Testing the Talented Waters Here With Mural Idea

Laughlines · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 131

Do you think this idea would work in advertising murals...this is a pen and ink portrait job that the customer wanted, with Hawaiian colors and hummingbirds, with 4 generations represented in the portrait portion. This is the kind of work I've been doing for 30 years...pen and ink...usually without color, though. In order to survive as an illustrator, I have worked my way into acrylics and murals these past four years. Do you think personalized portrait murals (in acrylic paint, of course), with representation of hobbies, interests, sports, favorite flowers or pets, etc... around the portraits in a faux "frame" or "niche" work? I'm trying to come up with something new to spark interest...I don't want to see beautiful work of murals and finishes give way to ...ggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....wallpaper!!!!

Do you think this is a great idea or just another delusional episode that I am having (again...LOL)???????

Flossie · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 60 Location: Seattle

I've started doing portrait murals -more for kids and animals, very different to yours. My feeling was that giving someone something personalized, with more sentiment would have more long term value to them. These are on canvas with trompe l'oeil frames or for niches.

You can see a couple of these canvases on my website -which I hesitate to mention to an artist of your caliber!

Your idea, involving their interests is wonderful and in a portable format would be great for occasions like anniversaries, a perfect gift from sons and daughters. You really should be able to promote those very easily. I have found that local independant gift shops took great interest in mine.

That's my opinion, hope it helps!

Lizzie

strongv · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:36 pm Post subject:

people love that kind of stuff.. but getting people with enough money to see it, want it, and pay enough to make it worth doing regularly might mean getting more exposure than you can get locally. Perhaps a website featuring these cartouches, standardized types perhaps? and a size that can be rolled and mailed?

the personalized angle is a good one.

Laughlines · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 131

Flossie!!!! Your work is tremendous and original...I really love your children murals...wow!!!! I feel like a kid in an eye candy shop!!!!!! So sweet to be on this side of the fence and see soooooooooooooo many different styles, views and expressions! I think you know exactly what I'm trying to say...thank you for your comments and...

Hey Pat!!!! LOL!!!! You and several others are right when you say that I need to branch out. I've given up this town...it's just not going to happen for murals...and when I able to free myself a bit more, I'm going to get bolder. It's my only option.

marsha · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 6076 Location: Sunny California

I love your above example! I especially love the faux frame! Very creative

southpawsue · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 1113 Location: New Jersey

Nice work & Style !!!

patty_artist · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 1122 Location: Oak Ridge NJ

Sounds good I love the style, and color. Are you thinking of making a postcard or an advertisement with that illustration? I think it is a good idea, to advertise your portrait work.

Laughlines · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 131

I'm going to figure out a way to have some kind of reasonably priced website and advertise the portrait work as the main feature...as this would be the practical method to branch out without heavy travel expenses...and fear factors kicking in. I am also considering something, once I'm sure I can do it, like Findamuralist to advertise mural work...within a reasonable circle of distance from home...but I still have to get my act together in making sure that I can handle any type of mural that comes my way.

arlene · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 7769

thats just fun!...I think you could work that into a niche

Tatiana · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 1397 Location: Tampa, Florida