Mural art is a great way to add character and personality to a space. But where do you start when planning a mural project?
This guide will walk you through the important things to keep in mind when hiring a mural artist. Read on for tips on how to find the perfect artist for your project, communicate with them effectively, and make sure the process goes smoothly.
Finally, we’ll discuss the dos and don'ts of mural painting, so you can avoid common pitfalls. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful mural for your space.
What to consider when hiring a mural artist
There are many factors to consider when hiring a muralist. You’ll want to make sure they are (1) skilled and professional; (2) listen and collaborate with you; (3) fit your budget; and (4) compliant.
Skilled & Professional: Make sure the artist is professional, reliable, experienced, and educated in their craft. Spend time reviewing their portfolio, and request to see photos of work similar to what you're trying to achieve. Also, make sure your artists or team of artists are capable of achieving the scale of your mural, and that they can do it in a reasonable amount of time. If the project is large, you’ll also want to ensure a lead artist or project manager is overseeing the work. This person will pay close attention to quality, accuracy, and deadlines, so you don’t have to worry!
Listen & Collaborate: Make sure to hire a team player who will listen to you carefully and considers your style and interests. Require a sketch or design before getting started, to ensure you and the artist are on the same page.
Cost: How much does a mural cost? The range is considerable, based on the size, design, level of detail, and many other factors. Another factor to consider is skill. Comparing muralists is not like comparing apples to apples. Every artist has different skills, training, and methods that produce wildly different results. This is the type of service where you get what you pay for. That said, if you have a budget in mind, communicate that with your preferred artist. Since there are so many variables that affect the cost, your artist should be able to create a design that fits your predetermined budget.
Compliance: Some states consider muralists painting contractors, and required that they are licensed in their state. For example, if your project is in California, your artist must be a licensed contractor from the state of California. You’ll also want to make sure they are bonded and insured with worker’s compensation and general liability. California also requires mural companies to hire their painters as employees. Make sure you aren’t hiring a company that uses contractors to do their artwork.
Tips for working with mural artists
Once you've found the perfect mural artist for your project, it's important to communicate with them. Be sure to provide any concepts you might already have for the project. Perhaps you have the mural perfectly laid out in your head. Or maybe you simply have a mood you’d like to convey; a color palette to match; about a specific theme; or a fabric or photo that inspires you. Any input you provide — no matter how small — can help get you and your artist on the right foot in designing your mural. Simply showing an artist a blank wall with no feedback at all can lead to a slow start and too many time-consuming revisions.
If you’re struggling to come up with some input, take a gander at www.pinterest.com; think about places you love to travel; imagine the mood you’d like people to feel in the room; pay attention to colors you’re drawn to in your decorating and even in your fashion. You’ll start to notice you’re naturally drawn to a particular style, colors, themes, and artwork. These are important concepts to share with an artist who is looking to you for inspiration to create your vision.
The dos and don'ts of mural painting
There are a few things to keep in mind when commissioning a mural to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips:
Do
Do communicate with the artist regularly to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Use photos or images to help demonstrate your vision.
Do make sure the artist has all the necessary materials and resources they need. They might request the original room’s paint for touchups, or the use of a sink or bathroom.
Do stay on schedule concerning deadlines. Determine the amount of time needed to complete the project and ask for updates along the way.
Do address any repairs, such as chipping paint, mildew, dirt, or other damage before starting the artwork. Make sure the artist uses the right materials, and ensure they are high quality. For example, if your mural is outdoors, make sure they are using high-grade exterior paint. And even suggest a UV clear coat for added protection.
Do be prepared to correct any discrepancies during the project’s progress. Be clear about anything you’d like to see adjusted or added to the piece. It’s best to finalize any details during the design phase before the painting begins. But things may come up during the actual painting of the mural.
Don’t
Don’t try to paint a mural yourself, unless you have experience with mural painting.
Don’t rush the artist or expect them to work beyond their agreed-upon hours.
Don’t skip important steps to save money, and don’t use cheap materials. A mural should last many many years, with very low maintenance.
Don’t wait to share your thoughts till the end, when the artist is finishing up. You’ll want to give them time to make any possible changes before they clean up the job.
Enjoy the collaboration
Hiring an artist to realize your vision is a fun and fulfilling process. After all, you’re starting with just an idea, and finishing with a stunning work of art… inspired by you! However, hiring an artist is not something we do every day. So, inevitably, you’ll have some questions about how the process looks, how to hire the right person, and how to ensure you get what you want. While everything mentioned above is valuable advice, the most important thing to remember is to hire a good teammate … someone you feel you can trust and who works well with you … someone with whom you can make beautiful art together!
Blog Post Written By: Jeanine Hattas Wilson | CEO & Creative Director | Hattas Studios