How to Commission a Mural

The Detailed Version

1. Understanding Your Vision

There are as many reasons for a mural commission as there are walls to paint. Establishing a solid foundation between artist and client is crucial to uncovering the motivations and specifics of the project. I like to start with a discovery call to ensure we’re aligned on what we’re trying to achieve. To guide this discussion about commissioning a mural, I use the ‘Five W’s’ to outline the big picture:

WHERE: Where will the mural be painted? Do you already have a wall in mind? Will you need permissions, or do you own the wall? Is it indoors or outdoors? What are the dimensions (measurements are invaluable!). What material is the wall made of, and what’s its environment? Murals are about ‘place,’ so locking down the where is a key starting point.

WHO: Who is commissioning the mural, and who is the audience? Sometimes these overlap, but often they don’t. For example, if you’re a business, is the mural for your staff or your customers? If you’re a local authority, what community are you trying to engage? If you’re a PR or events agency, is the mural to impress executives or engage the general public? A clear understanding of your audience shapes the design process.

WHEN: What’s your timeline for painting, and how long do you want the mural commission to last? Flexibility on painting dates is helpful since artists book up quickly. I recommend at least one month for development (two if community engagement is involved). Permanent or semi-permanent murals require more attention to surface preparation and protection, while temporary murals—like live event installations—may only need to last a few days.

WHAT: The fun part! What’s the theme? Do you already have a concept, or will you collaborate with the artist? What do you want the mural to convey about your brand, community, business, or space? Sometimes, sharing your core message and letting the artist interpret it is the best first step.

WHY: The most critical—and often overlooked—question. Why do you want to commission a mural in the first place? The answer is rarely just “to have something nice to look at.” Are you aiming to stand out in a crowded market? Become a destination? Build a connection with a community or audience? Change perceptions? Signal your values? Boost revenue (yes, it’s okay to admit that!)? Spending time on your "why" ensures the mural delivers real value.

2. Choosing Your Artist

Choose me—I’m really good!

Kidding (kind of). Finding the right artist is vital. Think of it like dating: both parties should feel excited, but finding the perfect match takes time. Instead of asking an artist to change their style for your project, find one whose existing style aligns with your vision.

For example, I specialise in portraits, realism, and light illusions, working primarily with spray paint. Some colleagues excel in illustrative murals, geometrics, typography, window painting, or stencilling. They might use emulsion, acrylics, Posca pens, chalks, or inks. I could try and copy their style, but you wouldn’t get my best work, you’d get my first attempt!

Different styles also suit different projects. I rarely take on residential work since I prefer large-scale pieces, and spray paint can be tricky indoors. But I know artists who thrive in those settings. Ask about your artist’s past projects and clients to see if they’re the right fit.

Where to Find Artists:

• Walk around: Explore your local area for murals you admire. Street artists often tag their work with social media handles. Shoreditch in London is a great place to start.

• Instagram: It’s all on the ‘gram! Every street artist I know who’s taking commissions has a page up on socials. Let the algorithm work for you and find a style that resonates

  • PRO TIP: Search street art photographers profiles, they will feature a range of artists and styles and they always link back to painter.

• Street Art Festival: There are around 20 festivals across the UK. They’ll almost always have an artists list on their website, which will offer a ready-made portfolio of artists currently active in the scene.

When you find an artist you like, don’t be shy, reach out via email or DM. Most artists are thrilled to receive inquiries. If you don’t hear back, follow up once (or twice); we can be a bit disorganised! Whenever possible, contact artists directly to avoid unnecessary intermediaries.

No matter who you pick, I recommend you check out my free guide,
5 Mural Mistakes Everybody Makes,
And avoid the most common pitfalls I see in almost every mural commission.

3. Setting Your Budget & Signing Contracts

The budget conversation often feels taboo, but they shouldn’t be. Transparency early on helps both parties. Artists charge differently—some by the day, others by area. I recommend value-based pricing that balances the two. Artists often have a minimum rate, regardless of size or time. For example my minimum charge is £1,200 for live-event murals and £1,500 for permanent murals.

