How the Mural Process Works
Creating a custom mural is a collaborative and thoughtful process. Below is a step-by-step overview of how I work, so you know exactly what to expect from first contact to final delivery.
Initial Inquiry
Start by getting in touch through my contact or commissions form.
Please include:
- A brief description of what you're looking for
- Any reference images, inspiration, or mood ideas
- The location of the mural (indoor or outdoor, residential or commercial)
The more information you share upfront, the better I can understand your vision.
Project Discovery & Clarification
After reviewing your inquiry, I'll respond with follow-up questions to better understand:
- The style and type of mural you're interested in
- The wall location and environment
- The scale and complexity of the project
At this stage, we align on the overall direction before moving forward.
Note: I may update the commissions form over time to include some of these questions upfront to streamline the process.
Site Visit or Remote Assessment
Local Projects
Williamsburg, VA & surrounding areas
If you are local, I will arrange a site visit to:
- Measure the wall
- Assess lighting and surface conditions
- Understand the surrounding space
Non-Local Projects
More than 1 hour from Williamsburg
If the mural location is beyond a one-hour drive, I will request:
- Accurate wall dimensions (width × height)
- Clear photos of the wall
- Photos of the surrounding space
- Any relevant surface details
This information is required before design work begins.
Concept Development & Design Direction
Based on our discussion, I will develop an initial concept direction. This stage is light and exploratory, focusing on establishing the overall creative direction for your mural.
- Rough visual concepts
- AI-assisted mockups used as creative references only
Design Deposit
If you request detailed concepts, multiple options, or revisions beyond the initial creative direction, a non-refundable Design Deposit will be required.
- The Design Deposit covers concept development, proposals, and sketches
- The Design Deposit is non-refundable
- If the project proceeds, the Design Deposit will be credited toward the final mural price
- Payment of the Design Deposit does not guarantee project booking
This ensures focused creative work while respecting the time involved in the design process.
Final Design Approval & Booking
Once:
- All revisions are complete
- The final design direction is approved
A 45% project deposit is due after final design approval to schedule and begin the mural. Any previously paid Design Deposit will be credited toward the total project cost.
Important Notes:
- No design changes are permitted after this stage
Client Responsibilities
The client is responsible for providing:
- Tall ladders
- Scaffolding (if required)
Any rental or equipment costs are the client's responsibility.
If you would like additional protective finishes or specialty materials applied—such as sealers, outdoor-rated coatings, pool paints, or glow-in-the-dark paints—material costs and application requirements will be discussed in advance and added separately to the project total.
Painting & Installation
I will arrive on-site to execute the mural according to the approved design.
Payment Milestone: Once the primary painting phase is substantially complete and before final detailing, refinements, or finishing touches begin, a second 45% payment is due. Work pauses if this payment is not received, and final detailing does not begin until the second 45% is paid.
Important Note:
Final murals are hand-painted, site-specific works. While the approved design provides a clear creative direction, the finished mural may vary slightly due to factors including, but not limited to:
- Lighting conditions at different times of day
- Wall texture, surface imperfections, and existing finishes
- Paint absorption and color interaction with the wall surface
- Scale adjustments required for the actual wall dimensions
- Artistic interpretation and brushwork inherent to hand-painted work
These variations are a natural part of the mural process and do not constitute defects. The approved design serves as a visual reference, not a pixel-perfect blueprint.
Project Completion & Final Payment
Once mural is complete:
- The final 10% payment is due immediately upon completion
- Payment is required upon delivery of the finished mural
At this point, the project is considered complete.
Payment Structure Clarification
It's important to understand that design work and mural execution are separate phases:
- The design phase involves concept development and creative direction
- The mural painting phase begins only after design approval and receipt of the 45% project deposit
- Any Design Deposit paid during the concept phase will be credited toward the total project cost
This two-stage approach ensures clear expectations and protects the time invested in both creative development and execution.
Intellectual Property & Usage Rights
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- I retain full intellectual property rights to the artwork and design
- I may photograph and share the mural for portfolio, website, and promotional use
Buying Full Rights
If a client wishes to:
- Own exclusive rights to the artwork
- Prevent reuse, reproduction, or portfolio display
This must be discussed in advance and will be priced significantly higher, as it involves transferring intellectual property.
Logos or artwork that the client already owns are excluded from this policy.
Contracts & Protection
All mural projects are protected by a written agreement that outlines:
- Scope of work
- Payment terms
- Design usage rights
- Responsibilities of both parties
This protects both the client and the artist and ensures a smooth, professional experience.
Final Notes
Custom murals are an investment in original artwork. Clear communication, mutual trust, and agreed expectations allow the process to be enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.
If you have questions at any stage, I'm happy to discuss them before moving forward.