When you call (or e-mail), tell us what you're looking for. Give specifics as to size, location, theme, and color ideas. We'll arrange a meeting at the site (if local), in which we'll bring a portfolio for you to examine, along with some conceptual possibilities for your mural. There's no charge for this first meeting. Off the Wall Murals may draw up some very rough sketches on the spot. There'll be an exciting discussion and brainstorming session. The main goal of this meeting is good communication between you and the artist in visualizing a new space to suit you.

After this consultation, if you decide you'd like to continue with the project, an initial retainer fee of $200 will cover the time for further rough sketches and additional meetings. The fee is nonrefundable and will be deducted from the final cost of your mural.

Upon your approval of the rough sketches and color scheme, we'll quote a price for a completed mural. We'll ask for a 50% deposit to reserve a mutually convenient start date for the painting and to allow for expenses, and Off the Wall Murals will begin designing the mural in more detail. Depending on the complexity of the project, this may take as little as a day or as long as two weeks.

Once the final design is approved, we'll begin painting. We ask that you arrange any necessary preparation of the wall's surface prior to this (spackling, priming, etc.).

The balance (50% of the total minus the retainer fee) would be due upon completion of the project.

The cost of your mural is dependent on a number of factors, including:

its size,

its location (interior or exterior, height, architectural details-- all contribute to the degree of difficulty and the amount of time needed),

its level of detail and refinement,

the style and method in which it will be made (see making a mural),

the type of paint and other materials to be used,

and the amount of time needed for research and development (based on the complexity of the composition and the client's specificity).

Other costs may include scaffolding rental, freight expenses, travel expenses, or professional installation. These costs may be attached to the mural price, or, in the case of installation, arranged by the client with a local contractor.

To help you get started, we suggest you ask yourself a few questions:

First, what do you want the mural to do for you and for the space? What effect or atmosphere are you trying to create?

Where exactly would you like it, and how big should it be? Would you like an entire wrap-around environment, or would a smaller painting on a section of the wall (individual figures, a vignette, a trompe l'oeil window) be just as effective?

Would you like it to be permanent, painted directly on the wall, or transportable in the event you move?

What's your budget?

Gather images to help you refine your ideas and visualize the space. Photographs from your albums or from magazines, and reproductions in books of art, will all be helpful to you and to us in translating your vision to the wall. Consider theme, style, details, and color.

If you aren't exactly sure what you want, we can work with you in developing your ideas. Conceptualizing is one of the fun parts of the process, and we look forward to collaborating with our prospective clients in envisioning their new worlds.

Give us a call to ask any question or to discuss your ideas. Our first consultation (preferably at the site of the proposed mural) is free. We look forward to hearing from you.