1.) I View the Space
I measure the dimensions and inspect the space for accessibility. I get a feel for the style and atmosphere of the surroundings, and take notes on any design elements I see throughout the area.

2.) I Discuss Ideas
I talk to the customer about what ideas they may have, I ask questions and try to get a direction to move towards. I involve the customers in developing the concept as much as possible. Often I suggest saving magazine articles or e-mailing me images that look or feel like the ideas they may have. It is always best to collect as much information as possible.

3.) I Create a Budget
After meeting with the customers, discussing ideas and taking measurements, I do a thorough evaluation of the pricing for the project. Sometimes I’m given a budget to work with, (In this case I decide how far I can take the details, and what sizes are possible.) I take into consideration 3 elements into my pricing: Square Footage, Degree of Difficulty and Material Cost. I write up a quote and present it to the customers.

4.) Designing The Image
I always do a great deal of research for every job. Perhaps this is why I love what I do, I’m always learning something new. My murals are always original artwork. I do use images to understand shapes and proportions. When I’m design the artwork, the surroundings of the space play a huge part in the look. I do not want my work to clash with the rest of the room. I take into account all the colors, textures, and designs that exist around it. I render a concept drawing and present it to the customers to get feedback and to further narrow down my direction. In most cases my first drawing is right on target with the customers’ ideas.

5.) Prepping The Surface
Sometimes cleaning is required or a coat of primer. I always protect the floors and surrounding furniture.

6.) Painting
The painting process usually starts with background colors. I then trace in the images and begin filling in the shadows and highlights until the image appears. I may make changes and add or remove elements of the design as I paint. I find that the best ideas come during the process of painting. Often I sit with the customers and discuss likes and dislikes about the direction of the work. The customer’s input is important to me, They have to live with it”, so I want them to be happy.

7.) Finishing Up
I always end my paintings with my signature. I clean up all my materials and leave the job site the same way it looked when I started. I also take plenty of pictures of the process. On some projects a sealer must be applied to protect the painting from fading by direct sunlight or weather.