Inside Scoop Working @WallCrawl

For the past two years, I’ve been able to work at one of the best places in the world each quarter (may be bias but that placed is named Wall Crawl). Having walls to spackle, paint, and stencil as canvases fills my heart with joy. Last week I got to treat my friends and show them the latest mural I worked on! And since I love sharing with you the behind the scenes of my time here, I figured I would answer your most asked questions with how I got started with Wall Crawl, more on the incredible people who created this unique company, and fun facts you may not know!

1) HOW I STARTED

When I first started at Wall Crawl, I was a timid artist still in college who was unsure of her career path. I quite honestly didn’t realize there was a place for my passion of painting outside of my small business. During this time, I still had in mind that my career would be pursuing a desk job and working my way up the ladder. A dear friend, Jim Hobart, whom I’m forever grateful for, mentioned my name to the Johnsons when they were searching for extra hands for their second installation. When they reached out, I felt like the opportunity was too good to be true. Getting paid to paint? I hopped on it as fast as I could. In the beginning, it was just Jeanette and I, one of the owners, painting walls together and moving props. Conversations took place that enthralled and inspired me. Learning and hearing of Jeanette’s experience and strength as a woman in the business world made me even more proud to be helping with part of her dream. Notable conversations I always remember: discussing our passion for mental health and therapy, book recommendations flying across the room, and even our “why’s” of why we create. These conversations were one of the reason Jeanette is one of my inspirations and mentors in life and I am so grateful for these talks and installs that helped me become who I am! She grew from a boss to a mentor to a friend and I’ve been able to learn so much from her as a businesswomen and strong leader. I even interviewed her here on The Created Podcast if you’d like to hear more on her story! Warning: she will be an inspiration to you too after you listen :)

Overall, looking back on how I started, I am proud to have grown confidence in myself, as an artist, and my abilities thanks to the amazing team at Wall Crawl. As a creative individual, I feel so grateful to have a place to use my talents, while simultaneously having people value my creativity enough to share with others. 

2) Who is behind Wall Crawl?

Wall Crawl was founded by the husband and wife dream team—Jeanette and Joshua. From the first install I had, when it was just Jeanette and I painting walls, I knew she was a genuine and honest soul.  Joshua would come in when we needed additional support with the heavy props or hangings, while also discussing with Jeanette their creative vision. The dynamic they have as a couple and as a business is truly incredible, seeing as they deal with their discussions, opinions, and suggestions with such grace and understanding.

Joshua is the entrepreneur I hope to be someday, as he has acquired so many skills and knowledge along his entrepreneurial journey that I . He even used to teach a class at UCF (so I’m bummed I missed out on the chance to be his student haha)! Yet I have watched how he handles calls after calls about Wall Crawl and customer services. I have watched him and Jeanette flawlessly take on 29385739287 responsibilities together as a team and business, all while making sure they are treating their customers, artists, and community with respect and love.

3) Fun Facts

Some unique behind-the-scenes that you may not know is that each install takes about 3-4 days out of the week to complete. I now have a collection of painting clothes that I’ve acquired over the years, as I started with “nice clothes” being too confident that I wouldn’t end up with paint on my clothes. I was wrong, got paint splatters all over my legs and clothes, and would even sometimes find paint in my hair as I showered that evening. There’s lots of spackle, glue, paint cans, trays, rollers, brushes, and coffee during this week. An artists’ dream in my mind. It’s truly unique to be given a task or an idea, draft a rough sketch, and then compare it to the masterpiece in front of you and have that moment of, “Wow, that really happened.” I will say, while they are days filled with lots of fun, it is exhausting at times since you’re working on your feet or sitting painting floors. I take the longest naps at the end of these weeks since I have been working all day, pushing props, painting, hanging giant pencils or inflatable whales and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.

The biggest takeaway is that sometimes the walls come out better than I could have imagined. Sometimes they come out different than I expected—but nonetheless still great. Sometimes I think that I messed up a wall, but rather it turns out to be a hit. Regardless, there is truly no greater feeling than seeing friends or people you haven’t met posing happily in front of your wall with confidence. Taking a photo that will last them a while to look back on happy memories either with their friends or themselves. Below are some of the walls and murals I’ve either painted, helped or assisted with!

Overall, I share this because Wall Crawl is such a special place not only because of the magical photographs and memories that take place but the values and vision behind this company. It started with a couple who wanted to make a dream a reality. And I am so honored and proud to have been able to be a part of this incredible company.

Thank you Wall Crawl, Jeanette + Joshua, for making a difference in your community and making the world a more colorful place.

Let’s Be Friends!

Follow me for more inspiration, updates on life events, encouragement, creativity + more! @shelbyswygert