2.Give me a call or shoot me an email with a description of your project, including the size of the wall and brief description of the space and creative direction for the artwork. If you are able to email me photos or architectural renderings of the space before our first phone call, that is ideal. After an in-depth conversation about the project either via phone call or onsite, I will provide you with a written work estimate.
4.For a quick ballpark cost estimate, please see my mural pricing page.
6.In my proposal for work I will include a contract. If you would like to move forward with the design phase for the work, please send the signed contract along with the design deposit back to me. The design deposit can vary based on the size of the project, but typically the deposit is about $1,000. Once I receive the design deposit and signed contract I will begin work on designs for your Mural and schedule the project.
8.We begin the design process with a clear description of the "feel" or "mood" of the piece. This is typically achieved through a collaborative brainstorming session, and by sharing visual ideas and images that might inspire the artwork.
9.From our initial design conversation, I will create at least two distinct designs. Depending on the subject and style of the project, the sketch might be a watercolor on paper, or a collage of referrene pictures.
10.We then have a follow up conversation to integrate your feedback on the designs, and if necessary, I will come up with a completely revised design. In either case, the design that we settle on becomes a roadmap, not an exact literal representation of what the finished work of art will look like. In my experience, knowing the “signposts” — having a clear design direction — is imperative for a successful project. However, in order to create my best works of art, it is important to let a more intuitive creative process take over when I am onsite. When I am working in the space where the artwork will be, interacting with the people who use the space, I have more sources of inspiration than I do when I am coming up with a design in my quiet, controlled studio. I might tweak the colors, scale and composition relative to the immediate environment. Either way, the ideas I come up with onsite, "elbow deep" in paint are what make the artwork truly site-specific and integrated with the immediate environment.
12.A deposit of 50% of my total fee, is due upon the signing of the contract. This allows for ordering of supplies and confirms the scheduling dates. At this time, we will review the mural design concept again and see if either of us have had any new thoughts or ideas on the mural design. We will confirm the start date and time, and confirm any preparation of the space as necessary.
14.I typically paint for about 6 hours each day, usually starting around 9 am. On outdoor projects, I may start as early as 6 am or as late as noon, depending on the sun exposure of the wall. You are welcome to watch the process unfold. I like to touch base regularly as the work progresses to ensure that expectations are being met and everything is on the right track.Although the begging will usually be dramatically different than the end result.
15.Clients usually comment on how quickly the work progresses. My focus is on getting things right, and I work until we are both satisfied with the results. At some point, I see that I have expressed what I set out to create. I identify this moment as the point where further attempts at embellishment diminish the flow and energy of the piece. I let you know when I am close to completion and we review the work together to see if there is anything was missed or doesn't feel right. We create a list of final tweaks that are needed, and, assuming it is within the original scope, I make the final adjustments. Then the mural is cleared and complete.
A final payment of the full remaining balance is due upon completion of the mural.
Trusting a mural artist with your home or business is a leap of faith. I feel extremely privileged to do this work and feel incredibly grateful to each and every client who has trusted me with their walls over my 25 years as a professional mural artist. I encourage you to read about the experiences of past clients to learn how their walls turned out.***Make a link to testimonials
How long does painting a mural take?
This depends on several variables including size, subject, and whether I will be working on a lift or around other obstacles. 90% of my projects take less than two weeks to complete.
What kind of paint do you use?
For the base coat and larger areas of color I use Sherwinn Williams products or waterborne automotive paint. This also depends on the project at times. I also use low VOC non-toxic products. I have done many children's rooms for example. Some of the reasons I love this paint:
Extreme hide and coverage. It's a really thick paint and that helps bridge surface imperfections.
Color Lock technology for exceptional color
Superior fade resistance
Lifetime Warranty
Low-temperature application
Excellent resistance to paint deterioration
Resists cracking, peeling, blistering and dirt
Mildew resistant
Self-priming/ excellent adhesion
Clear Coat
UV Protected
H2O Proof
Abrasive Resistant
How should the wall be prepared?
If the wall is in poor condition, I will fix the cracks, fill holes, and to apply a primer and base coat color. I will pick the color.
For new construction, a smooth finish, level 4 is ideal. A primer and base coat should be painted on the wall before the mural work begins.
If it is an existing wall and the wall is in good condition, no special preparation is required.
Here is an example of a before and after image of a close up area on the wall at Crouching Tiger restaurant in Redwood City.
My wall has a really rough texture. Will that affect the painting?
I can paint on a rough texture surface, but it does affect the artwork. In many situations the texture can enhance the artwork; a rough surface allows for interesting textures and layering. If the mural will be viewed up close, and has a high level of linear details (for example, trompe l'oeil style murals or photo realistic scenes), you might consider either re-plastering the wall or having the mural painted on panels.
Can you paint a mural on panels to be installed on location?
Yes. I can paint my murals on either canvas or panels. How the canvas or panels are attached depends on the intended longevity of the mural in the space, whether it is designed to be mobile or not. Panels can be ordered up to 5' x 10' in dimension; a large mural may require several pieces fitted together.
I am not sure what kind of artwork I need. Can you help me figure that out?
Yes. I usually begin by thinking about the space as a whole: the angle/s the wall will be seen from, who uses the space, and the "feeling" you want to bring to the space. The imagery we create, the use of color, dynamic form, and subject are designed to fit your specfic space and audience.
Can you tell me more about the "Design Phase" of your process?
It is an equally fundamental truism that people who hire me want to have a pretty good idea of what is going on that 50' wall before I begin. There are real life hurdles like city approvals or buy-in from spouses that a cohesive design can help to navigate. I do the best I can with the secondary tools at my disposal to communicate with my clients what the artwork will look like. The short answer is that the design I create for each project varies depending on the project.
For example, for an underwater mural I don't create a "mini mural" that describes where every fish and plant will go. We would curate a "species list" together of the plants and animals that will definitely appear in the mural. We will share images of other underwater art and past murals of mine to discuss the elements we want to include. I might create a pen and ink that blocks in where the "big stuff" like a dolphin or turtle might go. When I start painting, the design specs serve as a reference for me, a launch point. But once I begin working on the piece onsite, I am calibrating the artwork to the specific space.
It is an equally fundamental truism that people who hire me want to have a pretty good idea of what is going on that 50' wall before I begin. There are real life hurdles like city approvals or buy-in from spouses that a cohesive design can help to navigate. I do the best I can with the secondary tools at my disposal to communicate with my clients what the artwork will look like. The short answer is that the design I create for each project varies depending on the project.
For example, for an underwater mural I don't create a "mini mural" that describes where every fish and plant will go. We would curate a "species list" together of the plants and animals that will definitely appear in the mural. We will use a fan deck to pick out a lightest and darkest blues together. We will share images of other underwater art and past murals of mine to discuss the elements we want to include. I might create a pen and ink that blocks in where the "big stuff" like a shark or sea lion might go. When I start painting, the design specs serve as a reference for me, a launch point. But once I begin working on the piece onsite, I am calibrating the artwork to the specific space.
We also sculpture models of any size animal and 3-D objects for Restaurants, Aquariums,
Water Parks, Theme Parks, Resorts & Motels, Miniature Golf, Landscape Architects, and many more.