Uptowne Tire Mural Restoration

Fall 2023

Joshua Birch, the owner of Uptowne Tire Co. in Evanston, Ohio, asked if it would be possible to restore an old, dated, peeling mural on the side of his business. Employing a blend of digital brainstorming, contemplative deliberation, and hands-on craftsmanship, I used my design and technical skills to recreate the beloved mural of his parents that drew customers to his business.

Original Mural - June, 1972

Reid and Jamie Birch started Uptowne Tire in 1972, overcoming obstacles like racial prejudice and limited education. Reid, growing up in a small town in Kentucky, taught himself to read after moving to Cincinnati.He and his wife grew their own successful business and raised a family, with two children who now run the business in their honor. They have been pillars in the Evanston community for over 50 years.

Digital Ideating

My first objective was to accurately restore the faces of the mural as well as the surrounding banner. Using illustrator I was able to digitally trace the organic components of the face using my mouse pad and color match with the existing colors.

Original Mural

Digitally Restored Mural

Background Ideating:

After completing the digital restoration of the faces, Josh and I talked about elevating the background with some new elements. He gave me some some ideas for inspiration and I created digital designs based on his vision.

Inspiration:

Muscle cars
1969 Firebird
Sunflowers

Mood Board

Preparing To Paint:

After creating our final idea for the mural, I prepared myself to paint! I chose the most prominent colors in the scheme and created a pallet, then color matched to colors I was able to purchase. Then I collected the rest of the necessary materials.

‘Writer’s

Parchment’

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‘Sweet Lemon’

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‘Grenadine’

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‘Chai Spice’

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