You know children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers
(John Plomp)
Why pay for a mural when one can easily resort to wall stickers?
Firstly, from an artistic perspective, a well planned mural is truly a unique way to set your home apart from the norm; it stands as a work of art in its own right. The intensity of colours, the atmosphere and the harmony created in a mural can never be reproduced by stickers or wallpaper.
Secondly, a mural enables parents to resist the “clichés” that are found on far too many products for children – the hard to exterminate teddy bear motifs, trademarked cartoon characters and movie personae that every child quickly outgrows. A mural can nevertheless incorporate many other childhood images that can delight and enchant, such as playful animals, red fire trucks, iconic castles, colourful carousels, speedy race cars, flying carpets, fun pirate ships, great dinosaurs, old tree houses, shiny spaceships and jet fighters. There is no limit to the new interpretations one can bring to the classics, especially those images that have carved a special place in the hearts of young and old.
Thirdly, very few painters incorporate three dimensional elements into their work, a special sculpture that can give a child’s room a truly magical touch. Moolee moolee produces papier-maché sculptures that enhance its murals in tangible, fun and interactive ways. These experimental creations can be touched, named, lit, used as shelves for toys and books or appreciated for their handmade simplicity.
How long does a mural take to paint?
A mural can take anywhere from 10 to 250 hours, depending on the size of the mural and the amount of detail required. The average time for a simple wall in a child’s room is 2 days to one week. It is very difficult to estimate in advance how long it will take to finish a project, especially if it involves an entire room and some sculptural work or is an outdoor mural. If you have a deadline, moolee moolee will work towards meeting it, but keep in mind that the company comprises one artist, who is both a mother and a perfectionist. You will never be charged more if the job takes longer to complete than expected. This way, the project is finished when everyone is satisfied.
How much do you charge?
If you have a budget in mind, it is best to discuss it ahead of time so we can design the perfect project to suit your needs without overspending. In most cases, the size of the mural and the level of detail will determine the scope and cost of the project. Initial consultations are free of charge. Here is an approximation of how moolee moolee prices its murals. Payment works as follows:
- For small projects: a deposit of 50 $ for the design phase and full payment in cash upon completion, that is, on the final day of work.
- For large projects: a deposit of 50 $ for the design phase, 20% of the final payment for paint supplies, 30% when the mural is half completed and the balance upon completion, that is, on the final day of work.
What do you paint with?
For interior murals, high quality artists’ acrylic paints are the norm. Such paints are nontoxic, water-based, fast-drying, very durable, washable, odourless and hold their vibrant colors for decades. The price of the paint is included in your estimate (see Mural Pricing). About 20% of the total cost of the mural goes towards paints and other materials and is usually payable upon agreement to begin the job in order to purchase the products.
What type of preparation is required before painting a mural?
Trusting the integrity of a previous coat of paint can put mural work in jeopardy, so it is always best to paint on a primed or freshly painted wall surface. The ideal wall for a mural would be new plaster that has been primed with two coats of a high grade 100% acrylic primer (see About the Paints). Obviously, many of us live in houses where the walls have been painted with “latex” several times and may require fixing and priming before a mural is painted. Preparation of walls will be discussed at our initial meeting and the client can chose to have the work done by moolee moolee for a reasonable price.
Will you paint trademarked cartoon characters?
Nothing against Winnie-the-Pooh, the artist’s son loves them all, but moolee moolee murals is about original designs, not trademarked characters. It might be possible to incorporate themes based on favourite characters in an original design, but probably you should look into wall stickers for a cheaper alternative. If you are worried that your child will refuse anything but his beloved characters, don’t be. When painting murals, it is easy to add family pets, treasured toys, significant names or meaningful landmarks, something to create a fairytale world designed specifically to please.
Can you paint on wooden panels or on canvas for people living in flats or for shipping abroad?
By definition, a mural is painted on a wall surface, but for someone who rents a flat, canvas or panel might be a more viable option, since they can be removed and taken to another location. If you want the painting to look like a wall mural, moolee moolee suggests marouflage, a technique of mounting a painted canvas directly on a wall with removable wallpaper glue. For busy toddlers, painted wooden cut-outs affixed to the walls with velcro is another option. Teens might prefer stretched canvas frames for their rooms. Such projects will require a deposit of 25% before the painting gets started.
For clients who live abroad, periodic photos of the work in progress and of the finished painting can be sent regularly via email. Additional costs will include the cost of shipping. You will also have to pay for the canvas to be stretched over a frame by a professional framer or to be glued on your wall with removable wallpaper paste by an experienced decorator.
Do you resell the designs for any of your murals?
All of the murals are unique, and no design will be duplicated.
When you design a theme for a room, can you also suggest accessories that go with the murals?
Accessories can range from curtains, lamps, writing boards, growth charts, bed covers, play houses, play blankets, bed canopies and much more. Normally, such items can be bought in stores or on the internet, but if you want the artist’s help, she can design accessories for you to have made by people in the craft or, if time permits, make them herself.
Who is moolee moolee?
None other than Kim Beaufils, the artist. The name for this site originated with her son, who started calling her moolee moolee as a toddler, whenever he wanted to show affection.
Kim: Je t’aime, mon chéri.
Dylan: Moi aussi, moolee moolee.
The whole family has been named by him in this odd way: Dylan is Goolee Goolee, his father Kaka Kaka, his grandmother Pipi Pipi and his dog Suki Suki. Only the dog has kept her real name in this scenario.
