I got 99 problems but zero mural experience won’t be one. Painting murals is so much fun and rewarding to see your art on a big scale.
In this post, I will walk you through:
How I got my first mural experience with public art.
Why you should try it.
How you can apply to utility box programs if you live in SoCal.
How I got my first mural job
I started my mural career by painting the utility box in Glendale, CA. Before applying, I only drew on my iPad and had never painted anything large scale. One day, my roommate encouraged me to apply for the Utility Box Program with her so we did because why not, right?
The application process:
The template (below) provided by the program.
Lettering by me. Beautiful girl illustration by RUBY CHEN (Click to see her work).
Meaning of the box: we wanted to spread these positive messages to whoever walks by. No matter what you’re facing, you can do it and you got this.
The result came 2 weeks after and we got selected over 110 applicants. We were over the moon and scared at the same time.
The fund received: $750 to cover all the costs, inclusive of all artist’s fees, paints, and materials.
We were given 3 days of painting but we didn’t start painting until the 2nd day. It was a big mistake. I would recommend starting as early as you can.
The city primed and painted the box white for us which was very helpful.
Application template
Primed utility box & clueless me
Day 1 of painting: 9 AM - 9 PM
The perfectionist mode kicked in and it took us almost 2 hours just to paint the background colors.
We sketched the art using a grid method and a pencil (photo below)
For full process video, check out my Tiktok (click here).
Painted the background color
Grid method
Transfer the art using pencil
Transfer the art using pencil
Paint white layer first
Paint white layer first
Day 2 of painting: 7 AM - 10 PM
We learned to leave the perfectionist hat at home. Things picked up so much faster.
It was heartwarming to hear people walking by thanking us for making the city prettier.
Our lovely friends came by to buy us food and drink. With the help of 2 lovely friends, we were able to finish everything by 10 PM.
We were exhausted but so happy to see our box come to life.
Ruby & I were happy, I promised haha
The address of the box
1648 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201
Finished box: Lettering by me.
Girl illustration by RUBY CHEN (Click to see her work)
Finished box: Lettering by me.
Girl illustration by RUBY CHEN (Click to see her work)
Lessons learned:
It’s best to paint from light to dark colors.
Murals are not meant to be viewed up close but from far away. You should not focus too much on small details while painting.
It is not as intimidating as you think. If you can draw on paper or ipad, you can paint a mural too.
Why should you apply for a public art program?
You need ZERO experience to apply and have complete freedom with your creativity.
The expectation is not high so you have less pressure and can enjoy the process.
Make your city prettier.
How to apply to paint a utility box
Together we want to use our art to empower women.
Girl illustration by RUBY CHEN (Click to see her work)
I had ZERO experience with mural when I pained this box and hope sharing my story will encourage you to do it too. You can apply as a team so bring it on with your bestie.
Here is the list of SoCal program links where you can apply. They have the program every year so if you miss the deadline this year, there will always be next year. You don’t have to live in the area to apply. I live in the Los Angeles area but applied for the Glendale Program.
UTILITY BOX PROGRAM FUND DEADLINE
LOS ANGELES AREA $250 NA
GLENDALE $750 09/18/2020
BURBANK $1,000 07/23/2020
NOHO NA 09/18/2020
COSTA MESA NA On Going
SANTA ANA $400 2/13/2020
REDONDO BEACH $350 On Going
I’m planning to write more mural blogs in the future. If you have any mural question, feel free to comment below.
If you find this helpful, you can 👇pin this👇 to your Pinterest.
P.S.: While you're waiting for the right opportunity, why not create your own mural at home. Check out this Redfin article featuring me for more ideas HERE.
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