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questions and answers
Requests for commissions are always welcome. Custom murals however, can be
costly additions to the home. The most frequently asked question, of course, is "How much does a mural cost?"
Each mural is specifically designed to fit a particular space
and therefore priced individually. The artist can usually give the client a "ballpark range"
based on consideration of the following important factors:
- scale of mural (actual square footage)
- working conditions (fixed architectural restrictions .. windows, doors, trim,
staircases, ceiling height, flooring, heating and cooling vents, lighting, plug
and switch plates, etc.)
- scaffolding considerations
- amount of personalization requested from the client (inclusion of family member
likeness, pets, hometown landmarks, etc).
- complexity of detail and trompe l'oeil required
- amount of research time required
- design time for execution of scaled water color rendering and layout
- material costs
- travel and consultation time
- completion time for executing actual mural
The second most frequently asked question, is "How long does it take to produce
a mural?" The design process alone, usually takes between two and six weeks, depending on the complexity of project.
The rendering process can take up to three months. The production time required to actually execute the mural averages
as follows:
- small murals - 2-4 weeks
- medium murals - 4-8 weeks
- large murals - 3-6 months or longer
If you are seriously interested in commissioning Curtis Heuser,
the initial step is to contact the artist and discuss the project. Normally, after reaching a
verbal agreement of price range, a non-refundable retainer/design fee,
must be received before scheduling a long distance consultation. This enables the
design process to begin. Next, the artist will arrange for an actual "on-site"
consultation. It is crucial that the artist meet the family commissioning the mural. This
type of work is very personal for both parties, since the artist will be practically living
with the family while executing the mural. Not knowing in advance if there
is good repoire and communication between the artist and the family can be a costly mistake.
It is also imperative for the artist to see the actual space, noting its architectural
significance and its relationship to the rest of the home. At this time, it is also necessary to
take on-site measurements and to photograph the space. Adjacent, previously decorated rooms, may also need to be photographed and noted. This will assure a uniform coordination between the palette in the mural and its
surroundings. The artists will collect, from the homeowner or designer,
any swatches of drapery or upholstery fabrics, flooring samples, paint chips, etc. Later,
these will be used for color reference when designing the mural.
Next, the design process actually starts on paper, with delivery of full-color,
scaled watercolor rendering, usually within three months. Upon approval of the
rendering design, followed by the signing of a formal contract by both parties - a 50%
deposit is required to schedule an actual commencement date for the mural. The initial retainer mentioned above is applied towards this deposit. The remaining balance is
due on the day of the mural's comlpetion. Occassionally, depending on the length of time
required to execute the mural, the cost will be evenly distributed in equal installments,
drawn over the extended period of production.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Curtis. Questions are always welcome.
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