Commissioning a Mural: Everything you Need to Know
Murals are a brilliant way to engage artists and the community. They create a sense of identity and can add life to otherwise boring spaces.
By commissioning a mural or piece of street art you’re not only creating an aesthetically pleasing environment, you’re telling a story to the world. There is no doubt that you’ve already come across some kind of public artwork that has left a lasting impression. It’s easy to be moved by these large scale pieces. It’s also easy to commission a wall mural if you know some of the fundamental steps. Nacho Station is here to help you learn everything you need to know about commissioning one of these larger than life artworks.
You may find yourself overwhelmed with questions at this point. Who is your target audience? How to find a suitable artist? There are plenty of technical considerations that you may not have thought of.
Getting Started: the Brief
Creating a brief will help you feel a sense of relief and answer these questions.
Starting a wall mural may seem like a momentous task. When breaking it down into some easier steps you will realize that it’s not as daunting as you initially thought. The briefing phrase is a great opportunity to get everyone on the same page (or wall, figuratively speaking).
The brief for your project should consider the following:
Your chosen location;
Desired engagement;
Benefits to business or organisation (e.g. increasing foot traffic);
Target audience;
Ways to connecting with the community;
Style of the existing organisation.
Once you know the desired impact, you will be able to define your desired artistic style from a more strategic position. Style is an important element. When you choose the right style, it’s magical. Many people can feel the success of a certain style but have a hard time articulating why or how it’s successful. This is not something you want to leave to chance. We will work with you to make sure you can find the right words to articulate the style of the artist to best suit your situation.
The brief will make sure you are on a path to success.
Setting a Timeline
Keeping on schedule is another important piece of the puzzle. Setting key dates to measure progress will help you retain a sense of calm during the creative process. Being organized will help the flow of your project. Outdoor murals are at the mercy of the weather gods. Thorough planning throughout the delivery process will enable you to quickly adapt and adjust when unexpected circumstances arise. Updating the timeline as the project progresses is a great way to keep order.
Payment schedule
Payments are required throughout a project. Expect to pay a deposit once the brief has been set and agreed upon. This solidifies your commitment to the project and ensures the artist is paid for the design concept and initial material expenses. Further payments are made on a case by case basis. Another payment might be required before starting. Sometimes the final payment will be made upon completion. The payment process will be agreed on in advance to avoid any confusion or delays.
The Wall: Understanding our Chosen Canvas
There is a lot to consider before getting started on a wall mural. Obviously the chosen surface, or wall, is one of the key factors.
We love large scale murals. Who doesn’t? Going big can also add to the complexity of your project and add time. Understanding the size and scale from the beginning will help everyone organise and adjust their schedules appropriately. Everyone can commit and give 100 percent when they have an accurate grasp on the tasks at hand.
Different surfaces are going to require a different amount of work. Brick, weatherboards, and unsealed surfaces will be difficult and time consuming to paint. Having an action plan in advance will prevent any unwanted surprises.
The location of your wall will dictate whether you need to submit for local permits. If pedestrian walkways or roads are adjacent to the mural then a traffic management plan might need to be put into place, this ensures all local laws are obeyed and your business is not liable for any damages should something go wrong.
Finding the Right Artist
One of the most exciting parts of planning your wall mural is finding the artist. The quote will vary greatly depending on the skill and experience of the artist you have in mind.
Grassroots Artist
You might be able to hire a local grassroots hobby artist at a more minimal expense. Your project could be a great opportunity for an artist to practice, refine new skills, gain experience and gain exposure. Everyone needs a big break at some point and hiring someone with less experience can be rewarding. They will be passionate and eager to work. However, they can also take longer as they figure out how to deal with larger scale projects. You will have to be patient as they navigate this new space.
Up and Coming Artist
A more experienced up and coming artist will have more experience making art. They will also be energetic and enthusiastic and will have a firmer grasp on process and technique. Hiring someone like this can give you a sense of relief knowing your project is in good hands. However, they may not have all the knowledge necessary for larger scale projects. They may not be focused primarily on your project (holding down that part time job) so you will have to share their time.
The Established Professional
Finally an established professional artist will be a full time creator focused solely on art. Their talent guarantees success. However that guarantee comes with a price tag. Their reputation and name itself will draw their following to your project. They will know how to deliver quickly and professionally. The project flow will be smoother as they already have a developed process in place. Established professional artists that have an extensive portfolio are a sure bet. However there are far less candidates in this category and swallowing the price tag may be difficult for smaller projects.
Connecting with the Community
Reece Hendy and Kyle Torney host an artist chat for locals in Charlton, Victoria. During Three Walls mural festival in 2018
A wall mural is a great way to draw headlines and engage the community. There are a lot of creative ways to spark interest in your space. Launch parties are great photo opportunities. You will find people continually drawn to your wall, taking photos and promoting the work through social media. After completion you will see that the piece takes a life of its own as the public takes true ownership. When you give to your community, your community gives back in ways you will not have expected. With a little preparation and the know-how of Nacho Station the creative process is an experience you can look forward to with excitement.