Artist transforms city walls into canvases of hope through explosive color and uplifting messages worldwide
New York, N.Y. – In a city where concrete and steel dominate the landscape, Jason Naylor (website) has carved out a unique niche as one of New York City’s most recognizable muralists.
The Brooklyn-based artist has transformed countless walls across the metropolis into vibrant canvases that pulse with life, color, and unapologetically positive messages. His distinctive style—characterized by electric color palettes and rich blacks—has become synonymous with urban optimism in an era often marked by cynicism.
From Corporate Corridors to City Streets
After earning a B.F.A. in graphic design from Brigham Young University, he moved to NYC to immerse himself into the life, color and magic of New York.
He began his professional career working in the Creative Department of M·A·C Cosmetics, where he learned about the business of art and design, and developed his taste for spreading life and color into any and every project he could get his hands on.
This foundation in commercial design would prove instrumental in shaping Naylor’s approach to public art, blending business acumen with artistic vision.
The transition from corporate creative work to independent artistry wasn’t immediate.
For six years, Naylor honed his skills within the structured environment of MAC Cosmetics, where he developed an understanding of brand identity, visual communication, and the power of color in conveying emotion.
This experience taught him valuable lessons about reaching diverse audiences—skills that would later prove essential in his work as a public artist.
The Philosophy of Positive Expression
Jason’s work consists of bright colors and rich blacks, and regularly contains messages of love and positivity, as he believes that kindness is the key to success.
The artist’s philosophy isn’t merely aesthetic; it represents a deliberate choice to
counteract urban negativity through art. In neighborhoods where residents might
encounter daily stressors, his murals bring unexpected moments of joy and reflection.
His artistic philosophy extends beyond visual appeal to encompass social responsibility. Each mural represents an investment in community well-being, offering messages that resonate across cultural and economic boundaries. The artist’s commitment to positivity isn’t naive optimism but rather a strategic approach to using public art as a tool for social connection and mental health support.
Recognition and Global Impact
Jason’s work has received global recognition including the Golden Novum Design Award and two b. It has been featured in numerous publications and blogs and he has been featured on HGTV and the Discovery Channel. This recognition reflects not only artistic merit but also the broader cultural impact of his work.
The Golden Novum Design Award and CLIO Bronze medals represent validation from peers in both the art and advertising industries.
In 2018, Jason was named by BUMBLE as one of the 100 Most Inspiring New Yorkers, a designation that acknowledges his role as a cultural influencer beyond the art world. This recognition positioned him among entrepreneurs, activists, and thought leaders who shape the city’s cultural landscape.
The acknowledgment reflects how street art and muralism have evolved from subcultural movements to mainstream cultural forces.
Corporate Collaborations and Brand Partnerships
The commercial viability of Naylor’s work has attracted partnerships with major brands seeking authentic connections with urban audiences. His upbeat, colorful creations have found partnership with a range of brands such as Coach, Pepsi, Guess, XBOX and Maybelline.
These collaborations represent a significant shift in how corporations approach public art, moving beyond traditional advertising to embrace authentic artistic expression.
These partnerships demonstrate the evolution of brand marketing in urban environments. Rather than competing with street art, major corporations now seek to collaborate with muralists who possess genuine community connections.
Naylor’s ability to maintain artistic integrity while working with commercial partners has made him a sought-after collaborator for brands seeking authentic urban engagement.
Technical Mastery and Creative Range
He works in both digital and traditional media, and while his work ranges from typography and illustration, to products and large scale murals, the immediately recognizable commonalities found in his work are his electric color palette and his positivity. This versatility allows Naylor to adapt his vision across multiple platforms and scales, from intimate illustrations to building-sized murals.
The technical demands of large-scale muralism require expertise in materials, weather resistance, and architectural considerations. Naylor’s background in graphic design provides crucial skills in scaling compositions and maintaining visual coherence across vast surfaces. His understanding of typography ensures that textual elements remain legible and impactful at various viewing distances.
Future Directions and Artistic Evolution
Currently, Jason is working towards developing a three dimensional version of one of his favorite motifs… the heart. This expansion into three-dimensional work represents the natural evolution of an artist whose two-dimensional work has already achieved significant recognition. The development suggests future installations that could transform not just walls but entire urban spaces.
The exploration of three-dimensional work indicates Naylor’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while maintaining his core message of positivity. This evolution could lead to public sculptures, interactive installations, or architectural integrations that extend his influence beyond traditional mural formats.
Jason Naylor’s impact on New York City’s visual landscape extends far beyond mere decoration. His work represents a conscious effort to use public art as a force for community building and emotional uplift.
In a city where residents often feel disconnected from their environment, Naylor’s murals serve as reminder that art can transform both spaces and perspectives. His success demonstrates that positive messaging and commercial viability need not be mutually exclusive, offering a model for artists seeking to create meaningful change through public art.
Summary
Jason Naylor, an award-winning Brooklyn muralist, transforms NYC walls into vibrant canvases of positivity. After earning his BFA from Brigham Young University and working at MAC Cosmetics, he launched his independent career spreading messages of love and kindness through large-scale public art. His electric color palettes and uplifting typography have earned global recognition including Golden Novum Design Awards and partnerships with major brands.
TAGS: street art, muralism, public art, urban art, Brooklyn artists, New York City, positive messaging, wall art, brand partnerships, graphic design, typography, community art, contemporary art, visual culture, social impact
ART | Jason Naylor: Brooklyn’s Vibrant Voice of Urban Positivity (July 30, 2025)
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#PositiveArt #UrbanArt #MuralArt #ColorfulArt
