Cool Dinks a Dirty Soda Shop

Calgary, Alberta

Cool Dinks partnered with The Bear and Unicorn to create a bold exterior mural for their first Calgary location. The piece needed to introduce the brand, act as storefront signage, and create immediate visual impact before the shop officially opened in December 2025.

Timeline: August to September, 2025
Location: 11877 Sarcee Trail NW #635, Calgary, AB

MURAL PROJECT DETAILS

The mural was designed as both artwork and functional signage. Inspired by the founders’ Australian roots and surf culture, the concept centers around a strong surfboard form, flowing waves, and subtle Australian floral references.

The aesthetic blends minimal retro style with playful energy. Clean lines and bold shapes keep it timeless, while movement in the composition keeps it fresh and inviting.

Because the mural replaces traditional signage, the business name was carefully integrated into the design so it reads clearly from a distance while still feeling like part of the artwork.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

Site Challenges

• Large 20×30-foot exterior wall

• First time using a scissor lift

• Textured stucco surface requiring precise line control

• High visibility from multiple street angles

Design Challenges

• Creating artwork that also functions as signage

• Ensuring strong legibility at scale

• Refining early-stage ideas into a cohesive brand statement

• Keeping the design bold without overcomplicating it

THE SOLUTION

We guided the client through a structured creative process, starting with sketches and digital mockups to test layout, proportion, and readability at scale.

On site, we mapped the design using VR tools, chalked the full composition, refined proportions, and then layered paint with careful attention to line work and balance. The use of a lift required thoughtful planning and precision, especially when maintaining consistent scale across the entire wall.

With a balanced, functional design, the result is a simple mural that serves as branding, signage, and a visual landmark.

IMPACT & RESULTS

The mural immediately established Cool Dinks’ presence in a busy commercial area. It draws attention from surrounding streets and gives the business a strong identity before customers even step inside.

It differentiates the brand from neighbouring storefronts, creates a recognizable visual anchor, and reinforces the shop's playful, surf-inspired personality.

FROM THE CLIENT

"Maya and David were fantastic to work with! As we are a new business opening in Calgary we wanted to do something different for our signage. They created a beautiful original piece for us. The process felt so easy and the collaborative discussions were so exciting. We felt so much a part of the process. Somehow they took our jumbled ideas and thoughts and created something incredible. Bear and Unicorn Creative understood what we needed and their background in branding and marketing was a real asset. I would absolutely recommend them and hope to use their services again in the near future!"
— Virginia Fawns

LOOKING FOR A MURAL ARTIST?

Whether you're in Calgary, across Alberta, or beyond, we’re here to help you create moments that invite connection and creativity. A well-designed mural doesn’t just enhance a space—it sparks engagement and leaves a lasting impact. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.

Reach out to schedule a call to discuss your project.