Process
How a Fernung Studio commission moves from first photo to final walk-through.
Indianapolis-based · Insured · Residential & commercial · Replies within 1–2 business days
Most projects take six to twelve weeks from initial inquiry to final walk-through, depending on scope and Eric’s calendar. The five-step path below is the same for residential, commercial, and exterior commissions, only the conversations get longer.
STEP 1 — Photos & Site (Day 1) Send 3–5 photos of the wall and the surrounding room, rough dimensions (W × H), your city, and your ideal timeline. Inspiration images are welcome but not required — clients who know what they don’t want help the studio just as much.
STEP 2 — Consult & Direction (Week 1) A short conversation — phone, video, or in person — to talk about scope, palette, story, surface, and budget. The studio will recommend a service tier, ballpark price range, and a realistic install window.
STEP 3 — Quote, Agreement & Calendar (Week 1–2) A written quote with fixed price, deposit terms, materials, and a target install window. A signed agreement and 50%deposit reserve the studio’s calendar slot. Projects without a deposit are not on the calendar.
STEP 4 — Design & Sketch (Week 2–5) Composition drawings and palette studies, followed (for larger commissions) by a digital mockup laid over a photo of your wall. Two rounds of revisions are standard; significant redesigns are quoted separately.
STEP 5 — Paint & Walk-Through (Week 5–12) On-site painting with clean masking, drop cloths, daily tidy wrap-ups, and progress photos along the way. The studio uses low-VOC paint for occupied interiors and high-grade exterior systems sealed for site conditions. Final balance is due at the walk-through.
Common questions
1. How long does a mural commission take?
Most interior murals run six to twelve weeks from first photo to final walk-through, with the actual painting taking three to fourteen days on site. Allisonkunath Larger exterior commissions and projects coordinated with construction schedules can run longer.
2. What does a mural cost?
Most commissions fall between $5,000 and $30,000+. Specialty finishes for smaller rooms and short consultations start lower; large exterior and civic commissions run higher. Every project gets a fixed written quote — the studio does not work from square-foot estimates.
3. Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A 50% deposit and signed agreement reserve the studio’s calendar slot. Final balance is due at the walk-through.
4. Where do you work?
eric is based in Indianapolis and works throughout Indiana, including Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Noblesville, Bloomington, Columbus, and surrounding communities. Travel is considered for larger commissions.
5. Do I need a design idea before I reach out?
No. Many clients come in with a feeling rather than a picture — that’s a useful starting point. The consultation step exists to translate that feeling into a real composition.
6. Can you work around my interior designer / architect?
Yes. Many commissions arrive through interior designers and the studio is comfortable working inside a design team — palette alignment, drawing review, scheduling around other trades.
7. Will the paint be safe for my home, kids, and pets?
Yes. eric uses low-VOC professional-grade interior latex paints Yulia-art on occupied interior projects. Exterior projects use UV-stable high-grade systems chosen for the wall’s exposure.
8. Are you insured?
Yes — fully insured for residential and commercial work. A certificate of insurance is available on request before any on-site work begins.
9. How long will the mural last?
Interior murals on properly prepared walls typically last decades with minimal care. Exterior murals last 10–20 years Allisonkunath depending on exposure, sealer, and wall preparation; touch-ups are available.
10. Do you offer touch-ups or restoration?
Yes — for eric’s own work, and (case-by-case) for other artists’ murals where the original artist is no longer available.