Mural Commissioning Tips

More tips for getting the mural of your dreams.

Use a professional

We’ve all seen them: those really awful, amateur murals — wonky urns on tilting windowsills, crudely daubed cherubs and unconvincing Greek ruins. Just imagine having to live with that in your home or business! If you want your mural done right, look for a professional with a portfolio of completed projects and a list of references you can check. It may cost you more, but the results will be worth it.

Do your research

Before you contact a professional muralist, do your homework. Look at books, magazines and websites to get an idea of what you like in a mural. Visit murals in public places and collect images of murals you fancy. Paintings, textiles, ceramics and other objects may also provide mural inspiration. Take note of colour schemes you think will work, elements you particularly like and styles that appeal.

Pick your spot

Give careful thought to the site of your mural. A successful mural is one that is put in the right place and enhanced with good lighting. Its position takes advantage of architectural features in the room or outdoor space. The condition of the site matters, too: at a minimum, the wall or ceiling surface needs to be smooth, clean, dry and crack-free. See Where to put a mural and Preparing the site for more tips on how to place a mural for best effect.

Listen to the experts

An experienced muralist brings valuable expertise to the process of planning a mural. He or she will be able to give practical advice on design, placement, materials — everything. Pay attention to what this expert tells you! A seasoned muralist will be realistic, providing a clearer sense of what it will take in terms of time, cost and trouble to see your project through. A real professional will have the integrity to tell you when your plan just won’t work —and he or she will be able to offer suggestions for how to get the effect you’re after in another way.

Be decisive

Once you’ve approved a design and budget, don’t change your mind unless you have a very good reason for doing so. Changing things on a whim is the best way to drive up the cost of your mural and delay its completion date. Take time over making decisions before work begins. Then, once you’ve made up your mind and satisfied all your doubts, let the work go forward.