There are three main types of murals: interior, exterior and sculptural. A sculptural mural is just what it sounds like it is, it’s a mural that forms the shape of something (like a wall-hanging or building). To create an attention-grabbing mural, you need to consider carefully what you want to portray and how you’re going to do it. Before you get started, there are several things you will want to think about. Consider what kind of visual message or theme you want your mural to have. For example, a circus mural will be completely different from a wall full of underwater scenes. Here are a few ideas to consider as you begin working on your mural.
Pick Your Medium
Paint, pencils, charcoal, and paper (there are countless more, though) are the materials you’ll need. If you’re not sure which one to go for, then consider the location of your mural and how long you want it to last. For example, if you’re creating a mural on the side of your house, a pencil would be ideal. You can easily wash it out with water if you ever need to re-design the exterior of your home. But if you’re going for a more permanent solution and have a bit longer, paint is a good option.
Draw Up a Plan
A good idea is to draw up some rough sketches beforehand of how you would like your mural to look. It allows you to alter your original ideas before you get started. If you are confident in your design abilities, skip this step.
The size of your mural depends on how big your wall is, but generally, murals are around 6ft x 6ft up to 20ft x 4ft. Your drawing will be the guide for how big you make it, so make sure you have enough room for your designs. Measure out the dimensions of your wall and mark it with some masking tape, so you know where to paint!
Outdoor Landscape
Outdoor murals often need to withstand changing seasons and climates, so they will require a more experienced hand. Make sure you consider the longevity of your mural before getting started. Use materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions for as long as possible (like paint or waterproof pencils).
Interior Mural
An interior mural can allow you to experiment with materials and colors. In addition, you don’t need to worry about the weather damaging your artwork, so you can be as creative as you like!
Sculptural Mural
If creating an exterior or interior mural seems a little too complicated, then why not try your hand at a sculptural mural? These are usually designed for specific buildings, like offices or public spaces.
Geometric Pictures
Geometric art uses simple shapes. This style is an excellent way to create an attention-grabbing mural that catches the eye. Try adding different shapes like triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles to help your design stand out. Remember, you don’t always need to fill in every space with color – leaving some areas blank can be just as effective.
Make Texture
If filling in the whole area is too overwhelming, try adding texture to your design instead. It can be as effective and often creates a more eye-catching mural than plain color. The best way to create texture is by using stencils or stamps. However, trying different texture types, like sponging or stippling, can enhance your design. Another technique you should try is to create depth by adding texture while still using flat color. This type of mural almost looks 3-D, and the best way to achieve this effect is by hatching. This technique involves creating lines that follow the contours of your design to create an intricate pattern. Depending on your design’s size, you can use either a flat brush or a round brush. Make sure you keep your lines as thin as possible and only paint in one direction for best results.
Conclusion
Murals are a great way to grab attention and add excitement to people’s day. So if you’re looking for ideas on how to create an attention-grabbing mural, we’ve got you covered. These seven tips should help get you started. So have fun with it and be creative!
