As an artist, you may desire to become a muralist. It’s very significant for a beginner to understand that they must have the ability to create a three-dimensional illusion onto a two-dimensional surface, and this depends on draftsmanship. This takes practice and experience. Many wannabe muralist may find painting easier than drawing or vice versa. With practice and experience comes improvement.
Tip: Make a black and white drawing on 8-1/2”X11-1/2” paper which can easily be transferred to a large wall by a projector or a grid method of free drawing.
Just because an artist has the talent to be a good muralist does not mean they have the business and sales experience or ability to become a successful muralist. First, they have to sell the job. They should never do a mural job without a written contract. A good rule to understand is that they probably are bidding a job against competition. There are many good muralists out there. A muralist does not want to find out after the fact that they underbid the job. Being a muralist is a business. The muralist should be paid properly for their talent and effort. There are many factors to consider.
Decide on an hourly rate.
Determine how long it will take to do the mural. (Only experience will answer this.)
The cost of materials.
Determine the square foot of the mural.
All above numbered items are important. You may wish to bid on a job based on an hourly rate or a square foot rate. Be sure to add the cost of material to either your total hourly rate, or your total square foot area.
Materials needed:
Plastic sheeting
Masking film
Scaffolding and ladders
Drop cloth
Rags
Garbage bags
Tape
Paper
Spackle
Sanding block
Spackling knives
Paint roller
Paint
Level
Buckets
Palette trays
Light
Projector
Lights
Foam knee pads
Brushes
Pencils
Markers
Anything else needed to complete the individual job.
Many of the supplies may be used over and over but a cost factor should be figured in to each bid.
And after all of this, one must still bid the job to get the job. They must also be able to complete the job to the satisfaction of their customer. And most important, they must make a profit that is satisfactory.
