Do you have a website?
If not, set one up to look more professional than just an Instagram or Etsy account. There are many website platforms out there, Squarespace is the one I’m currently using and it’s super easy to use, complete with their own templates. If you already have a website, make sure it’s up to date and showcasing your best work. Websites refreshes will also help you feel more confident in your work and proud that you’re growing as a professional artist.
Portfolio update
Keep adding more mural projects to your portfolio, see below.
Paint public murals
Having your art out in public spaces, preferably outside, allows MANY people to see your work more easily, and for free, basically like advertising. This is the best way to get a client because they have already seen your work and style and are interested. No outreach required, which is the goal is my opinion. This has worked for me personally as I’ve gotten several mural jobs from people who have stumbled upon my public murals on the streets of Toronto. I would suggest applying for outdoor mural programs to get started. For example the Bell Box Murals Program (utility boxes for Bell) and the Outside the box program (utility boxes at traffic light intersections) or concrete barrier program (bike lane divisions) with Street ARToronto. As mural applications start coming out in the Spring there will be a lot of artist calls. Read my blog article for more info on where to start.
Create mural mockups
This is a great idea if you’re fairly new to muraling and don’t have much to show. This will help advertise your work and help people visualize that you are a muralist. For you this may be obvious, but people need things to be plain and clear. Designer and Letterer Lauren Hom suggests this to help get mural work and sells a package in order to easily make your own mockups with your artwork.
Learn from the ladies at Pandr Design
This dynamic female muralist duo, Phoebe and Roxy, is inspiring to say the least. They are also super helpful and transparent with all mural things, business tips etc. They are adamant about the importance of outreach and have lots of advice there. On their website, they have a lot of digital resources you can purchase including contract and outreach templates that will elevate your creative business in general and your communications.
Find a muralist mentor
Find and follow other muralists on Instagram. This seems simple, but dig a bit deeper. See what successful artists are doing, and what's working for them. Find specific people whose work you admire, maybe similar in style with your art, preferably more experienced and ask if you can assist them in their mural production. Volunteer if you need to in order to learn from them. I've gotten jobs from other artists (who have now become friends) who I've assisted in the past. They've trusted me enough to recommend me to clients when they are too busy for a job. You can also return the favour if you get to that point in your career. The knowledge and wisdom you learn from finding a mentor in the mural world is invaluable.
Connect with your current networks
Take advantage of the connections you already have. This is especially true with your friends and family. Think about who you already know and the potential of mural jobs. Don't pressure anyone obviously, but think about who works where and what connections could be made naturally and to the benefit of said workplace or person. Get them excited about a mural. If it fails, no sweat, you tried and who knows what will come up in the future.
Reminders
Keep reminding your friends, family and Instagram followers about your mural work and what you're interested in so you’re top of mind when something comes up and a friend of a friend needs a mural. You want people to think of you in the future. It feels salesy and I'm not great at this part either, but it's very important if you want to grow your business. I know I have missed out on jobs because I didn’t advertise myself enough when I was first freelancing, to the point where someone I knew completely forgot about me. (Yes, this is a true story as I reached out to this person after I saw pictures on Instagram and reminded them if they are looking for an artist in the future that I would love to help them out. They admitted they didn’t even think about me and felt bad. Not so subtle of a reminder, but a reminder nonetheless.)
Build in-person connections
Walk into places you are interested in and make that in person connection. I'm not good at this myself, but I strongly believe this is WAY better than cold emails. Being a local artist in the neighbourhood definitely helps sell yourself to shops and restaurants nearby. Make sure you have a business card or postcard with your work to leave behind.
Consider exchanges
I don’t always agree with this, but when you’re starting out they are helpful to build a portfolio. For example, I did a mural at my yoga studio in exchange for a year membership. Of course not everyone will be into this idea, but it’s something to think about to get more work, especially if you’re really interested in a space and there is no budget whatsoever.
Artist directories
Become a member of different arts organizations in order to get on their artist directories so more people can find you. Mural Routes has one, and so does Street ARToronto. You just upload your info, work, biography etc. The more places people can find you, the better.
Keep creating and keep sharing online
Social media works. People do look for artists online. So keep creating your art and sharing your process, final pieces, inspiration, your story, etc. It’s annoying and exhausting and time consuming, I completely understand, but it’s SUPER important. So keep going, you got this. And the results will be worth it.
Good luck with your mural work! Let me know if you have anything to add to the list. AND reach out anytime, I would love to hear about your personal journey and success stories.