FAQs

General

  • You can reach me anytime by emailing mila@mindofmila.com or by filling out the form on my contact page. I typically respond within 48 hours, or within one week during mural season (April through August).

  • Yes. If you scroll to the bottom of my website, you’ll find a form where you can subscribe to my newsletter

  • Yes. I accept commissioned projects as long as they align with my values as an artist and remain within or near my artistic style.

  • Yes. I am always open to collaboration and representation. Please send inquiries to mila@mindofmila.com.

  • Yes. Public speaking has become one of my favorite things to do. Please fill out the form on my contact page and include details about your event. Recorded talks are also available on my YouTube channel.

  • At this time, I work from a home studio and do not offer studio visits. If you are interested in a piece, I am happy to arrange a coffee meeting and bring the work with me when possible.

  • I do not currently offer art rentals or leasing, but I am open to the conversation.

  • It depends on the project. While not every material I use is categorized as archival, I always choose materials that support the greatest longevity possible and provide care guidance when appropriate. When possible, I prefer non-toxic and environmentally friendly mediums, though they are not always suitable for every project.

  • It depends on the piece. Some earlier works were released in editions of up to 50, while more recent editions are typically between 5 and 10. Edition sizes are listed on each product page.

  • Yes. All prints and original works include a certificate of authenticity with artwork details and care instructions.

  • I am not a professional framer, but I am always happy to offer recommendations.

Mural Questions

  • Yes. I create murals for both public and private spaces.

  • To prepare a quote, I need the wall dimensions, an overview of the design concept, and an understanding of the surface the mural will be painted on. I usually provide estimates after a site visit. For out-of-town projects, photos and a Zoom call may be enough to begin. If the wall conditions differ significantly in person from what was originally shared, the estimate may need to be revised.

  • Yes. I call this a site visit, and it is an important part of understanding the scope and needs of the project.

  • Yes. I recommend that children and pregnant women avoid the room while paint is curing. I do my best to use low-VOC products and maintain proper ventilation, but that does not eliminate all airborne chemicals. I can also use non-toxic acrylic paint when appropriate, though this usually increases the time and cost of the project.

  • Murals are generally priced by sq/ft, the complexity of the design, and the location. This type of artwork is an investment for your home or business.

  • Mural projects require a 50% deposit and a signed mural contract before I provide anything beyond a pencil sketch. If you are not ready to move forward with the painting itself, I also offer a design-only service, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the project. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all mural designs remain my intellectual property.

  • For outdoor murals, I prefer that surfaces be power washed before painting begins. For indoor murals, it is helpful if furniture and wall-mounted items are removed from the area. I do not require that the wall be primed, but having it primed in advance can reduce mural costs. Additional prep recommendations, such as patching or repairs, may be discussed during the site visit.

  • Every project is different, but I generally allow 2 to 4 weeks per mural depending on the scope of work.

  • For interior murals, I use a combination of house paint and acrylic paint for more detailed areas. For exterior murals, I use exterior paint and spray paint. Anti-graffiti and UV-protective coatings are available upon request, but they are not included in standard quotes unless specifically stated.

  • Access to parking is required. It is also helpful to have access to a restroom, a utility or dump sink, a place to store supplies, and power when needed. Specific needs are discussed on a project-by-project basis.

  • During our initial conversations, I ask questions to better understand the concept and goals of the project. Clients are welcome to share images, keywords, maps, or other references they’d like incorporated. I then create a few rough sketch ideas to determine the strongest direction. Once one concept is selected, I move into color and create a refined digital mockup.

    Each mural project includes 1 major revision and 2 minor revisions, provided those changes remain aligned with my artistic style and mission. Additional revisions may require an added design fee.

  • As a general rule, murals without protective coatings may last 5 to 7 years before significant weathering appears. Murals with added protective coatings may last 7 to 10 years. Brighter and neon colors typically fade more quickly.

  • Usually, yes. I complete the majority of the work myself, though I may occasionally bring in another artist to help with larger or less complex areas.

  • Unless otherwise agreed in advance, touch-ups or repairs after completion require a new booking and an additional fee.

  • You can view past work on my About Me page.

Artwork Questions

  • Absolutely. Fill out the inquiry form on my contact page and we can discuss sizes, mediums, and budget considerations for your project.

  • I create work in charcoal, graphite, watercolor, acrylic, and oil.

