The Cost and Pricing of a Mural - 8 Factors to Consider

 

“Creativity is magic. Don’t examine it too closely.” – Edward Albee

Let me start by saying there is not a standard, set method for pricing a mural.  Some artists charge by the square foot, but this approach does not consider the complexity of the design among other things. I start with an hourly rate based on an estimate of the time required to complete the work.  Formulating the final quote also involves  taking into account eight additional factors listed below.  

To begin, my hourly rate is based on my years of experience, portfolio of work, and cost of living in the area in which I am working. Very generally speaking, muralists might charge anywhere from $50-$125/hr.  In addition to my hourly rate, I consider the following...

1. Condition of the Wall - What kind of preparation will the surface require to be paint-ready? How much time will it take to achieve?  If it is an exterior wall, will power washing, crack repair, etc. be handled by the client in advance?
2. Working Conditions - Is this a rush job with a tight deadline?  Will I be climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding or driving a motorized lift? Will I be working at night, outside in difficult weather conditions, in a crowded area with numerous distractions? Will there be a crowd watching my every move?  If so, then I am providing a form of performance art which requires an additional fee.
3. Location - How far will I have to travel each day?  Will I have to arrange for lodging? 
4. Materials Cost - Is this mural expected to last for centuries or just a few years?  Is it outside?  I have to consider these factors when choosing the quality and related cost of my paints and protective finishes.  Do I already have the necessary supplies on hand, or will I need to purchase additional materials? 
5. Equipment Cost - Will scaffolding, ladders, lights and other specialized equipment be required?  Will I have to supply them or will my client?
6. Design Work and Sketches - Time spent on sketches, design, revisions, and meetings are included in my mural quote at a lesser hourly rate.
7. Level of Experience - My years of experience, body of work, references, unique ideas, and reliability figure into my hourly rate.
8. Time-Lapse Videos of Work and Promotion - I often provide time-lapse videos and limited promotion of my work on social media, tagging the client if they agree.  There is an additional value for these services though I usually provide them at no additional charge.   

To sum up, I determine the cost of a mural project by estimating how long the project will take including design time.  I multiply my hourly rate by the number of hours.  Keep in mind that this is an estimate.  I do not relate the number of hours I expect to work along with my hourly rate to my clients.  I simply give them a set quote which either will meet their expectations/budget or not. This number will not change due to the amount of time the job actually takes to complete if that differs from my estimate though any deadlines must be met.  I do not punch in to a time clock.  My errors in estimating time more often benefit the client than the other way around. Then I add in supply cost, travel and lodging costs, working conditions fee (if it seems necessary for difficult conditions or performance art), and promotional fee (if I am asked to do anything beyond my typical social media promotions which are at no cost). I ask for a percentage of the payment up front to cover my supply cost at least.  I ask for the remainder of the payment on the day I finish the job.  

There are a lot of variables in this formula.  In my case, one benefit to my clients is that I work very quickly thus reducing the overall cost of the mural.  I work steadily with few breaks in order to get the work done quickly and with the least disruption for my client.  I show up on time and work long hours.  If my client has budget constraints and my quote is higher than they expected, we discuss alternate design options which might work for them and consider other ways of reducing the expense.

If you have any questions, please feel free comment.  

Four Steps to Finding Inspiration

 

"Do what you can with what you have where you are." 

- Theodore Roosevelt

Do you know what it feels like to be inspired?  You are filled with divine ideas which seem to arrive from somewhere outside of your humble brain.  It's like the great force of creativity has deigned to lean down and whisper in your ear. Isn't it wonderful?  You're filled with energy and enthusiasm.  One creative idea leads to another.  Compared to our normal state, being inspired is like life on steroids. 

Instinctually, you hang on tight, committing to riding this train as long as you can.  You understand the ride will end.  You'll be left at the station desolately waiting for the next inspiration train to sound its whistle in your ear arriving from who knows where. 

Is there a way to bottle it up for later?  Sadly not.  Perhaps the best we can do is keep a roadmap to getting to the source.  Put ourselves in the right place at the right time.  How?  By doing the work.  Consistently. I certainly haven't found the unlimited pass to Inspirationland, but I have experienced the short ride and have also found myself waiting for a train that never came.  These four steps help me.  Maybe they'll work for you.

1. Put Yourself in the Seat of Inspiration 

Nothing is created in a vacuum. Seek beauty all around you. Worship at your particular altar, whether that be a park, library or a church. Surround yourself with objects, people, and songs that stimulate ideas.  

2. Eliminate Distraction  

Once you have soaked up an inspiring environment, I suggest getting quiet to clear the mind. Meditate if that works for you.  At least temporarily avoid distractions like the news, irritating sounds, bothersome people unless you are that rare individual who is stimulated by chaos. Physically clear the clutter. Clean up your work space or studio.  Create an empty space, a pause where ideas can take root and flourish.

3. Deal with Blockages 

It's hard to open to ideas when your mind is filled with self-doubt.  Perfectionism has stopped many a talented artist and writer from simply beginning.  Is there anything weighing on your mind? Talk or write it out to fully explore the roadblocks you might put in your way.  Consider online talk therapy or coaching.  You might also try to walk it out. Something about moving your body forward through nature does wonders for clearing the mind.  It begins within.

4. Take Action 

Newton's first law states that an object in motion stays in motion.  Do something - even something inept, silly, or worthless.  Start that ball rolling.   You can still look for magic wands, say the affirming words, honor your superstitions, pray to whatever god you worship all while doing the work. Go through the motions.  Don't wait for inspiration to strike.  It might be sitting on your shoulder just waiting for you to begin.  

Here's the secret: sparks of inspiration are everywhere.  You just have to open your eyes, your heart, your mind.  Be ready.  Be available to catch that spark, and then fan it for all you are worth to create a blazing fire of possibility.  You can do it.