PLANNING YOUR ARTWORK
Commissioning guide
Thinking about an outdoor mural, an indoor mural or a portrait? Here is what to consider before we begin.
Commissioning an outdoor mural
The wall and its surroundings
Send a straight-on photograph of the whole wall, a wider view of the building and close-ups of the surface. Include approximate width and height, the location, and any peeling paint, cracks or damp areas you have noticed. Preparation needs to be considered alongside the painting.
Wall preparation comes before the artwork
Some buildings have 30, 40 or even 50 years of paint built up on their walls, with older layers peeling away underneath. Before I apply the mural paint, we need to assess the condition of that surface and agree what preparation it needs.
Depending on the wall, this may involve removing loose and failing paint, cleaning, patching damaged areas, repairing render or re-plastering sections. Mould, algae or fungal growth may need an appropriate treatment, and signs of damp need investigation before the painting goes ahead.
There is no single treatment suitable for every building. The wall material, existing coatings and moisture conditions need to be considered when choosing repairs, treatments and a suitable base for the artwork. Significant repairs may require a suitably qualified contractor.
Preparation is part of the project budget and schedule. We will agree who is responsible for it, what is included in the quote and what needs to be completed before I start painting. New repairs also need the appropriate curing and drying time.
Metal cladding, coated panels and textured walls
Metal cladding and PVC-coated metal panels can need specialist preparation and an adhesion primer matched to the existing coating. Uneven or heavily textured walls also need assessment: their condition, porosity and texture affect preparation, paint coverage and how fine detail will read. The base coat and mural paints need to work together as a compatible system, with an adhesion test where appropriate.
Lime render and traditional buildings
Tell me if the building has lime plaster or lime render. These surfaces need a compatible, breathable paint system that allows moisture to escape. The existing finish and condition must be checked before selecting the base coat and artwork paints; the same standard masonry coating is not suitable for every wall.
Who will see it?
Think about the people passing by, the distance they will view it from and what you want them to notice. Local history, the character of your business or a community story can give the design its starting point.
Site access, ground conditions and overhead cables
Send photographs of the ground below the wall and the route equipment would take to reach it. Include any manholes or inspection covers, drains, slopes, uneven or soft ground, steps and narrow entrances. These details need to be assessed when deciding where scaffolding or access equipment can safely be positioned.
Flag overhead electrical wires, cables attached to the building and other obstructions near the working area. Appropriate precautions need to be agreed with the relevant specialists or utility provider before work near electrical services begins.
Roads, pedestrians and council requirements
Let me know if the wall faces a narrow road, busy footpath, parking area or entrance that needs to stay open. Depending on the site and the space occupied by the work, council permissions and a professionally prepared temporary traffic management plan may be needed, with arrangements for vehicles and pedestrians.
We will establish the site-specific requirements with the relevant local authority and competent contractors before agreeing the working arrangements. Equipment, traffic management, approvals and any associated costs or lead times need to be allowed for in the project budget and schedule.
Check your county or city council requirements
Before fixing a painting date, check the proposal with the relevant local authority. Ask its planning team about the mural design, any advertising or signage, and whether the building is a protected structure or lies within an architectural conservation area. Ask its roads team separately about scaffolding, access equipment, pavement occupation and traffic management.
Share the location, photographs, proposed design, dimensions and working arrangements. Requirements depend on the building, proposal and public space affected. Written confirmation of the permissions or licences needed helps us plan the project; the building owner’s agreement alone does not settle every approval question.
For an example of the separate roads process, see Meath County Council’s guidance on scaffolding, hoarding and other licences. Confirm the current process with the council responsible for your location.
Budget, timing and care
Share a guide budget and any opening date or event you are working towards. Outdoor schedules need room for suitable weather. Ask about the proposed finish, future maintenance and any preparation, equipment or travel costs included in the quote.
Commissioning an indoor mural
The room and how you use it
Send photographs of the wall and the wider room, approximate dimensions, and a few images showing the light at different times of day. Tell me about furniture, colours and features that will stay in place.
The feeling you want to create
A painted landscape, a personal story, a playful space or an illusion of depth each calls for a different approach. A few reference images can help explain the mood you like; you do not need a finished design.
Preparing the space
Tell me about the wall finish and any damage, furniture that may need moving, and when the room can be made available. We will discuss protection of the surrounding area, ventilation and access during the work.
Agreeing the details
Before painting begins, agree the design, scope, preparation, price and timing. Mention a fixed deadline early, particularly if the room is part of a working business.
Commissioning a portrait
Choosing reference photographs
Send the original image files where possible. Clear eyes, natural light and visible detail are helpful. Include a favourite photograph that captures the person's character, even if it is not the sharpest one. For a pet, share images showing its markings and expression.
When the photographs are precious
For a remembrance portrait, you may only have a small number of older photographs. Send what you have and we can discuss what is possible before you commit.
Size, setting and presentation
Think about where the portrait will hang, the size you have in mind and whether you prefer colour or black and white. We can discuss the composition, background and framing arrangements as part of the enquiry.
Gifts and special dates
Tell me about birthdays, anniversaries or other dates at the start. The price, timing, collection or delivery arrangements and what is included will be agreed before work begins. We can also discuss whether you are comfortable with the finished portrait appearing in my portfolio.
Start with a conversation
Send your photographs, location, approximate size, guide budget and preferred timing. It is fine if some details are still undecided.