Murals are an interesting creature. Although not as gruelling as party caricatures, they are amongst my most difficult
works. They HAVE TO be done at the client's location, they often involve ladders, sweat and contortionism, and compared
to almost all of my other contract work, they are not able to be produced lightning-fast. I get frustrated since I'm
so accustomed to illustrating quickly, that I forget that painting is just a slower process.
On the other hand, murals are a great joy to accomplish. Even if they're not my usual subject matter, I'm almost
always pleased with a product that usually comes out even better than expected. Probably the highest compliments I've
ever received to my artistic ability has been when people see the photos of the Herpeton Boa and ask why I took a picture
of that snake!
I've become pretty accomplished at working murals during a business's open hours and still staying out of the way of the
customers. Murals are estimated at my base $40/hr rate based on the hours I expect the project will take. Since
they tend to take a little longer than I expect, this usually comes out to less on the hourly rate. Generally, one can
estimate them at $200/day, being anywhere from a 4 to 8 hour day. It's very hard to predict what type of painting will
take more time. Every artist is different and each will have subjects and styles that are faster or slower. Since
murals are almost always over $200, I ask for half in advance (which is my standard practice), this also is appropriate since
supplies are usually required to begin the project. Supply costs are included in the estimate.
There are a number of factors to consider in contemplating a mural, such as lighting, ladders, open hours and access (I
am still working a day job, so I'm not available ALL the time). Outdoor murals are a little more complicated in mid-summer
and winter. Simple murals which include simple logo designs or cartoon illustrations are less time consuming.
Shading, portraiture and realism take longer.
Most of the murals I've produced I neglected to photograph, though some I still hope to get the opportunity to do so, others
no longer exist. I've produced murals for: Austin Semi-Conductor (LARGE space scene for customer service training);
Herpeton Exotic Pets (2 locations: See the photos by clicking the thumb to your right); Yellow Submarine Sandwich Shop (Peter
Maxx-style cartoon elements in reference to the "Yellow Submarine" Beatles film/Burnet location no longer exists); Dance Umbrella
Performance Arts Center (6th near Lamar/Window mural of logo, tour logo and stylized dancing figures/no longer exists); &
Curves Fitness Center (See the photos by clicking the thumb to your right-soon to be 2 locations).
Enjoy!