Here’s a rough idea of pricing:

• Day rates: From £300 - £1000+

• Price per square meter: £80–£300+

For a free no obligation quote for your mural project, check out my Mural Calculator.

Discuss what’s included in the budget. For instance, my quotes include two revision rounds—additional revisions are extra. Some artists charge fees + materials; others bundle materials into their rates. This should all be outlined in your project agreement or contract, along with due dates, copyright terms, responsibilities, and breach penalties.

Once signed, a deposit (20–50%) is usually required to secure the artist’s time. I recommend settling the balance on the first day of painting.

PRO TIP: If your artist comes back with a quote you can’t afford, let them know your budget and ask what they can do in that range. When clients do this for me I don’t discount my rates, but I more than happy to try and meet them halfway to figure out what can be done on their budget.

4. Collaborative Design Process

If you’ve chosen the right artist and outlined your Five W’s, this part should be exciting! Every artist has their process, but here’s mine:

• Vibe Check: We create a Pinterest mood board helps me understand your aesthetic

• Preliminary Concept: I provide a quick initial idea—a rough collage to ensure we’re aligned.

• First Design: A more polished concept based on initial feedback. Clients can provide further input.

• Second Design: Usually there is strong feedback from the first design that clarifies the mural in both our minds. The second design tends to be the one where we both settle on the final idea.

• Third Design: A refined, polished version— For me it’s usually a detailed photo collage with consistent lighting, colours, and a contextual rendering of the mural. Other artists might do a coloured illustration.

Revisions beyond the third design are rare and usually incur additional fees.

PRO TIP: Don’t be tempted to skip the Preliminary Concept stage. Early feedback is vital to make sure we’re on the right track. There is nothing worse than the artist spending hours on a design that they grow to love but is wrong for your mural commission. A super quick check in can clarify the ideas you didn’t even know you had about the project and save time and heartache in the long run.

5. Boring (But Necessary) Logistics

Planning is key to a smooth mural installation. Your artist will lead, but you’ll likely be involved in approvals.

• Materials: Your artist will need to order paint and materials. Can they get delivered directly to you and how long will they take to arrive.

• Access: How does the artist access the site of the mural commission. Can they access it when you’re not there? Can they have their own keys?

• Storage: Can the artist leave their kit onsite throughout the install (we love this!)

• Travel: Is the artist driving, can they park on or near site? Will they be commuting or booking accommodation nearby?

• Bathrooms: Somehow people always forget bathroom access! Especially if the project is outside, do you have a relationship with a local business to make your artist’s life a bit easier.

• Height How does your artist actually reach the wall? Do they need ladders and can you provide them? Or do they need to rent a scissor lift, cherry picker or scaffold?

• Health & Safety: Your artist should have public liability insurance (and an IPAF licence if they’re using a lift). Depending on your project you might want to ask for a risk assessment.

6. Installation

This is where the magic happens! Here’s how the install typically unfolds:

• Prep: Cleaning, filling, sanding, sealing, and taping the wall (and protecting the surrounding area). Spray paint indoors? Be extra meticulous, it gets everywhere!

• Sketching: Using a projector, doodle grid, or freehand sketching. Don’t panic if it looks odd at first—trust the process.

• Painting: The transformative part! Bring your artist snacks, and remind them to take breaks—they’ll thank you.

• Protection: Exterior murals often require varnish for UV resistance and longevity. Anti-graffiti coatings are also an option for outdoor murals, but they’re more expensive than regular varnish.

7. Celebrate

Surely it’s time to relax and enjoy your new mural commission

Nah! Time to celebrate and put that artwork to work for you.

·       Reveals: Create a buzz with a big unveiling.

• Licencing: Explore merch or print options with your artist.

• Reviews & Referrals: Share your positive experience, and chat with your artist about potential discounts or perks for referrals.

Then finally … relax and enjoy your new mural. You’ve earned it!