Faux Painting for Profit

Northern Illinois Faux and Mural Painters Frank Capra and David Cook sent me their website link…

Just so I could see all their gorgeous murals! Sometimes I wish I could just get back to my paintbrushes… these pictures make me want to paint!

They have done some amazing faux painting and murals. Plus they do regular wall painting (yuck) as well.

Very talented.

I just have to share this next picture with you because it is so fantastic. Imagine taking boring flat metal elevator doors and turning them into these luscious wood grained doors.

All with paint!

If you live in the Northern Illinois area… check out their website. If you don't check it out anyway!

 D'Franco Decorative Finishes

It all just seems so hard to do! Getting your ideas together and starting a business can be so frustrating that you may just want to throw up your hands and give up. It's happened to all of us and we all just want to know how to start business painting murals… You need Goals!

Set Goals and You Will Find Starting A Mural Business Easier

Goal setting determines your path to success. Success is determined and measured by the goals you have accomplished. Here are some tips on how you can set and achieve your goals:

1. Put your goals into writing. This will serve as your commitment to the goals that you have set. Studies have shown that goals are more motivating when you write them down rather than just thinking about them in your head. Be sure to include an action plan with finish dates.

2. Check Your Goals Daily. By checking you goals daily you will give yourself a regular progress report. A self evaluation is necessary. No one else is accountable but you. If you aren't keeping up with goals you have set for yourself… rethink the plan. 
3. Take action. A goal is nothing but a pipe-dream if you do not do something to accomplish it. Based on your daily check in, you can either continue or change your present action plans. If one planis not effective, then find other ways to achieve your goals.
4. Get Motivated. The best way to stay motivated is to share your goals with your family and friends. They can motivate and support you in achieving your goals. They can also help you in your action plans and even remind you whenever you tend to forget the goals you have set.
5. Stay Determined.  You should always feel confident that you can achieve your goals. It is important, however… that you set goals that are realistic and can be achieved. If you set goals that are so lofty you may never get past dreaming… and you do want to start a business painting murals… don't you?

I just received new photos from a mural painter that set her goals and has a very busy painting business.

Dawn Papandrea-Khan
Surfaces with Paint
(845) 669-9093
Website: www.surfaceswithpaint.com
Blog: http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/

I just completed this mural for a nursery occupied by 16 month old triplet boys.  They are so adorable.  I had a great time listening to all the action while I was painting. 

The client wanted something that her boys could grow with.  We took some ideas from a few pictures that we found over the internet.  She wanted a large colorful lighthouse, sailboats, and seagulls.  She loved the way the mural came out.  It only took me 2 days, so I am happy that I will have the rest of the week to spend at home.

I've been helping a new Mural Business owner get her business off the ground. She asks a good question about how to advertise a new mural business...

I was reading a book on how to start a mural business and they said to make flyers and bring them  door-to-door. Have you ever done this? What form of advertising has  gotten you the most business? I know word of mouth is a great referral, but do you have some advice for someone who has yet to do a  commissioned job??  Talk to you soon   Jennifer

And my answer:

Hi Jennifer

photo credit: límite~increíble

Regarding Fliers:   

I have not done fliers… I did put business cards on doors of new  homes…   

The flier idea is a good one though… My niece who is just starting her business again, is doing fliers.   

She has posted them on store bulletin boards, in doctors offices and even at day care providers.   

My advice for getting referrals:

Stay away from interior designers…  they are usually into the prima donna thing and want a large percentage of any job you do.   

I got to know every window blind sales person I could find. They go into peoples homes and measure windows and recommend blinds or drapes. The subject of interior decorating often comes up. This is your foot in the door.

If the blind person and you have an agreement to hand out each  others cards and recommend each others services… it's win - win for  both of you.   

I would also go in and see every small business owner you know. Your lawyer, accountant, flower shop, doctor, dentist, eyeglasses, carpet  store… etc. that you know personally.   

Tell them you have an idea for their office… for a faux painting or  mural accent… and you would like to trade services. Don't do it for  free. This will give you a place to build your portfollio and raise you up as an expert in your field.   

These are just some suggestions to get you started on how to advertise your mural business.    Good Luck!  Debra

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