Gatica suggests that potential clients can actually keep the price of a mural down by doing some research to help the artist. He advises any potential, future clients to "start clipping pictures out of magazines of what ever theme, subject and style is close to what you’d like to see as a mural in your home. When you are ready, show these ideas to the artist; this will set the parameters for the work and may keep the price of the overall project down.
Another way the client can keep the price of the overall project down further, is by having a definite idea for the artist to work off. Generally, this will be less expensive than - a situation where the client does not have a definite idea but is willing to allow the artist the artistic freedom, and "pay extra" for the artist's creative time.
Prices for a custom hand-painted mural can run from five, to over twenty dollars a square foot, which can translate in, to a few hundred – to - a few thousand dollars.
Lastly on price, if you have been contemplating a hand painted mural in your home, and the price is the only thing keeping you back from realizing your fantasy mural, don’t let it scare you off. Generally, professional artists should be able to work within specified budgets and can provide ideas on ways to keep a price within a certain budget.
Above all, the overall experience of working with an artist during the mural's creation and seeing the work progress from day-to-day, which might take up to a month can be quite exhilarating. One note of caution: when the artist begins painting do not panic or worry about how the work looks in the beginning (the first few days) - it may be a little scary, because the work will look rough. It will take a few hours of painting before the whole thing starts taking shape and smoothens out. Just relax and let the artist do what he’s paid to do. “Usually, towards the end of the project, I allow myself time to make minor, color and design adjustments if the client requests, which is included in the price”, says Gatica.
Remember It's a matter of communication between the artist and client that ultimately makes for a mutually fun and satisfactory relationship.
The most rewarding part for me is when the job is done, and I hear their appreciation for the art created - especially for them. “Some of the reactions to my work have been ‘AWESOME!’ ‘I'm impressed, and I don't impress easily’ - to compliments on my professionalism, and, a BIG smile”. “It's very rewarding,” Says Gatica.
In Conclusion:
"Of course, I realize, I can’t paint a mural in everyone’s home, my intention is simply to make more people comfortable about working with professional artists/muralist. And, I want them to know how exciting and fun seeing a mural go up in their home or business can be. Everyone should experience it once." Gatica concludes.
