You’ve decided to add a mural to your home or business. Now, you need a comprehensive list of questions to ask your potential artist. Here are a few questions to consider.
What is your experience with murals?
Has the artist painted murals before? What experience do they have?
Can you show me some examples of your work?
An artist should be able to provide a portfolio of their work. If they are an experienced muralist, they will have images of past projects. If the artist is new to large-scale work, they can provide other artwork they have created.
What is your process for creating a mural?
Often murals are a collaborative effort involving the client and artist. Understanding the creation process will enhance the appreciation of the art, allow you to better engage with the work, and educate you about the artistic process as a whole. Artists often render a ‘rough’ digitally to work out details and find the most suitable composition for the space. This image helps you, the client, visualize the piece in your home or business. It also helps the artist when it is time to apply art to the wall.
What materials do you use?
Depending on where the mural goes will determine the materials used. For example, if your mural is outdoors, will it be necessary to use a coating to help with vandalism cleanup? Will art be applied to an unusual surface requiring a different type of primer?
How long will it take to paint the mural?
Knowing approximate timeframes for the art creation process is essential. For example, if it takes an artist a week to complete the work in your lobby, you can better plan around it.
What is your rate?
Rates largely depend on location, experience, detail, wall condition, travel to the site, the material used, and any rental equipment needed to complete the work. Often, murals prices are by the square foot. However, they can be priced by the hour or by a flat rate fee.
Do you have insurance?
Insurance is vital to consider, especially when lift equipment is involved.
Do you have a mural warranty?
Some artists might offer a year guarantee to do touch-ups or to clean up if vandalized. Having a specific warranty sets a clear expectation for the client and artist.
What are your terms of payment?
Mural prices span hundreds to thousands of dollars. Therefore, having clear payment expectations is important. Frequently, a deposit is required to begin work, with a final payment upon completion. However, a client may desire to negotiate a payment plan spanning three to four installments.
Do you have any references?
You may find that you’d like to interview former clients. If this is the case, the artist can provide you with a list of references upon request.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Consider Their Style
Is it a good fit? First, it’s essential to understand the muralist’s personality and style. For example, if the artist has a portfolio filled with a graphic style of lettering and design, but you desire a hyper-realistic portrait, they might not be the muralist for you.
Who owns the artwork?
If the artist is creating original artwork for your wall, they own the copyright to that imagery unless they have transferred it to you. It is the artist’s right of intellectual property. They can use the imagery in their portfolios or on promotional materials, etc. Selling the physical artwork doesn’t transfer the copyright. Purchasing copyrights can be costly for the client and not always necessary, but worth it in some circumstances.
Contracts are King
There’s nothing wrong with being asked to sign a contract. Through this documentation, both you and the artist must come to a clear agreement on payment and the terms of use for the artwork. It is imperative that a mutual understanding is established in order to avoid any disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
Post Mural Creation
Tip: Ask for a list of the specific paint colors used in your mural. It helps come touch-up time.
Murals are a great way to add pizazz, beauty, and personality to any space. Now, you are armed with the necessary questions to ask a potential muralist.
Next week I will share tips for artists who want to start creating street art and murals.
