[doodleworldart]

:thumbsup: Hi, I have painted Murals on lots of my own kids and grand kids walls and family members, but have never done it as a job, Now I've started my own Wall Mural Business and need some advice. Any tips on doin hand painted wall murals. Pricing, prep, easier ways then hand drawing every time, ect...........:confused1: Thanks for your help

 

[ProWallGuy]

First thing you need to do is buy and read this book.

http://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Contractor-Contractors-Businesses-About/dp/0066214688

The book is dirt cheap, and can be read in an afternoon.

Then, if you still want to start a business, take a night course in small business.

Doesn't matter how good you are at the painting part (well, a little counts I reckon), because if you don't run the biz right, you won't make any money. If you are good enough to do this skill-wise, then make sure your financial knowledge is up to speed also.

Learning how to price work has to involve recovering overhead and expenses (which is the hardest to determine initially, and the most important and too often overlooked IMHO), determining what you actual time is worth to do the work, and providing the company with a little profit in the end. If you run it wrong, it will just become like any other job, except you go to this one for free.
Look at books like this one for more help:

http://www.markupandprofit.com/books_mark.html

Don't forget, you will need to buy liability insurance, and (depending on where you live) workers comp and a license might be required.

That might give you a head start if it didn't scare you off.

 

[ccpainting]

draw small then blow it up with a projector.

 

[Tmrrptr]

I've used a projector, but the talented artists don't need one other than for basic layout or commonly identifiable mechanical things... like a '57 Corvette,
or a '62 pan, where artistic license may not be acceptable.

Pro has set you on a good course for the business end of things...

If you wish to do it for a living, it may take some of the fun out of it for you. Price your time so that you would make at least 60-80k for a years working at 40 hours a week and you could be off to a good start until you get discovered and can charge big bucks for your artistic efforts.

Basic liability insurance should run under a hundred bucks a month.

I wouldn't get any more than a local business license if all you will do is artwork... boy do I hope I'm not advising you poorly on that!
r

 

[ccpainting]

response

Yeah obviously! What do you think I am saying to paint it from a projector? how the hell would that work!I am saying a projector gets your proportions right quicker. I can paint everything by eye all day, but If you want to make more money your going to want to draw all the details small then blow it up, to save time. your not going to paint anything from a projector, it just puts some outlines on the wall. I can put some outlines on the wall for a non artist and I bet thay can't paint it. Talented artist do it the smart way using all the tools of the trade. so get some experience before you try to add your 2 cents which that is all its worth.

I do it for a living and make good money. so don't try an talk sh_t on my advice

 

[straight_lines]

First thing you need to do is buy and read this book.

http://www.amazon.com/E-Myth-Contractor-Contractors-Businesses-About/dp/0066214688

Did someone hijack this link?

I get redirected here ???

 

[ProWallGuy]

Wow, that is weird. I have no idea why it goes there now.

Try this one.