In a widely viewed Instagram reel posted last week, Hanna Daly, known professionally as Hanna's Murals, is seen painting over the Rusty Surfboards logo on the mural in question. The accompanying caption reads: "That sweet moment when you paint over a company's logo because they never paid you for the mural you painted a year ago." The original reel racked up over one million views.
Following the viral post, Daly shared another video stating that instead of resolving the issue, Rusty Surfboards hired a lawyer to send her an intimidating letter. In the caption, she asserted that she has done nothing wrong and that she remains committed to using her art to uplift the community. She further pledged to donate the entire $15,750 she is owed - 50% to the Surfrider Foundation and 50% to the CAF Adaptive Surf Youth Program - if the company honors its original agreement.
"I am not doing this for money," Daily wrote. "I am speaking up because businesses need to have dignity and pay artists."
Daly has operated Hanna's Murals since 2004, and her work has brightened over 1,500 walls across California. Her vibrant, large-scale pieces often feature flowers, animals, and whimsical scenes, created using recycled paint and minimal waste. She is known for her commitment to sustainability and for infusing joy into public spaces.
On her website, Daly describes herself as a proud gay, female business owner and open-water swimmer who enjoys roller derby and ice cream. "Everyone deserves art in their lives," she says, noting that her business model is rooted in community and personal connection.
Hanna chose not to publicly disclose the mural’s location to protect the local business where it was painted from misdirected backlash. "I love the mural and the business owners are cool local people, and I don’t want it to get tagged," said Daly.
The mural at the center of the dispute was completed in July 2024, with Daly covering expenses out-of-pocket, including nearly $1,000 for scissor lift rental and materials. She claims Rusty Surfboards praised the mural but broke multiple promises to compensate her.
"I am a tiny local female-owned business. I paint murals at schools and the children’s hospital to spread joy in our community," Daly shared. "They are bullying me hoping I will back down. It’s wrong. Luckily, my wife spent her career as a trial attorney and can help me confront any legal hurdles. If not for her, I probably would’ve been scared silent. It’s not right."
Founded in San Diego, Rusty Surfboards is headquartered at 8495 Commerce Avenue and has long been a recognizable name in surf culture. The company, which manufactures surfboards and surf apparel, generates an estimated $750,000 in annual revenue - a modest figure in comparison to some of its larger competitors.
"I am a tiny local female-owned business. I paint murals at schools and the children’s hospital to spread joy in our community," Daly shared. "They are bullying me hoping I will back down. It’s wrong. Luckily, my wife spent her career as a trial attorney and can help me confront any legal hurdles. If not for her, I probably would’ve been scared silent. It’s not right."
Founded in San Diego, Rusty Surfboards is headquartered at 8495 Commerce Avenue and has long been a recognizable name in surf culture. The company, which manufactures surfboards and surf apparel, generates an estimated $750,000 in annual revenue - a modest figure in comparison to some of its larger competitors.
In a message from Rusty America, the company clarified: "Rusty Surfboards and Rusty Apparel are two separate entities so we have no affiliation with them and there business. Rusty Surfboards are the ones who commissioned the painting. We’re hoping they can figure it out and pay her because it’s not a good look for both brands as people don’t realize we are separate."
Daly urged the public not to direct anger toward Rusty team surfers, emphasizing that many are young and uninvolved in the business side of the brand. "Please do not contact any of Rusty Surfboard’s team surfers. They have nothing to do with this."
SanDiegoVille has reached out to Rusty Surfboards for comment but has not received a response as of publication. As public scrutiny mounts, the situation is raising questions about how artists are treated by companies that commission creative work, especially when legal intimidation is used in place of payment.
SanDiegoVille will continue following this story and provide updates as they develop. Artists or former collaborators of Rusty Surfboards who wish to speak on the record may contact us in confidence by emailing [email protected].
For more information about Hanna's Murals, visit hannasmurals.com and follow @hannasmurals on Instagram.
Originally published on June 23, 2025.
