Choosing the Right Artist for Your Vision: A Guide

Commissioning an artwork or mural can be an exciting but daunting task. With so many talented artists out there, how do you find the right one for your project? Here's a guide on how to choose the right artist for your vision.

Mural install for Resene, Abbotsford by Juzpop. Photo by Jack Gruber.

identify your needs and goals

Before you start searching for an artist, take some time to think about what you want to achieve with the artwork. Do you need a mural to attract customers to your business? Are you looking for a painting to add a personal touch to your home? Knowing your needs and goals will help you narrow down your search and find an artist who can deliver what you're looking for.

Determine your budget

Before you start looking for an artist, it's important to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search to artists who are within your price range. Keep in mind that the cost of a mural or artwork can vary greatly depending on the size, complexity, and the artists experience.

Do your research

Start by researching artists online. Look at their portfolios and read their bios to get a sense of their style and experience. Social media platforms such as Instagram can be great resources for finding artists and seeing their latest work. Another great and more wholesome way is to go to art shows! Theres always art exhibitions happening around the place, if you aren't aware of any shows check event websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup for art-related events in your area, or look up local galleries and see what shows are coming up.

Look for artists with experience in what you're looking for

If you're looking for a mural, look for mural artists, street artists or graffiti artists who have experience in painting large-scale works, from here you'll come across a diverse range of styles. If you're looking for a painting, look for artists who have experience in your desired medium, whether it's oil, acrylic, water-colour, spray paint, digital or something else.

An important thing to note here is every artists practise and skillset is uniquely different and their own. It's a common misconception that the term "artist" encompasses anything art-related, but in reality, many artists have have niched down to focus on specific styles, techniques, or subject matters that they excel at.

Read reviews and testimonials

Do some research to see what other clients have said about the artist's work. Look for reviews or testimonials on the artist's website, social media pages, or other online platforms. This can give you an idea of the artist's professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver quality work.

Discuss your project with the artist

Once you have identified a potential artist, take some time to discuss your project with them. This can help you get a better sense of their communication style, work process, and whether they are a good fit for your project. Be clear about your goals, budget, and timeline to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Trust your gut

At the end of the day, it's important to trust your instincts. Choose an artist whose work speaks to you and with whom you feel comfortable working.

Work with an agency

If you're not familiar with the art world or don't have the time to search for artists yourself, you can work with an agency such as MAMAM that specialises in match-making your project with an artist. Additionally, agencies can handle the logistics of the project, such as contracts, payments, and scheduling, which can be a big help if you're busy or unfamiliar with those aspects of commissioning artwork. However, it's important to note that working with an agency typically comes with a higher price tag, as they will charge a commission or fee for their services.

I'm Justine (Juzpop) a professional artist and muralist, I specialise in creating large scale one-of-a-kind murals and paintings that add a new dimension to spaces inside and out. Visit my portfolio page to see examples of my work and learn more about my approach to mural art. I'm based in Melbourne but love to travel for my work, so wether you're local or aboard and you’re interested in commissioning a mural or other kind of artwork for your next project, please don’t hesitate to contact me at contact@juzpop.com