How a Mural Comes to Life
If only there were always four of me!
Most people think murals start with paint.
They don’t. They start with listening.
Every mural I create begins the same way: with a conversation.
Before I ever pick up a brush, I’m asking questions:
What story are we trying to tell?
Who walks through here every day?
What are the client’s objectives for the space?
Because a mural isn’t just something you look at.
It’s something you experience. It invites you in and allows you to stay..
First step… Listening + Vision
Sometimes clients come with a clear vision.
Sometimes they just say, “We want to increase traffic”
Both are perfect starting points.
We hop on a call or schedule a visit.
We discuss logistics and dreams.
Goals and budget.
Schedules and wall textures.
It all comes out. It all matters.
I’m gathering ideas, understanding the purpose of the space, and brainstorming of translating feelings into visual direction. Whether it’s a school hallway, a hospital, or a public building, each project has its own heartbeat.
From there, I begin shaping a concept that reflects not just the space, but the people inside it.
Second step… Mood-board/Design
Once I understand the vision, a proposal is developed and emailed.
After approval, deposit, and a signed contract, the magic begins!
I move into creating a mood-board or straight onto sketching.
This is where ideas start to take form with composition, movement and balance. I’m thinking about how the eye will travel across the wall, where the focal points live, and how everything connects.
My style leans into bold shapes and simplified forms, so every line matters. It has to feel intentional, clear, and strong, even from a distance.
This phase is collaborative with the client. We work together to refine, adjust, and complete the mural art until it feels just right.
Third step… The Installation (Where It Gets Real)
This is the part most people think of, but honestly, it’s just one piece of the whole.
Depending on the project, this might mean:
Scaling the design onto a wall or panel system
Working around windows, doors, and architectural details
Painting at height, outdoors, or across multiple surfaces
Coordinating timelines, materials, and sometimes a team
It’s physical. It’s detailed. It’s a full-body process.
It requires just as much problem-solving as it does creativity.
And I LOVE it!
Fourth step… Refining + Finishing
Once the main painting is complete, I go back through and refine everything.
Edges get sharpened.
Details get tightened.
Mural is signed.
I step back and admire the beauty, where a blank wall once stood.
Fifth step… The Moment It Belongs to the Space
There’s always a moment at the end of a project when the mural stops feeling like mine and starts feeling like it belongs exactly where it is.
People walk by and slow down.
Kids compliment the new art.
They smile. They light me up.
They take photos.
They interact with it in ways I hoped they would..
That’s when I know it worked.
Because a mural isn’t just paint on a wall.
It’s a shift in energy.
It’s a story made visible.
It’s something that changes how a space feels, and thus, how people feel inside it.
Murals keep people longer. They allow them to linger. They reinforce brand identity. They turn curiosity into an invitation.
If you’re thinking about bringing a mural into your space, I’d love to help you create something that’s not just beautiful, but meaningful, lasting, and completely your own.
Reach out and let’s start dreaming up a new, beautiful mural!
Jen
