What is your investment for a custom mural?
I consider numerous factors when pricing your one-of-a-kind, high quality mural. Your mural will be priced per project, not per hour or per square foot. I primarily estimate each project by determining:
- time
- size
- level of detail
- materials
In addition to the list above, other factors can also play a role in pricing, including but not limited to:
- ladder and scaffolding requirements
- texture and condition of your walls
- specialty primers and clear coats
- amount of trim/furniture that needs to be taped and protected
- exterior vs. interior conditions
- travel time / distance to your site
- unusual/irregular hours in which site is available for painting
- tight deadlines with minimal lead time
As a guideline, murals are a minimum of $15/square foot but may range to $100/square foot or more depending on the design and factors listed above. Simple, one-day projects have a minimum of $950*.
Free Local Consultation
My initial consultation is free in the La Crosse area (and within approx. 30 miles of Coon Valley, WI.) A non-refundable trip fee will apply for consults outside of this range. I will let you know the fee prior to my consultation.
Consultations are VERY important in the process of determining your cost and developing your design. Being there in person helps me visualize your ideas and relay variables that may come into play. Most importantly, it helps us get to know each other a bit better! I invest a lot of time, thought, and energy into each project, and want to make sure I design and paint a mural that has special meaning to you.
Following our consult, the rest of the process generally moves forward digitally. I will email a detailed estimate following our meeting and then move forward with your sketches.
Sketches
Sketches are imperative to make sure I am painting what you are envisioning in your mind. I create digital sketches using a combination of hand drawn elements and photographs, and will provide two free revisions if needed. The non-refundable sketch fee starts at $250 per wall/mural but may be higher depending on the size and scope of your project. This fee is applied toward the total due at the signing of our commission agreement. If additional sketches are needed beyond two revisions, the fee is $100 per revision, and not applied toward the total due. Here is an example of one of my sketches compared to the completed mural:
Commission Agreement
When you approve the final sketch, we move forward and sign a commission agreement, which thoroughly outlines the details of your project and protects us both. You can rest assured that you will have the total, final cost in writing before painting begins so there are no surprises upon completion. Fifty percent of the total mural cost is due at the signing of the commission agreement, which reserves your project dates in my calendar and allows me to purchase supplies. The remaining 50% is due on the day your mural is completed.
Do you only paint murals?
In addition to murals, I do currently take a limited number of commissions for fine art on canvas. If you are interested, please contact me and I will email you a price sheet to learn more. Thank you!
*Pricing and fees are subject to change. Prices above as of January 1, 2025.