A New Standard in Cannabis Quality
FireFlower has been helping businesses across North America in the cannabis space for over a decade through their consulting group. They are experts in the cannabis industry in all aspects of business: startup operations, project management, cultivation, and accounting. Ben and Jessica Franz decided it was time to open up their own cannabis business, and FireFlower Craft Cannabis was born. They set their sights on opening their dispensary in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since cannabis legalization in 2021, the state of New Mexico has generated over $27 million in tax revenue on sales of cannabis alone.
Although the cannabis market has boomed in New Mexico, the market has become saturated with big-industry players pumping out mid-grade products. FireFlower strives to be different and set a new standard in cannabis consumption. Their focus is to deliver a high-quality and consistent experience to each one of their customers by providing excellent customer service and a premium product. FireFlower ensures their products are of top-tier quality by cultivating and growing all of their cannabis in-house. They use production techniques like hand trimming, hang drying, and hand packaging to check the quality of their flower at every stage.
The Perfect Partners
FireFlower seeks to partner with like-minded individuals who share their vision of high standards, and prior to their grand opening in September 2023, they were looking for an artist to design and paint a beautiful mural for a prominent wall of their dispensary. The specific wall they chose for the mural faces the Expo New Mexico which is where many notable events take place, including the New Mexico State Fair. While looking for a suitable artist, they found my passion for high-quality artwork was comparable to their passion for high-quality cannabis. It was also very important to FireFlower to work with and uplift women in the cannabis industry. They were impressed with my work, and seeing that I am a female artist who has painted a cannabis-themed mural in the past proved I was a perfect fit to work with FireFlower Craft Cannabis. This would be my final mural project in Albuquerque, NM before moving to Atlanta, GA.
Designing an Enchanted State
Highlighting the vision and values of FireFlower was of the utmost importance for this mural project. The design concept was the result of a collaboration between myself and FireFlower’s co-founder, Jess. We understood it was essential for the mural to embody the essence of top-shelf cannabis products, honor the role of women in the industry, symbolize growth, and to underline the importance of giving back to the community. FireFlower’s motto is “Explore an Enchanted State”, I kept this phrase in the forefront of my mind when I was creating the design.
In the design, the main character is a fearless female explorer venturing out into space surrounded by sparkling stars. In her exploration, a whimsical, flowing cascade unfolds, resembling lush hair, ethereal smoke, and cannabis buds simultaneously. The mural's edges come alive with fiery flames, flying sparks, and hints at the FireFlower logo. Within the mural flow cacti, flowers, cannabis leaves, and a planet with wavy rings that ignite boundless creativity and imagination. Our fearless female explorer faces the road imploring you to take your own journey and explore an enchanted state.
After I created the design, I started to focus on the color palette. Staying true to FireFlower's brand guidelines was crucial. I selected shades that precisely reflect their branding colors: deep red, mesmerizing turquoise, and vibrant yellow. Bold black outlines and off-white highlights added depth and contrast. Incorporating their logo into the design ensured that the mural was a seamless extension of the brand's identity.
Overcoming Obstacles
When accepting this mural project, there were two deadlines that could not be pushed back: for FireFlower it was their soft opening on August 15th and I was moving to Atlanta, GA on August 21st. It was imperative to have the mural done before the soft opening deadline. After the design was approved, I began priming, tracing, and painting the mural on the 250 sqft wall. I worked diligently for long hours in the heat of the New Mexico summer sun. On some days, the temperature was over 100°F, but that didn’t stop me. The stucco wall was also very textured, which gives the wall a cool effect, but made hand painting the mural take twice as long. I overcame this obstacle by staying and painting for longer hours each day. I was dedicated to finishing the mural on time, working tirelessly, I was able to finish a full 5 days ahead of the August 15th deadline.
Glowing Client Review for New Cosmic Mural
The end result is a captivating masterpiece that draws customers in from the bustling streets.
Co-founder Jess had this to say: “Brianna's dedication and hard work are beyond words. She put in countless hours under the blazing sun, sending us updates every day. Her commitment to perfection is truly inspiring. But it's not just her art that stands out – it's her incredible communication and genuine interactions with everyone around her. She creates a positive vibe wherever she goes. To say we're impressed is an understatement. Brianna is an artist like no other, and I can't recommend her enough. If you're looking for someone who not only creates breathtaking art but also brings an amazing atmosphere to every project, Brianna is the one.”
I am so grateful to have worked with veterans in the cannabis industry to create a mural that encapsulates their identity. My hope is that this piece of art will ignite creativity and encourage passers-by to visit their business for many years to come.
