mural commission process

learn about the process of creating a custom mural for commercial & residential projects

bringing your vision to life

Every mural I create starts with connection - getting to know you, your space, and what you want to accomplish with your installation. Whether you're looking to transform a blank wall into something meaningful, energize a commercial space, or make a statement in your home, this process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and inspiring from start to finish. With over 15 years of experience painting large-scale murals, I’ll guide you through each step, from the first conversation to the final brushstroke.

snapshot of the mural commission process

  • Artist Allison Kunath sits at her laptop, working on a design

    initial inquiry

    Clients submit an inquiry form detailing their project vision, including dimensions, location, desired aesthetic, and target project completion date.

  • Color swatches and physical paint samples of over 30 shades of paint

    proposal + agreement

    After aligning on project goals, I’ll provide a proposal outlining scope, budget, and timeline. We’ll sign a formal agreement and handle the necessary paperwork.

  • Ventura based muralist holds paint brushes for hand-painting murals.

    design + development

    I’ll present several rough ideas based on our chosen concept. Pick your favorite and I’ll refine the design based on your feedback, culminating in realistic mockups.

  • A rolling cart stacked high with plastic crates full of mural supplies.

    installation

    Your mural will be installed by a team of licensed professionals, using high-quality, water-based paints, and adhering to safety standards.

clarify your vision

I recommend spending some time with my mural portfolio before you reach out. Noticing what you’re drawn to (color, composition, overall vibe) can help you clarify your vision and make our collaboration even more aligned.

Want help clarifying your vision & goals?
Fill out my mural vision worksheet.

the design process

1. Vision Clarity

We start with a guided clarity exercise - a short form that helps you reflect on your goals, preferences, and aesthetic direction. Your responses give me a strong foundation to design from.

2. Concept Selection

Based on your input, I develop one or more preliminary concepts. These are high-level visual ideas that align with your space, audience, and message. We’ll review them together to select a direction that resonates most.

3. Rough Sketch Development

Once a concept is chosen, I create a rough sketch that maps out composition and key elements. This is where we start to shape the visual identity of the piece in more detail.

4. Iterative Refinement

Through several rounds of collaborative edits, we fine-tune the sketch, adjusting layout elements and color choices.

5. Realistic Mockups

With the refined sketch approved, I build polished mockups that show how the mural will look on your actual wall. These are often layered over site photos so you can visualize the final piece in context before painting begins.

typical mural timeline

Timelines vary based mostly on construction schedules. New build commercial projects often take between 6-12 months from start to finish. Work in completed spaces typically takes 3-5 months. Rush jobs can be compressed to 1-2 months.

inquiry + initial conversations: ~1 week

proposal + agreement: proposal 1-2 weeks / agreement ~1 month

design + development: ~1 month

installation: 1-2 weeks

pricing + payment structure

Pricing is determined based on the size and complexity of the project.
Budget = Design Fee + Direct Costs + Production Costs*
(*what it costs per square foot to install)

Deposit: 50% Due upon agreement to secure the project slot

Design Approval: 25% Payment upon final design approval

Completion: 25% Final payment upon project completion.

mural FAQs

Are you licensed?

Yes - I carry a C-33 Painting and Decorating License / License #: 1135102

How much does a mural cost?

Projects are priced based on the overall coverage and level of complexity. As the coverage area increases, the production cost per square foot decreases.
Commercial mural project minimum: $5k

What is the installation process like?

Installations include: site assessment, surface preparations, design transfer, mural application, and touch ups.

How long does does a mural project take from start to finish?

It’s best to allow a minimum of 4 months for the planning stage. That includes initial inquiry, contract signing, deposit, the design process, and logistical / installation coordination.

Installation typically takes between 3-14 days depending on the size of the project. It is best to start your commission well in advance of your desired completion date to reserve space in my calendar.

What kind of paint do you use?

I work with top quality, professional grade interior and exterior latex paints. Low VOC paints are available for interior spaces that are already occupied.

A large-scale hand-painted mural commissioned by a commercial developer in Los Angeles for an outdoor courtyard space. The mural is composed of 7 blue and teal geometric human hands arranged to look like a cresting ocean wave.
40' tall courtyard mural in Hollywood CA, hand painted by artist Allison Kunath featuring geometric hands and organic floral elements.
Hand-painted commercial mural in a courtyard depicting a geometric human hand in periwinkle, juxtaposed by orange, yellow and blue abstract, whimsical elements. The mural is offset by bright orange powder coated perforated metal screens throughout th
A large-scale commercial mural, hand-painted on a Hollywood rooftop for an upscale hotel. Depicting three women's faces in a single line contour drawing style, with clean edged geometric shapes in the background. The palette is soft and muted pinks,
A bold geometric mural hand painted on a dark black building in Los Angeles. The mural is rendered in pure white lines that form two geometric lilies.
60 color hand-painted mural for LAX as part of their public art program. Comprised of hundreds of oversized brushstrokes, emanating out from the center of three connecting walls in every color of the spectrum.
A cropped image showing part of a hand-painted mural in San Diego depicting a layered and abstract coastal landscape. Shapes are organic but the painted edges are clean and crisp. Colors range from soft blues, creams, and greens to a warm palette in
A massive hand-painted mural for a new residential building in Nashville. Clean and crisp organic shapes inspired by textures from nature cover the wall in a minimal composition of cream, dusty blue, pinks and greens.
Two hand-painted geometric murals in an office lobby in the Financial District of San Francisco. Composed of muted, natural colors, these geometric landscapes featuring a mountain range in one and a coastal cliffside in the other, are calming and soo
A hand-painted mural in vibrant reds and oranges. Bright red lines emanate out from the center resembling sun rays, on top of a background of concentric circles, filled with solid reds, oranges and yellows.
An outdoor commercial mural, hand painted in Santa Monica. Four stylized geometric human hands spell out the word 'LOVE'. Each hand is shaped to resemble a letter from the word.
Custom commercial mural in a Santa Monica courtyard depicting a geometric human hand in pink, surrounded by turquoise and orange abstract, playful shapes and textures. The mural is offset by bright blue powder coated perforated metal screens througho
A hand-painted mural of three women in a stylized geometric portrait style located in an office building in Los Angeles. Next to an abstract mural with a turquoise background and swirling gray and black foreground.
A clean, minimal, exterior mural - hand painted for a restaurant in Orlando, FL, composed of a collection of graphic, architectural shapes in peach, pink, yellow and gren.
60 color hand-painted mural for LAX as part of their public art program. Comprised of hundreds of oversized brushstrokes, emanating out from the center of three connecting walls in every color of the spectrum.

what my clients have to say

  • “As an Art Advisor at a busy art consultancy, working with artists who have both exceptional creative talent AND business acumen is invaluable. Allison has it all - creative prowess, professional integrity internally and with clients, responsiveness, problem-solving skills, flexibility - I could go on! She's a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her for any project.”

    Senior Art Advisor - TurningArt

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ready to get started on your project?