Mural art has taken the world by storm, adorning urban landscapes with vibrant colours and creativity. Whether you're interested in a street art masterpiece, graffiti-style expression, or a mural that adds life to your space, choosing the right artist is crucial. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps so you can book a mural artist for your project.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
You might have no idea what kind of mural you want. You might have too many ideas on your street art Pinterest mood board! The first step to booking a mural artist for your project is to narrow down what you want and then explore what’s out there.
Here are some questions you could ask yourself:
Now’s the time to seek inspiration from different street artists. Look at different forms of murals and street art. Search for local mural artists on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Check out which artists rank well on google (not the sponsored listings).
If you've noticed street art in your neighbourhood, take a closer look. You might discover artists local to you. Most mural artists sign their work, check for the artist's name if you like what you see. You could also contact the building owner for the artist's details.
As you search, keep a record of each artist's name, website, email, and a few samples of their work.
After your search, narrow down your list to your top three artists.
It's important to check out each artist’s portfolio or website. Look for a variety of styles, themes, and techniques in their work.
Consider whether the artist has experience with the type of mural you want. This might be a large-scale outdoor mural or a more intricate indoor mural.
Are you commissioning an artist to create something you want, or do you want them to do their thing? Consider the artist’s versatility and their ability to work to a brief.
If you haven’t already and if it’s possible, try to see their work in person or visit previous mural sites to get a sense of the artist's style and quality of work.
These artists hopefully have experience with the type of mural you want with a style and portfolio that match your preferences.
You can reach out to preferred artists via email, social media, or through their website.
Let them know:
If you need help creating a brief for your mural project, we've created a simple Brief Development tool you can use.
Consider these factors if you're booking a mural artist for your school or community project.
If you need an artist to guide a group to paint a collaborative mural, this requires a different skill set. Make sure the artist you choose has this experience. They may also need Working With Children Checks or Cultural Competency training.
If you have a very big project that the community will assist in painting, you may want to book an experienced community muralist.
Prioritise booking an artist who has experience working with young people. Ask them if they can work with and up-skill assistant artists from within your community.
Usually, artists and clients organise an initial consultation to discuss the project in more detail. This may take place in person, by email, via video call or over the phone.
In this first meeting, you can discuss your vision for the mural, the timeline, and the budget. The artist can provide feedback and suggestions and answer any questions. This is also an opportunity to get a sense of the artist's personality and communication style.
If you feel like the artist needs to visit your mural site to discuss the project in detail and take measurements, they will likely charge a fee for their time.
Once you and the artist agree to work together, you can go into more detail outlining the project plan. These are the steps to check off:
When you book an artist they can create a concept with some optional variations for your review. You will most likely pay a deposit to the artist before they provide a concept design.
Experienced mural artists have a lot of expertise in translating ideas into the medium of paint on walls. They will consider factors like:
Be clear about what you want, and be open to the artist’s recommendations and ideas too.
When you book a mural artist the process involves research, communication, and careful consideration of your project's needs.
Take your time, ask questions, and ensure all agreements are well-documented for a successful partnership.
Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to collaborating with the perfect artist to bring your mural vision to life.
Read more about our services. Learn about our process.
