Baltimore Ravens | Paint the State Purple Campaign
Project Overview
As part of the Baltimore Ravens' Paint the State Purple campaign, Ground Zero Studio was selected to create a large-scale public mural in Towson, Maryland. The initiative aimed to strengthen connections between the Ravens organization and communities throughout the state by transforming public spaces into vibrant celebrations of local pride and football culture.
Located at Dulaney Plaza, the mural became the first installation completed as part of the campaign and served as a visual landmark connecting Towson's identity to the Baltimore Ravens organization.
The Challenge
The Baltimore Ravens sought an artist who could create a mural that celebrated both the team's brand and the unique character of the surrounding community. The artwork needed to feel authentic to Towson while remaining recognizable as part of a statewide Ravens initiative.
The challenge was to create a design that balanced professional sports branding with community storytelling, ensuring the mural resonated with local residents, students, and football fans alike.
Discovery & Creative Development
The opportunity originated when the Ravens discovered Ground Zero Studio's work through Instagram and reached out directly to participate in the campaign.
As a Towson University alumnus, the project held personal significance and provided a unique opportunity to create artwork in a community that played an important role in the artist's own journey.
Ground Zero Studio developed and presented multiple concept directions for consideration. Through collaborative feedback sessions with the Ravens organization, the selected concept was refined to incorporate key brand elements while maintaining a strong connection to the Towson community.
A major theme that emerged during development was the relationship between Towson and M&T Bank Stadium. This connection became a visual thread throughout the design, reinforcing how communities across Maryland are united through their support of the Ravens.
Design Solution
The final mural features an illustrated Ravens fan floating into Towson while holding balloons that spell "RAVENS." Dressed in a Ray Lewis jersey, the central figure serves as a symbolic ambassador connecting Baltimore football culture with the surrounding community.
The mural incorporates recognizable Towson landmarks, including the Towson Courthouse, Dulaney Plaza, Recher Theatre, and Johnny Unitas Stadium, creating a visual snapshot of the area's identity and history.
To encourage public interaction, portions of the balloon strings extend into accessible areas of the mural, allowing visitors to pose for photographs and become part of the artwork. This interactive element transformed the mural from a viewing experience into a community engagement opportunity.
By combining sports culture, local landmarks, and vibrant storytelling, the final design celebrates both community pride and the shared identity that connects Towson to the Ravens organization.
Installation and Execution
The mural was painted directly onto the exterior wall of Dulaney Plaza and spans approximately 35 feet by 25 feet.
Over a two-week installation period, Ground Zero Studio completed the mural using professional-grade exterior mural paints and protective anti-graffiti coatings designed to preserve the artwork against weather and potential vandalism.
The completed mural transformed a highly visible public space into a destination for residents, visitors, students, and football fans.
Services Provided
• Creative Direction
• Concept Development
• Public Art Design
• Illustration
• Brand Integration
• Environmental Design
• Community Placemaking
• Interactive Design
• Mural Installation
• Project Management
• Concept Development
• Public Art Design
• Illustration
• Brand Integration
• Environmental Design
• Community Placemaking
• Interactive Design
• Mural Installation
• Project Management
Community Impact
The mural was officially unveiled during a public celebration attended by Ravens cheerleaders, the Ravens mascot, community members, and local supporters.
The project generated media coverage through local news outlets, community organizations, and Towson University, helping amplify the impact of the initiative throughout the region.
Today, the mural serves as a permanent symbol of community pride, local identity, and the connection between Towson and one of Maryland's most recognized organizations.
