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A mural artist designs and paints large pieces of artwork on surfaces such as walls, plaster, and tiles. In fact, they may be hired to paint murals for businesses, churches, cities, zoos, libraries, and even hotels and apartment complexes. These artists work both indoors and outdoors and may work alone or with a team of people. If you love painting at a large scale and want many people to see your work, this may be your job. Next, watch a video to learn what a mural artist does.
How to Become a Mural Artist
A mural artist (also called a muralist) may have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in fine art. Colleges offer courses in art history, architecture, visual art, and drawing. They also have classes in studio art, illustration, computer graphics, and advanced painting techniques. Using various methods, art students learn about different paint applications, like acrylic, oil paint, and faux finishes. A student of mural art just also learn about a variety of other techniques such as air brush, fresco, messo-fresco, and fresco-secco.
As mural artist may paint on outdoor surfaces, it’s helpful for them to be knowledgable of various surfaces to paint on and how to make their mural withstand the elements of nature. There are a few organizations that have further information, like the Regional Arts and Culture Counsel’s Public Art Muralist Roster and the National Society of Mural Painters.
Portfolio
Building a portfolio is essential to demonstrate your artistic abilities and creativity. Getting a job as an intern or as an apprentice with a professional mural artist is an excellent way to expand a portfolio as well. There are other avenues to gain knowledge to paint murals as well such as online courses or private painting classes. Mural artists must have an excellent sense of scale and understand what the painting will look like before the job begins.
Mural Artist Job Description
Have you ever been in a restaurant or hotel with a beautiful mural painted inside? Or perhaps you’ve driven around a city block or neighborhood and saw a mural on a wall of a building. Mural artists transform spaces of all types with inspiring and thought-provoking art art. They start by securing commissions from a client, understanding their client’s goals, and consider the local context. Once they have their concept in mind, they also study the architecture of the area they will paint over to incorporate the painting into the design. Additionally, they choose materials wisely, adapting to weather conditions if necessary, and may prep the surface with primers or grids. These artists also employ various techniques, such as glazing, to bring their vision to life.
Patience and attention to detail are crucial, as murals can take days to years to complete. Also, collaboration skills are essential when working with teams, clients, and customers. Mural artists inspire appreciation for art by adding engaging beauty to public areas. These artists add artistic beauty that is thought-provoking and engaging. They even help people develop an appreciation and admiration for artists and art. They have a passion and love for their work that shows through their art. If this sounds like a career you would like to explore, remember to persevere and stay passionate about your craft.