walls and custom murals for businesses, this project introduced a completely unique surface: a Skyfold retractable wall system. Unlike traditional walls, this metal accordion-style room divider folds into the ceiling, requiring a specialized approach to both design and execution.
Designing a Branded Mural for a Construction Company
From the beginning, Dempsey Construction wanted a bright, colorful mural that reflected their company culture and brand identity. The design concept incorporated:
Their core brand values and personality
Personal elements like the owner’s two German Shepherds
Local inspiration from Carlsbad’s coastal lifestyle
Subtle nods to surfing culture and Southern California aesthetics
The result is a custom office mural that feels bold, playful, and unmistakably “Dempsey”—a perfect blend of corporate branding and artistic storytelling.
Painting a Skyfold Wall: A Unique Mural Challenge
Creating a mural on a Skyfold movable wall system required extensive planning and testing. Since this type of surface is uncommon in mural work, preparation included:
Coordinating with Skyfold to confirm paint compatibility on metal panels
Testing multiple primers months in advance to ensure long-term durability
Developing a technique to prevent paint from interfering with the wall’s folding mechanism
On installation day, my team and I primed the entire surface using a specialized metal primer to ensure proper adhesion. We then used the panel divisions as a built-in grid system to map out the mural design with precision.
Execution: Balancing Art with Functionality
One of the biggest challenges was applying paint in a way that preserved the wall’s functionality. Each layer had to be:
Thin and even, preventing panels from sticking when folded
Carefully applied to maintain both visual impact and mechanical performance
With the help of two assistants, we completed the mural within a tight three-day timeline. After allowing 48 hours for curing, the final result was revealed: a vibrant, dynamic mural that seamlessly transforms the space as the wall folds down from the ceiling.
Custom Murals for Businesses in Carlsbad and Beyond
This project highlights how custom murals can elevate commercial spaces, even in unconventional environments like retractable walls. It’s also a reminder that innovation is at the heart of what I do as a California mural artist—no two surfaces (or stories) are ever the same.
If you're looking for a Carlsbad mural artist or want to explore custom wall art for your business, office, or commercial space, this project is a perfect example of how creativity and brand identity can come together in a truly unique way.
