How to Commission a mural: the process and what you can expect.
The Portfolio: There is much of my work on this website, but if you want to see more (and there is some more) then photographic prints do offer better quality images. I am happy to show this and to discuss any possible works to make an estimate of costs, whether I am to be employed or not. A good suggestion, prior to this first meeting, is for you to start a scrapbook of photographs, magazine clippings, etc., that will to help form your ideas.
The Estimate: If you like my work and wish to commission me, then we can go on to the next phase. This is a full discussion of your ideas, both what is required and what can be done, as well as suggestions of my own, all illustrated by a few on-the-spot sketches. In other words: a rough outline of the intended work, time periods, preparation work, arrangements for travel and accommodation, etc. This will be in the form of rough drawings and notes, via meetings, post, fax or email. From this I can make a reasonable estimate of costs and time for the final mural.
At this stage, if this estimate is acceptable and I am commissioned to do the work, I will require a signed approval and a booking deposit. Next, I will start researching/making style guides and/or making final drawings. This is where the painting starts, as the design is finalised for you.
The Preparation: I usually arrange for approved decorators to do this, but you, the client, can also make your own arrangements for this. I will provide full instructions for this.
The Mural: Once the design is determined, and the preparation done, I can start painting your mural!
Payment Terms and Conditions:
The Portfolio: I will usually show this free of charge, however, should there be a significant distance involved (more than 50 miles from Eton, Berkshire) I would expect the prospective client to bear the cost of my time and travel.
The Estimate: If you find my work acceptable after seeing the portfolio and wish to commission me this, a £300 \”booking fee\” (non-refundable) is required to cover time to be spent in discussion, drawing up the roughs and other planning to form an outline of final works and to give an estimate of costs. Any estimated price given for a particular mural will only be a guideline (but a reasonably accurate one), as ideas do get changed in such a subjective area. Once the estimate and design are approved then I will make a firm quotation.
The Design Process and Set-up: On large jobs I will require a further deposit (that is a customary non-returnable deposit of 1/3 of the quoted price, less the £300 booking fee). This is to cover the finalising of the design, purchasing of materials, special equipment, scaffolding, etc., and a retaining fee to book time for the period necessary to carry out the work. Much larger works (ones expected to take more than four weeks, or involving the use of assistants) will require a further payment of 1/3 of the sum at an agreed halfway stage.
The Preparation: If preparation is done by another contractor, I will provide full, detailed instructions for this. However, if this is the case, then please note that, any specially instructed work not carried out appropriately may affect the guaranteeing of some of the products I use.
Painting the Mural: Working practice, site accessibility, etc. will be agreed beforehand. Please be aware that deviations from and additions to the original plan, by the client or through unforeseeable substrate problems etc. that cause the work to be protracted, will be liable to be considered extra charges.