Street art murals: original XXL artworks to take the next level!

From the streets to our homes, Street Art is making its way onto our walls. Historically linked to Mexican muralism, large-scale murals are an integral part of Urban Art. In North America and Europe, muralism has since moved beyond its political roots to spread art across monumental facades that are flourishing in our cities. The opportunities to enjoy unique, large-scale street art murals are now limitless and have become accessible to everyone.

Stemming from an artistic movement that emerged in Mexico in the early 20th century, mural art is characterized by monumental wall paintings with patriotic and social themes. After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, artists were commissioned by the Mexican government to offer a vision of history that was accessible to all, including the illiterate. Created by artists, these monumental murals were certainly naive in spirit, but they contributed to the construction of the nation's history and unity. They illustrated the glory of the revolution and the social classes associated with it: the proletariat and the peasants. Over time, Mexican muralism became a popular art form. Then it became an art form that spread and gradually gained a foothold in North America and Europe. Today, as a major component of the Urban Art movement, murals, which can be considered as a form of neo-muralism, contribute to beautify cities, schools, businesses, and private residences, even offering artistic street art tours in situ or ex situ. And you don't have to be a big company or a large community to commission a XXL street art mural... each project is unique and designed specifically for a location and a client.

Institutions and businesses are the most enthusiastic to commission street artists

For several years now, many companies and institutions have been commissioning street artists for their projects. It is not uncommon for a local organization to call on an urban artist not only to embellish a gable or enhance a building, but also to tell a story and provide an opportunity to bring together employees, residents, or passersby around an artistic and aesthetic project. Schoolyards and playgrounds are now being used as a tool for cultural mediation with students, and even for participatory art projects. Corporate headquarters are partnering with specialized service providers to give their premises a new look thanks to the signature of an urban artist. Social landlords are inviting residents of a building to enjoy a new visual and artistic environment. And a growing number of local authorities are supporting local initiatives in the creation of artistic trails. What is the primary purpose of these gigantic murals in the heart of cities? In addition to beautifying a neighborhood or giving character to a building, street art murals convey a story and values. They create a strong emotional impact on passersby. The mural thus becomes a true landmark that organizes urban space. A beacon in the heart of the urban landscape, through a large-format mural entirely hand-painted by a street artist. Institutions, companies and local authorities are currently among the main commissioners of murals by street artists, but more and more individuals are incorporating these exceptional original works of art into their interiors.

From large-scale outdoor public art to interior decoration, there is only one step

Construction site fences and hoardings, sports fields and playgrounds, building facades, shopping malls... Street art murals are no longer limited to public spaces. They are now finding their way into interiors: offices, restaurants, hotels, cultural establishments, but also living rooms, kitchens, and private patios. Any building or surface can become the canvas for a monumental street art mural. Each creation is an artistic performance that deserves to be witnessed. Working freehand, drawing directly on the wall or after preparing the background, the artist works for several days on each project. At the controls of a cherry picker, using ropes for the more experienced, or simply with a ladder, the artists manage to occupy the entire space allocated to them, regardless of the spectacular size of the wall! From the outside to the interior, there is just a short step. These monumental murals can also be found in healthcare facilities, hospitals, museums, libraries, theaters, exhibition halls, offices, and even in private homes in entryways, living rooms, or dining rooms. By finding their way into our homes and corporate common areas, these wall creations transform from artistic endeavors into XXL works of art designed for interior decoration. Nevertheless, they remain genuine works of art, original, unique, and custom-made to suit the client's wishes and blend into their environment. These works of art are made accessible to all and facilitated by specialized partners like Urbaneez. 

A multitude of techniques and styles thanks to the beautiful diversity of street artists

When creating an indoor mural, urban artists can take on a corner of a room, a blank wall, a hallway, a staircase or any other specific space. While spray paint is the muralist's primary tool for outdoor creations, indoors the artist prefers solvent-free paints (including water-based spray paints) and acrylic paint in pots for ventilation reasons. It is also worth noting that urban artists are increasingly abandoning spray paint, which is at the foundation of their practice, in favor of paints that are less harmful to their health and better suited to the environment. Inside, the roughness of a facade or a simple concrete wall gives way to a variety of smoother surfaces: walls, ceilings, floors, tarpaulins, but also beams and even objects. As with outdoor mural creation, many styles are also possible thanks to the diversity of mural artists, whether the work is figurative or abstract: 3D and trompe-l'oeil effects, hyperrealism, surrealism, geometric abstraction, cubism, minimalism, characters, lettering, and many more. These are combined with different techniques such as roller painting, spray paint, brushes, markers, stencils, collages, etc. Depending on the final desired result, each project calls upon an artist and a specific technique adapted to the constraints of the location.

