I'm paid by the hour. Depending on the location of the worksite my fee is between $65-$80 Australian per hour. If you want a painted ceiling, the fee triples. Painted ceilings are gorgeous but hell on an artist's neck, shoulders and back. The larger fee helps to pay for the chiropractic treatments.
A client may also nominate a capped amount and I'll do my best to work to that amount, bearing in mind a Trompe L'oeil mural is a creative endeavour and subject to constant adjustments as the process goes along. If a client wants to change the mural halfway through, the capped fee will also change. The capped fee has to be reasonable and is negotiated to a degree. A nine metre by twelve metre wall is likely to cost more than a few hundred dollars.
A Trompe L'oeil mural is very much a negotiated process. A client will usually, although not necessarily, have an idea of what they want their trompe l'oeil mural to be. I will help to define the idea and refine the concept.
The first step in the process is for me to see the site.If you live in the Melbourne metropolitan area I will come to your home or business.
A consultation fee for my time will be due on my arrival. I understand a consultation fee can be a bit controversial but you have to look at it from my side. The fee covers petrol, the time I spend on the road coming to your place as well as the help, guidance, ideas and possible drawings I'll be giving you during the interview. This is work. Work needs to be paid for. And it shows me you're serious about the possibility of having a mural painted.
The fee itself is calculated according to $65 per hour. If it takes me an hour to drive to your place then the fee will be $130 plus the amount of time I spend with you. A flat consultation fee would be easier to deal with but I'm avoiding it because I think it would be discriminatory and unfair to the client.
We'll talk, study the site and it may be possible for me to provide a line drawing on the spot. If not, I will provide a rough color sketch for the client's approval very promptly.
Once there is an approved color sketch, the trompe l'oeil mural can proceed. All color sketches are subject to the hourly fee.
If you live outside the Melbourne Metropolitan area, you have a choice. We can commence negotiations via email and phone and when all design concerns are resolved I will travel to your location and complete the Trompe L'oeil mural. All travel and accommodations costs will be the client's responsibility. My fees are as above.
Alternatively, you can provide me with details, photos and measurements of the mural you require and I can complete it in my studio on the surface you prefer and arrange for it to be delivered to you. Hanging and delivery costs will be your responsibility.
A contract will be signed by artist and client before painting goes ahead.
When I'm on a mural job I regard myself as a tradesperson. That means there is a fee for all work including drawings and travel time. It all has to be built in to the overall cost. That's what all tradies do. We have to to make a living.
Having a trompe l'oeil mural painted doesn't have to be as scary an undertaking as it sounds. It should be an exciting, beautiful, eyecatching thing to have done. It should be something you love to live with. No mural is too small or too silly.
Imagine the possibilities and go for it!