Transform Your Garage into a Work of Art: 7 Tips to Commission a Mural
Murals are a great way to add color, expression, and vibrancy to your home while supporting local artists. Do you have a garage door, fence, or wall you want to transform into a work of art but don’t know where to start? Here are 7 tips to help you commission a mural.
Tip 1: Pick a Location & Measure
Tip 2: Define Your Vision
Tip 3: Determine Your Budget
Tip 4: Research Artists
Tip 5: Draft an Agreement, Collaborate & Settle on a Design
Tip 6: Prepare the Surface & Collaborate During Execution
Tip 7: Maintain & Preserve
Tip 1: Pick a Location & Measure
Select the space where you would like to add a mural to (i.e. just the garage door, the entire side facing the alley, etc.). Measure the surface’s length and width, to determine the square footage and take photos to eventually share with an artist.
Once you select an artist invite them for a site visit to discuss where exactly and how large adesign you are looking for. The Artist should make final measurements as well.
Examples in the Wild, in Berwyn and Beyond:
Tip 2: Define Your Vision
Consider the scale, theme, style, and mood you desire for your mural; this will help you decide which artist to select and guide the brainstorming process. During this phase you might already want to start looking at artists to get inspiration (see Tip No.4)
Scale: Finalize if you are looking at one large mural covering the entire door, or do you want to include smaller design elements that might work with the door’s natural color and cover only part of the surface?
Theme: What message or story would you like to share with this piece? (i.e. beauty, community spirit, love of a hobby, love of nature or pets?) Take inspiration from your interests, the surrounding environment, or your home's architectural style. Is there any sort of imagery, color, or words you do not like? Consider creating a mood board with visual references to help you articulate your ideas more effectively when discussing them with the artist. You might also just look at artists’ work and use their examples to reference what you’d like to see on your garage.
Style: Do you want the design to be painted realistic or abstract?
Tip 3: Determine Your Budget
You will build a detailed budget with the artist that covers their design time, materials, and installation. Some artists charge a flat fee and others charge by the square foot. This can range between $18-$35 per square foot.
Ahead of selecting an artist, you should determine how much money you can spend. Both you and the artist should consider a ⅓-½ deposit of the final cost before starting.
Note: Some artists prefer complete artistic control of the design, and others like collaborating with their clients. Allowing an artist complete freedom might reduce the installation cost. It is still helpful to have a list of elements, colors, themes, and messages you are drawn to to guide the design.
Tip 4: Research Artists
The next step is to find an artist who specializes in mural painting.
Look for artists who have a style that aligns with your vision, as this will ensure the final artwork is in line with your expectations.
Browse our database of local Berwyn artists: https://www.berwynpublicartinitiative.org/local-artists
Social media is another great way to find muralists. Searching hashtags such as #chicagomuralist, #berwynartist, #muralartist may introduce you to new artists. Once you find an artist you like, send them a message inquiring if they are taking commissions for private residence murals.
Tip 5: Draft an Agreement, Collaborate & Settle on a Design
We recommend drafting a written agreement/contract to ensure both the artist’s and your expectations are met.
The agreement should include the following:
Feedback: Specify how many rounds of feedback and refinement to the design are permitted. If the artist has full artistic control, you may not be able to provide as much input, but you should request a visual proposal. Higher estimated murals permit you to provide your feedback, and you should expect at least 1-2 rounds of refinements.
Budget: Make a budget detailing how much you will pay the artist to cover supplies, preparation, and their working time. Clearly state how much you will pay up front as a deposit, and how much you will pay upon completion of the mural.
Timeline: The length of installation depends on a few variables such as the weather, surface preparation, the artist's experience and work schedule, the location of the mural (if it is in a busy alleyway, the artist will need to be extra aware of passing vehicles and safety) and how detailed the design is. Select a time for the artist to visit the location.
“The design process was very collaborative. The result fills me with happiness and pride when I pull up in the alley, welcomed home by this unique and colorful mural by @overbitestudio. ”
Tip 6: Prepare the Surface & Collaborate During Execution
The artist may ask that you clean the surface thoroughly, repair any damages, you can discuss who is responsible for applying a suitable base coat or primer. Once the surface is ready, collaborate with the artist during the execution phase. Check if they have any requirements, for example a projector, access to an outlet/extension cord, ladder, etc. Regularly communicate with them, visit the site to provide feedback, and discuss any adjustments or changes as the mural progresses. This collaboration will ensure that the final artwork aligns with your vision.
Process photos courtesy by Sabine K.| Art by @overbitestudio
Tip 7: Maintain & Preserve
Once your mural is complete, take steps to preserve its beauty for years to come. Discuss maintenance requirements with the artist and follow their recommendations. This may include periodic cleaning, applying protective coatings, or avoiding exposure to harsh weather conditions. Regularly inspect the mural for any signs of damage or fading and address them promptly to extend its lifespan.
Adding a mural to your property is a gift not only to yourself, but to the artist and the community.
If you have questions about the process not listed above, check out more resources or email us at info@berwynpublicartinitiative.org.
And if you do find these tips useful and commission a mural, please tag @berwynpublicartinitiative on Facebook or Instagram.
We would love to see what you create!
Berwyn Public Art Initiative assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this resource. The information contained in this article is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.