How to Start a Faux Painting or Mural Business

Description

This second edition is updated and expanded to cover better ways to advertise, innovative supplies (such as Venetian plasters and stained cements), unique bidding and studio setups required for new plasters and varnishes, the use of the Internet both for marketing and shopping for materials, new product lines, and the latest trends in the industry. Artists ready to turn their faux, mural, and decorative painting skills into a career will find everything they need to know to start a home-based business. Readers will find insider tips on bidding and client interaction that can turn an artist into an entrepreneur. This essential guide highlights the fundamentals of getting started, from necessary office supplies to insurance needs, from building a portfolio to finding potential clients. Also covered are such crucial topics as keeping records, dealing with supply stores, getting referrals, interviewing with clients, evaluating job sites, negotiating prices, handling contracts, and coping with the growing pains of a successful business. Handy checklists and useful forms such as sample contracts, client invoices, and record-keeping charts, will help launch the business. Anyone who has ever dreamed of making money from his or her faux or mural painting, stencil, furniture decoration, and other skills must have this comprehensive resource. Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Rebecca Pittman has been working in the crafts field from an early age. She has started and run several businesses centered around faux paintings, murals, interior decorating, unique crafts, and weddings. She gives frequent classes and seminars on crafts businesses and is the author of How to Start a Faux Painting or Mural Business (Allworth Press).

"This book is a guide to help one make the right business decisions and avoid the pitfalls that many of us professionals have learned the hard way. Rebecca will set you on the right path to a wonderful career in faux and mural painting!"--Martin Alan Hirsch, Director, the Faux Finish School "Any decorative artist looking to go professional should keep this guide by their side. Rebecca shares her knowledge in an easy-to-understand, nonintimidating manner. I found each page to be filled with beneficial tips and advice3/4worth its weight in gold!"--Mark London, President, Faux Like a Pro "Today I finished my first wood faux finish, and got two other jobs from it! I went over the recommendations mentioned in your book and got the job in my first visit. Thanks again for sharing all those wonderful tips in your book!"--Diana Pitt, Owner, Inspired Elements by Diana "Rebecca Pittman has created a very comprehensive, fundamental, and practical instruction manual."-- Annie Nicholl, President, Prima Fascia Interior Design "This book is a guide to help one make the right business decisions and avoid the pitfalls that many of us professionals have learned the hard way. Rebecca will set you on the right path to a wonderful career in faux and mural painting!"-Martin Alan Hirsch, Director, the Faux Finish School "Any decorative artist looking to go professional should keep this guide by their side. Rebecca shares her knowledge in an easy-to-understand, nonintimidating manner. I found each page to be filled with beneficial tips and advice3/4worth its weight in gold!"-Mark London, President, Faux Like a Pro "Today I finished my first wood faux finish, and got two other jobs from it! I went over the recommendations mentioned in your book and got the job in my first visit. Thanks again for sharing all those wonderful tips in your book!"-Diana Pitt, Owner, Inspired Elements by Diana "Rebecca Pittm