Planning your mural
murals require quite a bit of planning. here are some Things we will discuss during the process.
LAST YEAR I HAD QUITE A FEW PEOPLE TELL ME, “WE’D LOVE A MURAL BUT I DON’T THINK WE CAN AFFORD IT.” AFTER TALKING IT OVER IT TURNS OUT IT WAS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN THEY THOUGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO PAINT MANY OF THOSE SPACES. I AM VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD WITH HOW I DO PRICING AND WILL SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHY IT COSTS WHAT IT COSTS. MY PRICES ARE GOING UP THIS YEAR, BUT I WILL CONTINUE DOING DISCOUNTED PRICING FOR NONPROFITS, SCHOOLS, AND VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS. AS THE DIRECTOR OF A SMALL NONPROFIT AND FORMER TEACHER I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND BUDGETING LIMITATIONS. I AM HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION TO DESIGN A MURAL THAT WORKS FOR YOUR SPACE, LOOKS GREAT, AND STAYS WITHIN YOUR BUDGET. IT’S AMAZING WHAT A FRESH COAT OF PAINT AND A WELL THOUGHT OUT DESIGN CAN DO FOR A WALL - IF YOU WANT TO KNOW A PRICE, JUST ASK! |
LAST YEAR I GOT TO DO MY FIRST MURALS OUTSIDE OF BAY COUNTY! THIS YEAR I HAVE A FEW OUT OF TOWN JOBS TENTATIVELY PLANNED BUT COORDINATING DATES CAN ALWAYS BE TRICKY. THAT SAID, IF YOU’RE NOT IN BAY COUNTY BUT WANT A MURAL- FEEL FREE TO ASK! IT REQUIRES EVEN MORE PLANNING THAN USUAL BUT IT IS ABSOLUTELY DOABLE. OUT OF TOWN MURALS CAN COST MORE THAN IN TOWN PROJECTS DEPENDING ON LODGING, IF THE JOB IS IN DRIVING DISTANCE, IF I CAN BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT, ETC. EVEN STILL, I AM HAPPY TO DO DISCOUNTED PRICING FOR NONPROFITS, SCHOOLS, AND VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS. |
Placement is the biggest decision you make when planning a mural. It’s not like a lot of other commissioned art, you can’t move it to a new wall when redecorating. Placement will determine the flow of a design, its composition, and its content. Part of my job is helping clients determine the best spot for murals. Is the goal to have a photo backdrop? Words that all have to be easy to read? Something people can see from hundreds of feet away? Just a piece of art to give your space a “wow” factor? All of these things play a part in placement. I have to consider practicality and how placement plays a part in the overall cost. Placement of outdoor murals sometimes means local government permission has to be obtained before the project can even start. All of that is part of my job too. So when you’re looking at getting a mural - ask about placement. |
Doing commission work like murals means I am always referencing my planner. One of the first questions I ask clients is, “When do you need this done?” Do I have a few weeks before I can even start? Does the deadline line up with the opening of your business? Do you want it done on your kid’s birthday? Does it need to be finished before school starts? Can it wait a few months? Do you want it done by the end of the week? (Please don’t.) On my end I have to take into consideration what is already in my planner, what clients I am waiting on confirmation from, your calendar, and schedule time off for myself - otherwise I won’t take any. Planning the logistics of a mural can be tricky and while I try to be flexible, I can only work on one project at a time. some projects can happen start to finish in a week and others take 6 months or longer to plan. I usually start the planning process about a month or more in advance- That way I have time to wrap up other projects, create different design options, and keep my schedule as consistent as possible. On top of planning time, there’s painting time. My murals can take anywhere from 9 hours to 90. This includes prepping a wall and clear coat after, but I aim for less than 2 weeks of paint time. All of this to say - when you’re planning a mural, think about the timing. |
“What is the point of a mural?” People are often curious and that’s a good thing. The purpose of a mural is different for every client. Some people want a selfie spot, some want creative advertising, some want to bring new life to a space, some want all of the above, and some don’t care they just want art. Determining the purpose of a mural helps you as the client know why you’re paying a professional, and helps me as the designer know what direction to take a piece. If you know what the purpose of a mural will be, you’re a step ahead when it’s time to start planning. |
The final question in the things i recommend asking during the mural planning process, is about talent. Read on before assuming what I mean by this. I can’t resist a good Bob Ross quote- he said, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do”. Les Brown said that Practice does not make perfect but it makes IMPROVEMENT. I have only been painting murals full time for about a year and a half - but I practice all the time. I’ve even made a print series of practice murals I do at my own home. Sure- I’m self taught- but I’ve worked with other artists to learn from them. Different artists have different styles and natural talents. I have friends talented in abstract art, photo realism, pet portraits, sign lettering, watercolor, oil painting, comic art, ceramics, sculpting, woodworking, digital art, and pretty much every other artistic discipline. All of us are constantly trying to practice and improve. When working with an artist, ask to see their portfolio. We will probably want to show you anyway because we want you to know that we know what we’re doing. We want to make sure our style and your vision align. Take into consideration the talent of the artist you’re working with. Often, letting us off the leash to create and trusting our practice yields the best results. |