Starting a Mural Commission
Commissioning a mural painting works best as a real project: a clear design phase, a scoped wall, and a professional process from first sketch to final coat. Atlanta visual artist Corey Barksdale takes on mural commissions for businesses, organizations, schools, nonprofits, public art initiatives, and private homes — each one built around the specific wall, story, and audience it's meant to reach. Corey Barksdale was recently selected by the City of Atlanta to paint a FIFA World Cup mural in Blandtown, reflecting the same commitment to site-specific storytelling brought to every commission.
Step 1: The Conversation
Every commission starts with a conversation about the wall, the site, and what the mural needs to accomplish — telling a story, anchoring a brand, activating a community space, or marking an event. Photos and rough dimensions of the wall help shape a realistic scope from the very first call.
Step 2: Concept Design
From there, concept sketches and color direction get developed specifically for the wall and its audience, rather than pulled from a stock template. This is the phase where the mural's story and visual language actually take shape, before any paint touches the wall.
Step 3: Scope and Timeline
A clear plan for approvals, materials, access, and schedule comes together before work begins, so there are no surprises partway through the project. For public-facing walls, this is also when any required property owner or permitting approvals get sorted out.
Step 4: Execution
Professional installation follows, whether that's a single interior wall completed in a day or a multi-day exterior public art project. Exterior murals use UV-stable, fade-resistant paint and, where appropriate, a protective sealant so the finished piece holds up to weather and daily wear for years.
What Makes a Commission Successful
The strongest mural commissions start with a specific, honest conversation about the wall and the goal — not a generic request for "something colorful." A mural that's designed for its actual site, audience, and lighting reads far better than one adapted from an unrelated concept, and it holds its impact for years rather than months.
Ready to Commission a Mural?
Share wall photos, rough dimensions, and what you have in mind to start the conversation. From there, expect a realistic estimate, a clear timeline, and a straightforward scope before any commitment is made.