  • No. It is not recommended that artwork be displayed in constant direct sunlight.

  • Wholesale requests are considered individually. Please email mila@mindofmila.com to inquire.

Live Event Questions

  • I offer caricatures, live painting, and watercolor illustrations for events.

  • My base rate is $500 for a minimum of 3 hours, with $75 per hour for additional time. Travel and custom materials are not included in the base rate.

  • For black and white caricatures, I generally average 12 to 15 people per hour.

  • For caricatures, I bring my own easel setup and only require 3 chairs and access to a restroom. For outdoor events, adequate shade is required so guests can sit comfortably.

    For live painting, a chair is helpful but not required. For outdoor events, shade and a place to dispose of paint water are preferred.

  • Yes. Event bookings require a 25% nonrefundable deposit and a signed contract to secure the date.

  • At this time, I only offer black and white caricatures. If you are interested in color work, please ask about watercolor illustrations for events.

  • My caricatures are playful, but not harsh or overly exaggerated. My goal is for people to smile, not leave feeling embarrassed.

  • Yes. I love drawing children and toddlers. It helps if an adult is present to encourage them to sit still or look in my direction.

  • The 25% deposit is nonrefundable. If an event is cancelled within 24 hours, the client is responsible for 50% of the total booking fee.

  • If possible, I recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance. My calendar tends to fill quickly from March through November.

  • Yes. For events outside a 20-mile radius of Metro Detroit or Greater Lansing, travel fees will be calculated and included in the estimate.

Payment, Shipping, and Delivery

  • For all projects except events, I require a 50% deposit upfront and the remaining 50% upon completion. Final payments are due within 10 days of notification that the work is complete.

  • Yes. Payment plans are available for original artwork and print purchases over $300. Most payment plans do not exceed 90 days.

  • Artwork purchases and commissions are nonrefundable. Print orders may be refunded before delivery. Deposits for mural and event work are nonrefundable.

  • I typically ship via USPS or UPS, depending on timing and the size of the work.

  • Yes. I offer delivery within a 20-mile radius of Metro Detroit or Greater Lansing. Deliveries beyond those areas require an additional fee.

Process & logistics

  • To ensure the longevity of the mural I prefer for outdoor spaces to be power washed before starting any painting. For indoor work, it is best if a client can remove furniture from the area and anything that may be hung or secured to the wall that would obstruct the painting area. I do not require a primed wall, but it can save on mural costs if it is done without me. Any additional recommendations would be made during the site visit (i.e reinforcing wall, patching cracks, etc).

  • This depends on the project and scope of work. I generally like to give myself 2-4 weeks per mural.

  • For interior murals I use a mix of house paint and some acrylic paint for detailed areas. For exterior murals I use both exterior paint and spray paint. If requested I can apply an anti-graffitti coat with UV protection, but it is not included in my initial quotes unless explicitly stated.

  • Access to parking is a must. It is a preference to have access to restrooms, a dump sink, supplies storage, and power. However, specific needs are discussed project by project.

  • During our initial conversations I make sure to ask as many questions as possible to get an idea of the concept for the project. At this point the client will provide me with any materials they would like me to incorporate into the mural i.e pictures, list of words, maps. I then send a couple rough pencil sketch ideas to see which design is most aligned with your vision. Once we select a sketch to flesh out, I begin adding color and finalizing a digital mockup of the mural.

    I allow 1 “major” revision and 2 “minor” revisions at no additional charge so long as they do not infringe on my artistic style or mission. Additional revisions with require an additional design charge. This information is listed in all of my mural contracts. However, I prefer to keep lines of communication open during my design process which generally results in minimal revisions/additions.

    Once we have an approved design its time to start scheduling paint days!

post project

  • A good rule of thumb without any UV protectant or graffiti coats is 5-7 years before colors start to weather. If a mural has additional protective coating we generally say 7-10 years. Brighter colors or neon paints often are the quickest colors to fade.

  • This depends on the project. I do the majority of work on my own, but will occasionally ask another artist to come help fill larger less complex sections. It’s a great way to give emerging artists experience and share opportunities.

  • Unless previously discussed, it is up to the client to rehire me to touch up any damage that occurs after completion.

  • My past work samples are available for view on my ‘‘ABOUT ME” Page

  • My past work samples are available for view on my ‘‘ABOUT ME” Page