FAQ #1
How much is it going to cost?
Your mural will cost about $10 to $25 per sq. ft. I factor in the amount of detail, the obstacles I have to work with, your wall texture, and how much wall prep is necessary to get started.
FAQ#2
Do you paint on walls?
Yes! Straight on the wall.
By painting straight on the wall I can do a lot of interesting effects with the mural, mainly painting things with cast shadows so that they appear to be really there in the room. I can also paint on a special kind of canvas that can be installed like wallpaper and later removed.
FAQ#3
What kind of paints do you use?
My paints are professional grade acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are latex based so they can expand and contract if whatever they're sitting on top of is expanding or contracting. That means that the paint won't crack and then chip and flake over time. It also dries really quickly, and has almost no odor, which is important for my clients. You don't have to worry about brushing up against wet paint and maybe ruining the painting because it's dry in between 2 and 20 minutes. For all my background painting where I have to fill large areas I use Frazee acrylic paint. Painting in many homes I've had the pleasure of being able to sample different brands of paints (sometimes I'll need to use the original paint that was used to paint the home to touch up or I'll use it as a base) and see their wearability in those homes. Frazee is by far my favorite. The artist paints I use are Liquitex Professional Soft Body acrylics. They are museum quality paints with excellent light fastness, meaning that they will not fade or yellow over time.
FAQ#4
How long does a mural take to paint?
Depending on the size your project, a typical mural takes me about 2-3 days to complete.
I work very fast. I love to start early, and keep painting all day, into the night if I can.
Being that I'm in your home, I try to work around your schedule.
My #1 goal is to get your mural finished with the smallest amount of interruption in your life. Getting a mural is supposed to be a really fun experience for you, so I always try to do my best to make sure that happens.
Also, at the end of the day if I'm still in the middle of painting your mural I make sure to take all my materials with me every night. I never leave anything behind to get in your way.
FAQ#5
How long have you been painting?
I started getting super serious about mural painting a little over 7 years ago.
But I have drawn and painted my entire life.
I actually went to college as a Bio Chem major, which left little time to paint, until one day an opportunity came up to paint a mural, which was such a joy to do, and came out great for a science geek, but it was the homeowner's reaction, that really set this all into motion for me. They were so overjoyed by what I painted. I wasn't prepared for that at all, but ever since that time, I was hooked. That little experience has sent me down this path for the last several years, allowing me the chance to paint all over San Diego, giving many people that same feeling. It is so incredibly rewarding to come into someone's life and leave them with something that they'll be able to enjoy for years to come.
FAQ#6
What kind of murals do you paint?
I paint whatever my clients want; Wildlife, whimsical stuff, landscapes, skies, floor murals, themed rooms, I can paint from your photos or from memories, or just go crazy and paint something wild and abstract.
My style tends to be realistic though, which means your mural looks very much like the actual objects they are supposed to represent.
I work with each of my clients a great deal prior to starting, sitting down, going over ideas, to make sure you and everyone I work with, gets their exact, desired result.
FAQ#7
Do you have examples of your work?
I sure do! Just click on the GALLERY link above! There you will find some really good examples of what I've painted in the past. You'll really be able to judge for yourself if you think that I am capable and I'd love to know what you think.
I am also happy to share with you in person, examples of projects from concept, to pictures stage by stage of the painting process to the completed mural. I do this so that you feel comfortable knowing what you're getting when you hire me to paint a mural. I love to get comments from my clients on what they think, as I'd love to get the chance to do the same for you.
FAQ#8
Can you help me with designing my mural?
Yes of course!
This is one of the best parts of the process. It's where you tell me what you want. You get to incorporate all the personal touches to make your mural truly your own.
I'll take all your ideas and thoughts and make that fantastic, one of a kind mural just for you.
I love being able to take ideas and objects that are very special and unique to you, and add them to your mural so it really becomes part of your home.
FAQ#9
Do you paint commercial interior spaces?
Yes. I have yet to come across a commercial space that is too difficult to work in. Just let me know what I can do.
FAQ#10
Did you go to school to paint?
The surprising answer is No!
