Some people look at a blank wall and see just that-a blank wall.  Others look at that same blank wall and see an artist’s canvas, imagining sweeping mountain ranges overlooking the ocean, the sun’s golden rays mirrored in the still water.

If every wall you see is a blank canvas, then paint yourself into business by creating spectacular wall murals for clients.  Decorative wall murals change an average room into a conversation piece – and they are the perfect touch for homeowners looking for ways to add a special, unique touch to their homes.  They are also great for children’s rooms – whether their parents want a calming backdrop for their infants or a fun educational mural for their youngsters.

Stenciling isn’t only for walls – you can also stencil on doors, windows and floors.  You are only limited by your own creativity and imagination.

Stenciling will allow you to flex your creative muscles while making money too.  But, just how does it work?  If you’re a very creative soul who loves to draw and design, you might consider creating your own stencils.  However, you can also purchase stencil designs from various online outlets including these places: Stencil Search, Stencils Online, Stencil Warehouse and Better Homes and Garden’s Free Stencils.

Tips for stenciling:

* You can use any type of paint for stenciling.  However, the most popular type of paint used is acrylic (fast drying, easily clean with water and comes in hundreds of colors) and dry-brush oil (no smearing, no bleeding, works on any surface.)

* You should always ensure the surface you will be stenciling on is clean before starting to work.

* The best way to hang your stencil is by using any type of repositionable contact spray adhesive.

If you’ve never stenciled before, there are plenty of online resources to help you get started.  You can start your search by visiting: Stenciling Instructions, Stenciling Tips and Techniques, Wall to Wall Stencils, and Sten Source International.

Once you’ve done some reading on the finer points of stenciling, you’ll want to do some practicing before you start offering your services to clients.  Practice on your walls, floors, or windows or ask friends and family if you can create murals on their walls.  You can also practice on fabric.

After you practice and start to feel confident, you will be ready to start marketing to clients.  If your family or friends have allowed you to create murals on their walls, take photos of them to show your potential clients.  (When you create more murals, you can create a portfolio to show to potential clients and then post them on your website.)

When you’re ready to start marketing, make sure you have a website with samples, prices and a form that allows potential clients to write to you requesting a project quote, or to ask a question, etc.  You can also market by attending local home shows – take photos of your work, set up a table, and introduce people to your mural business.  You might even have a fishbowl for people to drop their names and phone numbers into – you can then pick one at random and the winning person receives a free mural.

Contact your local newspapers and television stations – this is a unique fun business and you should be able to get some great publicity with it.  Once you have a few clients under your belt, you will likely start getting clients because of word-of-mouth.

Decorative wall murals are an excellent way to use your artistic skills and creativity while also making money.  Even if you’ve never stenciled before, there is plenty of free guidance available.  Try it!  You might have fun and make good money while you are at it!

Helpful Resources:

www.essortment.com/all/muralspainting_rwjd.htm

www.rexart.com/appmuralprep.html

www.naturesvignettes.com/murals.html