Mural and commercial artist business

Cafés, pubs, shops, schools, nurseries, offices and homeowners who want something distinctive.

A quoted fee per project based on size, design time and materials, usually with a deposit upfront and the balance on completion.

• Large-scale painting and design planning
• Producing mock-ups for client approval
• Quoting and project management
• Working at height safely

• Public liability insurance is usually expected by commercial clients
• Painting on rented or listed buildings or in conservation areas may need permission, so check with the owner and council
• Safe working at height, including ladders or scaffolds
• Agree who owns the design and whether you can show it in your portfolio
• Work can be seasonal and weather dependent for outdoor walls

Startup costs are typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on your equipment, materials, insurance and how you present your portfolio. Treat these as estimates and get quotes for anything you are unsure about.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many commissions you take and how large they are. Work can be seasonal and weather dependent, especially for outdoor walls, so income may vary through the year.

Commercial clients usually expect public liability insurance. Painting rented or listed buildings, or in conservation areas, may need permission, so check with the owner and council. Also check safe working at height, and agree who owns the design.