Transforming Ideas into Art: A Guide to Designing Murals from Concept to Canvas

A mural's life begins with the brief. I try to obtain as much information as possible taking photos of the wall, measurements and an idea of colours and theme the client has in mind. (The Living Wall Murals book 'Making Murals' published by David and Charles has a chapter all about the design stage if you need more help.)

My research for the mural can involve collecting imagery, looking at artwork and the colours of the proposed site, noting down particular paint colours or materials such as wood. I also like to think about the surrounding interior architecture of the wall. If it's a botanical mural - I'll look through plant books or head out into nature to sketch. Then I'll think about paint samples and begin getting ideas onto the paper.

I usually make two or three designs on a theme. These initial paintings give the client an idea of scale, colour and design.

Once the design is agreed upon I begin the project which usually takes on a life of it's own. I treat the wall like one of my large canvases rarely scaling up or projecting. I find this brings more life and movement to my murals. The mural will be similar to the design on paper but also slightly different!

Clara Wilkinson's designs for a mural brief, 2025