What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The cost of a wall mural is determined by size, level of intricacy/detail and location, such as wall, ceiling or other materials, height, and whether exterior or interior space to be painted. Most mural prices are given per-square-footage and usually range between $30-$65/sq.ft. The larger the mural the less expensive the pricing is per-square-foot. Some murals may require extensive staging (i.e.: high or ceiling murals), cost for those projects will be discussed separately.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My approach to design is to collaborate with my clients as much as they wish to participate in the creative process. It is essential that we begin the design process with a clear description of the "feel" or "mood" and style of the mural. This is typically achieved through a collaborative brainstorming session, and by sharing visual ideas and images that might inspire the artwork.
Based on our initial design discussion, I will create a draft and ask for your feedback. If needed, I will prepare a revised draft to integrate your feedback. Revision may include up to two sets of changes by you.
The design draft that we agree on becomes a roadmap — not an exact literal representation of what the finished work of art will look like, because a mural really happens on the wall and not on paper. However, knowing the roadmap and “signposts” — having a clear design direction — is imperative for a successful project.
Painting
I paint wall murals onsite (days and hours) as the client can accommodate. I create portable pieces in my home studio. I like to touch base regularly as the work progresses to ensure that expectations are being met and everything is on the right track. In order to create my best works of art, it is important to let a more intuitive creative process take over when I am painting, so during painting I might tweak the colors, scale and composition relative to the immediate onsite environment. My focus is on getting things right, and I work until we are both satisfied with the results. I will also let you know when I am close to completion so we can review the work together and create a list of final tweaks that are needed. After making the final adjustments, the mural is complete.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
College degree in fine art.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have been creating art since my teenage years, and always loved painting large scale. At the beginning, I painted only for myself, family and friends. With more and more interest in my art, mural painting turned into a full time business.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Commercial, residential and public art commissions.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Previous client of mine contacted me with the request to paint a Las Vegas/Marilyn Monroe themed mural at his new private gym he was opening during the Covid-19 pandemic. While this fun, colorful and dynamic mural isn't huge, its color and composition is an explosion of energy in this upscale, modern, black & silver color gym. The mural took a week to complete, and I am grateful for the complete artistic freedom I was allowed in creating the design.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I strongly recommend a personal consultation with the artist to discuss all details of the commission.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Commissioning and creating custom art should be a wonderful experience for both the client and the artist. It happens when the customer has an idea of what they desire, want or need, and they know their budget and time-frame as well before reaching out to the artist to hire. Clear communication with the artist is essential. Best outcomes achieved with proper research, planning, sharing ideas, inspirations, pictures, photos, even Pinterest boards.
