Mural of cranes for an event for Blue Moon Brewery, Oakland, California
This mural was painted for an event at Blue Moon Brewery, Oakland, CA

The Process

Step One

Give us a call at (408) 206-1413, shoot us an email, or fill out the quote request form with a description of your project.

  • Please include the size of the wall and a brief description of the space and creative direction for the artwork. If you are able to email 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, we will develop a quote with a written work estimate.
  • If you would like to move forward with the design phase, 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. Typically the deposit 10%.
  • Once we receive the design deposit and signed contract, we will begin work on designs for your wall and schedule the project.

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.

Step Two

From our initial design conversation, we may create a sketch.

Depending on the subject and style of the project, the sketch might be a digital rendering or collage, or a pen and pencil.

Many times a sketch is not necessary, but that is something we will discuss.

Step Three

We then have a follow up conversation to integrate your feedback on the designs, and, if necessary, come up with a completely revised design.

Regardless, 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 our 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 onsite. When we are working in the space where the artwork will be and interacting with the people who use the space, we gain more sources of inspiration than we do when coming up with a design in our quiet, controlled studio.

We might tweak the colors, scale and composition relative to the immediate environment. Either way, the ideas we come up with onsite, “elbow deep” in paint are what make the artwork truly site-specific and integrated with the immediate environment.

A deposit of 50% of the total fee is due the first day of onsite painting. 

At that 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 usually paint for about 6 hours each day, usually starting around 10am. Outdoor projects 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.

We like to touch base regularly as the work progresses to ensure that expectations are being met and everything is on the right track.

Step Four

Our focus is on getting things right and work until we are all satisfied with the results.

Clients usually comment on how quickly the work progresses.

We will let you know when we are 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, make the final adjustments.

The mural is now complete.

Step Five

A final payment of the full remaining balance is due upon completion of the mural.

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We completely understand that trusting a mural artist with your wall is a leap of faith.

We 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 20 years as a professional mural artist.

We look forward to discussing your project with you.

Contact us today to discuss your next mural project.

Call: (408) 206-1413

Or request a quote now.

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