I was a Bio-Chem major in college, when I realized my lifelong love of painting and drawing just had to come out. I figured that I'd try to paint for a living and I've ended up taking one of my true passions and developing that into a very fulfilling career. I am really very fortunate!
What I'm really hoping for is to paint a series of science based paintings that will pull on my love for science and technology. One of the things in life that I feel very strongly about is learning. I am constantly educating myself about the things in this world that interest me like science and art!
SAQ#1
How custom will your mural be?
Your mural will be an absolute one of a kind, custom, original.
I can add anything you'd like me to add to your painting.
Just give me your ideas and I'll come up with a design.
This custom aspect is so much fun for me and my clients. I always love the ideas everyone has. It really keeps me challenged to be innovative and original.
SAQ#2
Will you paint memories, people and pets?
This is a big yes!
Adding personal touches like describing a memory, or photographs of special times always enhances your mural.
Providing pictures of special places or people in your life, or even that special pet really makes your mural truly unique to you.
Some of my best murals are the ones were my client tells me a story from their past. I listen really carefully to what you would like, and pick up on clues in your home. It's like being a detective and trying to figure out what you would really be pleased with. The murals I paint aren't about me and my interests but about you and yours!
SAQ#3
Will you match my current elements in my room?
Yes!
Designing within your existing space is always something I take into consideration. If this is important to you, it's very important to me.
I can color match with your current color scheme. I take your style and sometimes even architectural features in your home and incorporate them into your mural. Your mural will go perfectly with what you currently have.
SAQ#4
How long will my mural last?
In my seven plus years, I have yet to see a single mural fade, even in strong sunlight.
The use of high end professional paints will ensure that your mural will last for a very long time.
In addition, by using these kinds of paints, will make your mural very easy to maintain, all you need is a damp, clean towel, to remove any mess that may occur.
SAQ#5
Do you paint murals on exterior walls?
Yes .
For these kind of murals I use and exterior paint that will ensure the lasting quality of the exterior mural.
I've painted on a variety of exteriors like; stucco, masonry, wood, even boulders.
I'll prep the surface accordingly, to make sure the surface I'm painting is ready to accept the paint to ensure that your mural lasts long as it possible can. I am super aware of the prep part of the project. Its extremely important and often the most tedious part of the job, but also a necessary part of any exterior project.
A great example of a unique exterior surface is the tiger mural on a boulder. Before I painted I scrubbed the rock with soapy water, cleaned all the cracks out, rubbed off any loose rock, let it dry overnight and then used a high quality satin finish paint to create the mural.
SAQ#6
Will you come up with multiple mural options and designs?
Most of my clients have at least a general idea of where they would like to start, and I love helping them get a finished idea, adding all the great elements they would like in their mural. But if I'm not sure that I'm right on with my design, or if I think of a few design ideas, then Ill propose more than one design!
SAQ#7
Are your quotes always firm?
Yes, for sure.
I'll stand by my original quote that clearly outlines the project to make sure you get exactly what you want. All my proposals include a to scale rendering of the mural because it's really important for me that everyone involved is comfortable with the project.
We'll agree to a price and that's what I'll paint it for. Guaranteed.
SAQ#8
Can I add more to the original design?
Please do!
As the original design and the initial mural painting starts to take place, some clients start to see things they would like to add. Once you see the mural start to develop on your wall, certain ideas may come to you. Just ask me and I'll add it.
This collaboration with you makes it super fun for me and is ultimately the biggest factor in making a fantastic mural.
SAQ#9
Is there a charge for your proposal?
No, never!
Our first meeting to discuss your mural, along with the initial ideas is always free.
I want you to feel great about working with me, and I hope through my ideas, experience and enthusiasm for painting you will want me to paint your mural. I find that having a no obligation first meeting is the best way for you to decide.
Being based here in San Diego, I go to all parts of the county as well as Riverside County.
SAQ#10
Will you touch up my mural?
Yes, absolutely.
Many clients worry about their murals getting damaged and what will happen if it does.
First, it is very rare that something bad happens, but if it does, I will of course come out and fix any damage that happens.
I charge a flat $50 rate for scratches, chips, and nicks.
Any more detailed work I will quote.
I also fix other people's work. Just ask how I can help.
This website © 2011 Muralchemy All rights reserved.
