What It Takes to Make a Mural

You turn a corner and suddenly—there it is. A massive, vibrant work of art stretching across a wall that used to be blank. It feels effortless, like it just appeared. But murals don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of planning, coordination, physical endurance, and a whole lot of intention.

At Museo, where we’re mapping art across the globe, murals are some of the most exciting finds. But behind every mural is a process most people never see.

Here’s what it really takes.

Every mural starts with an idea—but not every idea can become a mural.

Artists have to think beyond the sketch. What works on paper doesn’t always translate to a 40-foot wall. Scale, visibility, and environment all matter. A mural needs to be legible from a distance, interact with its surroundings, and hold attention at size.

Some artists create highly detailed mockups and use projection or grid systems to transfer the design. Others work more intuitively, sketching directly onto the wall and letting the piece evolve in real time.

Inspiration can come from local culture, architecture, history, or something entirely personal. But the final design has to live in public—and that changes everything.

Murals usually begin with an opportunity.

Sometimes an artist is directly commissioned by a building owner or brand. Other times, murals come through open calls—often organized by cities, festivals, or arts organizations looking to activate public space.

These calls can be competitive. Artists submit concepts, past work, and proposals that align with a theme or community vision. From there, selections are made, revisions happen, and timelines are set.

It’s not just about talent—it’s about fit.

Before paint touches the wall, there’s paperwork.

Murals often require permits depending on location, especially in urban areas. These can involve zoning laws, historical district regulations, or even signage restrictions. In some cities, there are formal mural programs that streamline the process. In others, it can be more complex.

Permits may also cover logistics like:

• Street closures
• Lift operation
• Public safety requirements

It’s not glamorous, but it’s what allows a mural to exist legally—and stay up.

Here’s the part almost no one thinks about: the wall itself.

Before painting begins, the surface often needs to be cleaned, repaired, and primed. That might mean pressure washing, sanding, sealing cracks, or applying a base coat.

A poorly prepped wall can ruin a mural before it even starts—paint won’t adhere properly, colors won’t pop, and the work won’t last.

This step is invisible in the final piece, but it’s critical to everything that follows.

Murals demand scale—and scale demands equipment.

For smaller works, ladders might do the job. But for larger murals, artists rely on scaffolding or mechanical lifts to reach higher sections of the wall.

Working at height adds a whole new layer of complexity. Wind, heat, balance, and endurance all come into play. It’s not just about painting—it’s about navigating space safely and precisely.

And yes, this often means long days under the sun, moving up and down repeatedly, adjusting angles and perspective as the piece comes together.

The idea of a solo muralist is compelling—but rarely accurate.

Large-scale murals are often team efforts. Assistants help fill in base colors, prep materials, and manage logistics. Collaborators may contribute creatively, especially on complex or multi-artist pieces.

In community murals, the collaboration goes even further—locals, students, or volunteers might all play a role in bringing the artwork to life.

These contributions aren’t just practical—they shape the mural itself. Energy, perspective, and shared ownership all show up in the final piece.

Murals aren’t made with just any paint.

Artists use exterior-grade materials designed to withstand sun exposure, temperature changes, and time. This can include:

• Acrylic or latex paints
• Spray paint for detail and gradients
• Primers and sealants for longevity
• Protective coatings to reduce fading and damage

Choosing the right materials isn’t just about color—it’s about durability. A mural is constantly exposed to the elements, and the materials determine how well it holds up.

One thing most people underestimate: murals take time.

And time doesn’t always cooperate.

Artists work through heat, wind, and changing light conditions. Colors look different at different times of day. Surfaces behave differently as temperatures shift. Schedules stretch. Plans adjust.

Murals are living projects while they’re being made—constantly responding to real-world conditions.

Once a mural is finished, it becomes part of the landscape—and part of a much bigger story.

That’s where Museo comes in.

Museo lets you discover murals wherever you are, whether you’re exploring your own city or traveling somewhere new. You can search for artwork, follow artists, and even be the first to add a newly completed mural to the map.

Every mural you find has a backstory—layers of effort, creativity, and collaboration that most people never see.

By adding it to Museo, you’re not just documenting a wall. You’re helping map the world’s art, one piece at a time.

Murals may feel like they appear overnight—but now you know better.

They’re built step by step: an idea, a wall, a plan, a team, and the persistence to bring something massive into existence.

So next time you turn a corner and spot one, pause for a second.

There’s a lot more behind it than meets the eye.

-The Museo Docent