Home » Visual & Performing Arts » Murals » Once Hired As The Mural Artist

Once Hired As The Mural Artist

© Celia Wester

Continued from The Business of Murals..

Once the client hires me for the job:

• Because I have already given the client guidelines for my prices, I present them with a contract. This consists of their name, other pertinent information and the final quote for the job.
• There is a space for information about the deposit, which is 50% of the total, paid on the day before I begin. If they cancel the job before the start date, they will be refunded ONLY 50% of that deposit.
• After recording the deposit information, balance due (upon the day of completion), I leave them a copy.
• A second sheet is reviewed with the client. It outlines the preparation that needs to be done before I arrive. 'Prep' would involve things like moving furniture out of the way, removing switch plates, anything that will make my job easier or safer. Certainly I do not want to be responsible for breaking a family heirloom.
• After I review my estimated time schedule, I coordinate their schedule with mine AND allow an extra day for unforeseen problems.
• I do NOT charge the client more if I run later on the estimated days. If I have miscalculated my time, I indicate it is my error not theirs.

"These preparations all sound very clear and thorough." I tell Celia. I am impressed. So let's have a look at some of the artwork.

Large

Large

WOW!

Her work seems humorous, whimsical with brilliant colour. The detail and professionalism is well worth the pricing--I think. The Frog featured reminds me of stained glass. Her approach is very fresh and invigorating.

Celia cautions....

It is quite common for people to ask their neighbor how much they paid for their mural, so consistency in charges is best. However, I have gingerly advised clients NOT to discuss our financial arrangement. I say this because one design may take twice the time or it may well be more complicated than another.

"What about children's murals?" I ask her.

Children: A delicate matter for the parent who is painting his child's room. The child is understandably interested, but I encourage parents to monitor them at all times. This is to ensure their safety from ladders, etc. I suggest you keep them out of the room. Let them watch from a distance, but involve them in small painting details near completion.

So there you are folks. I hope you have enjoyed Celia's words of wisdom. I appreciate the time she has taken to join us.

The copyright of the article Once Hired As The Mural Artist in Murals is owned by Celia Wester. Permission to republish Once Hired As The Mural Artist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.