How long does it take to paint a mural?

• Most take between 3 days and 2 weeks on-site, though Starting Space took a whopping 13 weeks!

• Planning and design time can take much longer than that, depending on the complexity of the project. It’s best to reach out as early as possible so that we can work together on a plan. 3-6 months is the shortest average turnaround time from initial inquiry to finished mural, so I am typically booked around 3 months out.

Do you work outside of the Richmond area?

• Absolutely! I love to travel and am always seeking opportunities to paint in far off lands, so I'm more than happy to visit you. For on-site initial consultations outside a 1 hour drive from downtown Richmond, VA we can consult via video call, or gas is on you. Travel expenses for project execution will apply, be we can also get creative with transit and lodging - got an extra bedroom?

Do I have to know exactly what I want when I call you?

• Nope. I love working closely with clients to develop concepts that are rich and meaningful for the spaces they fill. I also love the opportunity to take the reins and do self-directed work! We’ll start with a discussion about what’s right for your space and go from there.

Wall condition and preparation?

• Please send a photo of your wall and I can assess what preparation may be necessary before I begin work.

• If your wall is in disrepair, especially if the existing paint is showing any signs of peeling or cracking, then anything I add on top will be in just as bad a shape in no time at all. You’ll need a visit from a commercial painter or perhaps gutter repair person before you invest your mural money.

How do I prepare my space for you to paint?

• Clear the space - I need at least 4’ of clearance around the painting surface, so please move all furniture and other obstacles.

• Corral pets - I love your pets but they are not good assistants. Please make sure that they are restricted from the area I’m working in for their safety and mine.

• Access - I will need access to water, electrical outlets, light switches, trash, bathroom, and parking. If any of these are out of the norm in your space, let’s discuss!

• Day one - Please plan to meet me at the site on the first day to make sure all access is in order, and take care of any last minute decisions or arrangements. After that I will be self-sufficient and you may leave me unattended :)

• Business Open Hours - I am happy to work while the business remains open! Visitors often enjoy seeing the mural come together, and return to watch the progress. We’ll just need to discuss flow of traffic through your space for safety and comfort.

• Storage and Parking - Supplies and equipment will be set up on-site for the duration of the project. For many projects, I will plan to bring my Mobile Studio to your location and work from there, using it for storage, paint mixing, etc. If there is not nearby parking to accommodate a large vehicle, I may need you to provide secure overnight storage space for items that can’t stay outside or set up while I’m not there.

Cost:

• I am open to and interested in fully custom work based on the space and the client’s preferences. However if your mural project fits one of my preferred design categories (see above) I may be able to offer a special rate. Please inquire and note which design approach is a good fit for your client!

• For preliminary project pitches to clients, I can provide a broad ballpark estimate if you send a message with the following: a picture of the space, a brief description of what you have in mind, and any relevant budget and timeline information. For detailed budget information, I will need to complete a Preliminary Design Package (see “Typical Process” below) which will take 1-2 weeks to schedule and prepare.

Timing:

• It’s best to reach out as early as possible so that we can work together on a plan. 3-6 months is the shortest average turnaround time from initial inquiry to finished mural, so I am typically booked around 3 months out.

• If your project involves new construction, please plan for the mural execution to happen AFTER most other trades, ideally after the building is open to the public. Visitors often enjoy seeing a mural come together, and the process encourages them to come back and see the finished result!

• We will provide a detailed timeline with deadlines for both us and your client to help guide scheduling.

Travel:

• I relish travel opportunities and am happy to discuss logistics. Applicable travel cost estimates will be included in the Preliminary Design Package budgeting.  

Project Management:

• The amazing Michaeline Sander provides project management for all of my mural projects. She will be your point of contact for all email communication.

• I work with each client to paint a completely unique product that is customized to your space and budget. My Preliminary Design Package will provide you with detailed pricing information based on our initial meeting and the variables of your project. This is available for a flat $250 fee. See “Typical Process” below for more information.

• I do not use square-footage pricing. If you need a broad estimate prior to any other project plans, please send a message to info@herrsuite.com with the following: a picture of your wall, a brief description of what you have in mind, and any relevant budget and timeline information.

  Each project’s cost depends on its size, complexity, and environment. Sometimes the design work can take as long or longer than mural execution time on-site, if there is detailed research involved. Factors like wall surface (brick, drywall, cinderblock), number of colors, stylistic approach (realism > painterly abstraction > flat shapes) and sheer size of wall play a big role here. Walls over 10’ tall may require rental of scaffolding or a lift, which start at $850/week.

• I have also started offering Mural Flash bookings (like tattoo flash sheets!) which are existing designs that I offer for a quick turnaround and flat price. Sign up for my mailing list at the top of this page to be notified when these bookings are available, or follow me on instagram.

• If your mural is benefitting an organization or cause in one of these categories, I may be able to offer a special rate. Please inquire.
  climate change // affordable housing // equitable infrastructure // environmental research or stewardship // public education // equity for racial and intersectional minority groups

1. INITIAL SITE VISIT: Free! I start with an on-site meeting where we discuss your idea, budget, and timeline. This also allows me to assess site needs like existing paint quality and whether lift or scaffolding are required, as well as get a sense of the space.

2. PRELIMINARY DESIGN PACKAGE: I’ll head back to the studio and put together a proposal based on our meeting. It will reflect the scope of the project, with suggestions for concept, style, scale, and complexity. These help define a cost estimate and timeline, which are attached to each design direction in order to help you decide which will best fit both your budget and plans. This package requires no commitment to a contract, but does cost a flat $250.

3. PRELIM DESIGN REVIEW MEETING: We'll get together again to review the preliminary design package, discuss what suits you and your space the best, and agree on whether to move forward with the project.

4. CONTRACT & 50%: Once you approve a design direction and we agree on a price, we'll sign a contract. Half of the contracted total cost is due before I begin the final design process.

5. FINAL DESIGN: Before any brush hits the wall, I create a complete, to-scale, color study of my plan for the mural. This way we are both clear on what your mural will look like, with no ugly surprises for either of us.

6. MURAL EXECUTION: This is the meat of the job, and the most fun part! I’ll come set up at your wall and paint until the painting’s done. Weather will impact this process - paint doesn’t cure properly when its wet or under 50°F, and my brain doesn’t work over 100°F. Flexibility and enjoying the process are key here!

7. FINAL DOCUMENTATION + INVOICE + HIGH-FIVES ALL AROUND: Once everything is finished and cleaned up and the last picture is taken, the balance of the contracted price is due.