An artistic commission framed like a true bespoke project that is always unique

Like a painting on a canvas, an indoor or outdoor mural is unique. Nevertheless, it is the result of an artistic commission, just like any other project mandate, with a defined scope and framework that requires a clear artistic direction and appropriate resources. The agent therefore begins by listening to the client's needs in order to understand the artistic universe they are seeking and the expected result during a discussion and a creative brief. They then identify the atmosphere desired by the client and take into account the aesthetic constraints related to the selected artist. Analysis of the location is then crucial: wall dimensions and condition, natural light, room size, consistency with existing or future furniture and architecture. The artist can then design a model based on sketches, exploratory drawings, and visual references. After adjustments and approval by the client, the final sketch guarantees the expected result. Once on site, the artist usually prepares the surface by applying a primer before creating their sketch, which they can execute freehand, using a grid (doodlism) or projection (video projector), depending on the artist. Finally comes the creation of the mural: the design takes shape through the application of paint, starting with the large areas and moving on to the details, with layers superimposed and textures added. To finish and protect the artwork on its surface, a protective varnish can be applied, either matte or satin, UV-resistant, scratch-resistant, or washable. This ensures a greater resistance for the mural to wear and tear, especially outside or in high-traffic areas.

Develop your mural project by setting a clear vision and defining an accurate budget

The creation of an indoor or outdoor mural is therefore subject to a number of specifications that also determine its price. Simple graphics, standard illustrations, complex anamorphic designs, or designs requiring a high level of technical skill are some of the criteria that can influence the cost of the creation. But the artist's reputation, whether they are emerging or internationally renowned, based in the local area or abroad, or even their availability, are the type of factors that can influence the total budget of a mural project. However, it is possible to list a number of factors that can have a direct impact on the pricing of a mural and help to better define a budget:

· The size of the mural. Is the surface to be painted a wall in a dining room (20m²) or the exterior facade of a building (80m²)? Is the wall ready to be painted or does it required a preparation?

· Complexity of the project. Is it a simple graphic? An illustration with characters or animals? Or even an anamorphic creation requiring a high level of technical skills by the artist?

· Artist's reputation. Is the artist local or internationally renowned? Indeed, prices for artists vary depending on their experience, market standing and international visibility.

· Conditions of execution. Does the wall require a ladder, scaffolding, or a cherry picker? Is the location accessible and secure? Does the artist need to work away from the public?

· Varnishing option. Does the creation require the addition of a protective varnish? What are the indoor and outdoor conditions (heavy traffic, rain, wind, sun, etc.)?

· Artist's living expenses. Does the artist live near the site or need to stay on site? How many days are needed for the creation including accommodation and meals?

· Materials purchase. How many spray cans and/or paint pots are needed for the creation? Does a primer need to be applied beforehand? Has the varnish option been chosen?

Thus, depending on these various factors, the price of a mural painted by a professional street artist, indoor or outdoor, with or without a protective varnish, can vary from €150 per square meter for a simple project to €600 or even €900 per square meter, depending on the complexity of the project and the artist's reputation. However, this cost should be considered in light of the unique nature of these creations, because, unlike wallpaper or wall stickers, a mural created by a street artist evokes strong emotions thanks to its grandeur!

By being an online gallery specializing in Urban & Contemporary Art working with dozens of street artists, Urbaneez assists individuals, businesses, and institutions in creating custom murals. Thanks to our network of professional urban artists coming from all over Europe, we help you bring your projects to life, allowing this XXL form of art to reach a much wider audience of enthusiasts. Each quote is therefore tailor-made to provide a realistic timeline and a transparent budget.

Discover our customized service dedicated to the creation of murals