Daily Inspiration: Meet Mike Baum Sara Dickson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Baum Sara Dickson

Hi Mike Baum, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
About 8 years ago we met at Muay Thai class, and discovered we both enjoy painting. Mike had been painting murals surrounding his backyard, and Sara was painting murals on and inside her home. During the Covid lockdown, we were frustrated with the whole situation (being stuck in the house, businesses struggling to survive), and decided to paint bright and colorful mural on the side of a building in Scottsdale to rally the community. It was called “The Champs Live Here,” and was our first mural together. It gave us painting to look forward to, during a time that felt bleak and lacking connection. The city came after us pretty hard, because the mural wasn’t pre-approved and didn’t meet city building codes. We refused to take it down, and the community rallied behind us. A two year fight ensued, but in the end we were able to keep the mural up and that was the beginning of Old Town Murals & Co.

Now, several years later, we’ve painted murals, signage, and backdrops for businesses and individuals all across Arizona, as well as Texas.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a learning process since the first mural. We are always learning how to do things more quickly and more efficiently. Overall, our process is much better than it was in the beginning. I don’t think any business is a smooth road, but ours has been relatively smooth outside of the issues with the the city wanting our first mural to be painted over.

Every mural has come out successfully, but every project we figure out ways improve. Probably the most difficult part, and what we have improved is the process of cost estimating. Trying to gauge the right price regarding what people are willing to pay for a mural – because those benchmarks vary so much between companies and individuals.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets us apart is that we do exactly what we say we are gonna do. We provide a mock up (rendering) of the art superimposed onto the wall that our clients want us to paint, so they have a really good visual of what the finished product will be before we begin. Sara has almost 30 years of professional experience as a graphic designer, which helps guide layout, art and typography. Mike has 20 years of experience in business, running multiple of his own successful companies. As far as subject matter and style, we provide what the client is looking for, but we enjoy designing and implementing art that is more out of the ordinary. We enjoy rising up to creative challenges, as each project is a new adventure and opportunity that we can get excited about.

We painted a piece for Cyclebar Scottsdale, who requested a Scottsdale inspired mural in their brand colors. We met their requirements, but also took it in an unexpected and creative direction that we’re proud of. Last year we won Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley 2024 for Best Artist, which is something we didn’t imagine happening 5 years ago while painting the first mural.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The most support we need is getting the word out!!! We want people to know about our company, our skills and to see our work. We have our portfolio on our website, so that those who want permanent art on their wall can see what we do, have us come out to discuss and brainstorm their project. Also follow us on Instagram, where we post the progression of our murals as we work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.oldtownmurals.com
• Instagram: @Oldtownmuralco
• Facebook: @oldtownmurals