Capture Fitness

Client: Capture Fitness
Service: Murals
Type: Commercial Indoor
Coverage: Full
Detail: Deluxe
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Square footage: 108 sq ft

The best gym in Indy needed an eye-catching, energizing mural to set the tone for the awesome experience of working out at Capture Fitness

Jump to: Mural, Add-ons

Setting the Mood

I set up a meeting with the owner to learn about what makes Capture Fitness different from other gyms. The motto for Capture Fitness is Move with Intent.” We discussed what goes into the gym's aesthetic, and that was a great starting point for compiling images for the mood board. The owner’s passion for music came through clear as a [bar]bell, so I also asked for music to listen to as I worked on designs.

Following our conversation, I created a mood board that showed a variety of inspiration ideas. These existing images act as a visual “menu” of sorts. Stakeholders can easily indicate which images they like and which they don’t. This stage is incredibly helpful before jumping into original design ideas.

the heart of the project:

Inspire people to work out and have fun through a colorful, energizing mural

Design Concepts

Hearing what the Client responded positively to on the mood board narrowed my focus for approaching the mural design. It definitely started to take form as a nightscape. To play with breaking out of the rectangular constraints of the wall, I explored the design continuing onto the adjacent wall. A core element of my design idea came from seeing the barbell weights stacked into columns that reminded me of sound visualizers as well as city buildings.

I started with several pencil sketches and then developed the two strongest ideas into vector grayscale designs. Starting in grayscale helps focus on the composition before adding in color. The Client chose their favorite and requested a few changes. Next, I created a full-color rendering incorporating the brand colors of Capture Fitness. I added in subtle color variations to achieve the end result.

Installation

I transferred the design outline using a projector and water-soluble Carb-Othello pencils.

Then it was a slow, steady march to apply the thirteen colors and bring the mural to life. Crisp straight lines and smooth paint swirls came together to infuse a ton of energy into what had been a solid-color wall.

Although it was bright orange, the original wall looked inert compared to the energy the new mural brings to the space. Members say it helps them push through tough sets!

Photos by Miguel Dominguez

Final Result

I am especially proud of the transparency effect in this mural. It’s a layered, rich image to enjoy with lots of playful elements to discover. Plus, it’s inspiring to see during workouts. :)

Add-ons

I translated the mural design into something that would work well on a shirt. That new design was also used to make stickers!

“Siena did an amazing job with the mural at my gym.

This is the most involved I've been in the creative process, and I loved being so close to the action.

Together, we explored a number of design concepts and elements that evoke the energy epitomizing Capture Fitness. Siena pulled it all together and created a new piece that is now everyone's favorite part of the gym! Everything came out perfectly, and it looks even better in person than I imagined. My members and I are beyond excited for the mural merch so we can wear it everywhere!”

Earl Sims
Capture Fitness Owner