Mural Design Process

The Planning and Execution Process
The commissioning and execution of a mural is a collaborative artistic process, but should also be considered a business proposition. A business relationship is best served when both parties have a good working relationship, a clear understanding of the requirements and of the proposed solution. Below I have outlined a typical collaborative design process so you will have a better understanding of what to expect.

Estimate Request
Where do we start? Contact me via e-mail or call me and I will send you a free estimate. The more information I receive beforehand the more accurate the estimate will be. Click here to request a free estimate.

First Consultation
If the estimate is within your budget and you are ready to move forward then we should meet in person if possible. No charges if you are located in New York, Palm Beach or Los Angeles.

In the first meeting, I like to gain preliminary knowledge of the requirements and ideas for your mural project and see your space. The first consultation includes:

  • Discussion of initial estimate and schedule discussion
  • Reviewing your requirements and ideas for the mural
  • Discussion of design concepts and themes
  • Reviewing the size and complexity of the mural
  • Photographing of space (sample below)

Proposal & Rough Sketches
Next, I will prepare a preliminary proposal with a final cost, a rough mural sketch and a milestone payment schedule. Sketches are miniature scale designs of the final mural. The initial sketch is usually a black and white drawing. Once a design is agreed upon more elaborate "Color Comps" are created.

Proposals look something like this:

Design Proposal

 

Located on in New Jersey, the Tavern is the first impression visitors have of the Englishtown flea market, the largest indoor/outdoor market on the East Coast.   40 acres of shopping are situated directly behind this large structure.    Built in 1929, this building was once an Inn and Tavern.  The current renovation will include opening up the roof in the back of the building to create a large outdoor eating area, bar, bandstand and  food court.

 

The design we propose gives viewers a glimpse of the types of activities they will encounter while at the Auction, as well as enhance the curb appeal of the building.  All architectural elements will be painted trompe L'oeil style, like the murals we created for the Auction's Main Office and Aid Station (see figurative Murals).   

 

The furniture and architecture will be "old world", to give viewers a sense of the Auction's history.  
Since Englishtown Auction is a third generation family business, the people in the mural will be actual family members, past and present, dressed in period clothing.  In addition, the mural will be distressed to look as if it has always been there.   I also suggest adding real elements on the side walk, such as benches, lamp posts and planters, to complete the 3D Illusion. 

Concept Sketch

SAMPLE Milestone Payment Schedule

Task
Date
Cost
Contract signing & deposit  
$50,000
Sign off on color Ccomps  
-
Grisaille complete and approved*  
$50,000
Mural color completion  
$50,000
Total
$150,000

 

* Grisaille (Fr. gris, grey) is a term for painting executed entirely in monochrome, in various shades of grey. A grisaille is typically the first stage in building up an oil painting, the composition is usually locked down at this stage.

Final Contract & Milestone Schedule
By now you should have a clear understanding of all costs and payment terms. I will draw up a final contract incorporating these details. This will include a non-refudable deposit and schedule milestone payments. Small project payments are usually 50% upon contract signing and 50% upon completion. Large projects are segmented into 3-4 payments.

Color Comps
Color Comps are part of the contract and must be signed off on before work on the final mural begins. This helps everyone visualize the final project results.


Mural Creation
Now the real work begins! Since it is important to maintain good communication throughout the project, I photograph the mural in progress for off-site clients and email or post the images on a special section of my website for review. That way questions or issues can be dealt with quickly and directly.

Project Changes
There are times when you may want to request changes to the project plan. After all, change is natural and we have to expect it. You have my commitment to be flexible and to honor change requests that do not substantially increase work hours or material costs. However, adding more detail or changing work that is already in process almost always increases the time I spend on the mural. This cannot be emphasized enough. The best protection against change is to have a fairly complete understanding of and agreement to the project before signing the contract.

In the event that changes are requested that substantially alter work hours or material prices, we will have to agree to a contract amendment with price changes. I will base price changes solely on time and material changes to the contract at roughly the same rates quoted in the original contract.

I hope this helps guide you through the artistic process. Please feel free to call me with any questions.

Warmest Regards,

Glennis