Pricing Murals: How I Create a Clear and Fair Quote for My Clients
In this post I’m about to do something that some of my more cautious friends have advised against:
I’m going to share my entire pricing structure for murals with the world. Yes, you heard that right. (And yes, prices may increase by around 10% each year…)
Why take this bold step? Because I believe in sharing knowledge and helping fellow artists succeed. That’s what this blog is all about—creating a community where we all thrive together.
In an upcoming post, I’ll be sharing the “secrets” behind how I keep my mural clients so happy they practically shout from their rooftops, “You need to hire this artist for your next project!”
But first, let’s talk about money—because let’s be real, it matters. I like to enjoy good food and travel, and unfortunately, those things don’t come for free.
Why You Need a Structured Price Sheet
Having a clear and detailed pricing structure for your murals is essential. If you don’t have one yet, feel free to use mine as a guide.
Setting the right price for a wall mural can be tricky, but once you have a system in place, it becomes much easier and more consistent.
Recently, I’ve been commissioned to paint a few large murals, including one for a new business. The client’s first question was, “How much will it cost for a 50-foot mural?” Thanks to my neatly organized price sheet, I was able to give them an accurate quote within minutes.
One of the most common challenges for artists is figuring out what to charge for their work. Developing a solid structure and system will make pricing murals much easier and more efficient.
How to Develop Your Price Sheet
Your mural price sheet should be structured in a way that makes sense and allows you to easily calculate the cost based on the mural's size and complexity.
For example, I charge between $20 and $50 per square foot, depending on the details of the project. Having a set range makes it easier to establish a quote based on the specific needs of the client.
Here’s why having a price sheet works so well:
Filters Clients: It helps you avoid clients who aren’t within your price range, saving both your time and theirs.
Professionalism: A clear price sheet shows potential clients that you know what you’re doing, making them more comfortable with the investment.
Of course, pricing is subjective. Some artists charge more, some charge less. Your rates will depend on your experience, location, and the demand for your art.
If you don’t have a pricing sheet yet, feel free to copy mine and adjust it to fit your needs.
Sample Mural Pricing Sheet
Minimum Price: Murals under 160 square feet start at $3,200.
Price Per Square Foot:
160-290 sq ft: $25/sq ft
291-500 sq ft: $30/sq ft
501+ sq ft: $35/sq ft
Remember, square footage is calculated by multiplying the height and width of the surface.
Complex designs or special requests may increase the price per square foot, which will be reflected in the final quote.
Additional Costs to Consider
In my mural pricing and proposal package, I also cover how to handle additional costs such as:
Travel Fees
Liability Insurance
Unexpected Changes
Surface Preparation
Payment Terms
These details can often be overlooked, so it's crucial to plan for them in your pricing structure.
Payment Terms
I require a 50% non-refundable deposit two weeks before the scheduled start date. This locks in the time for your project and allows me to secure the necessary materials.
Final payment is due on the last day of the painting. Personally, I prefer to be paid upon completion, so I don’t have to chase down payments afterward.
If you’re just starting out and building your portfolio, there are other ways to handle the deposit, which I detail in my mural pricing and proposal package.
Proposal Process
Here’s how my process works when a potential client reaches out:
Initial Inquiry: I send them my price sheet so they know the general range and can determine if it fits their budget.
Details Gathering: I ask for details such as the size of the mural, the wall's condition, and the design ideas.
Proposal: Based on the information provided, I prepare a written proposal that clearly outlines the cost, timeline, and payment terms.
Being upfront and clear about how I work helps avoid any misunderstandings down the line. Clients appreciate knowing exactly what to expect, and it makes for a smoother process overall.
Giving Deals and Discounts
Sometimes, returning clients or simpler designs may warrant a small discount. For new clients, I may offer to deduct the sketch fee from the total price if the project is straightforward.
On the other hand, if the design is complex, I may need to increase the per-square-foot rate.
Completing the Project
Once the sketch is approved, I require a 50% deposit, and we schedule the dates for the mural installation. Most murals can be completed in 5-7 days, even the larger ones, thanks to careful planning and efficiency.
The goal is to ensure that every client is thrilled with the final product. For more tips on how to keep your clients happy, check out my article, "10 Ways to Please Your Mural Client."
Final Thoughts
I hope this breakdown of how I price murals has been helpful to you. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the process, I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
And if you want a complete pricing and proposal package to help streamline your mural business, check out the package I’ve created, which has helped many artists navigate the business side of mural art.
