If I had to start completely over with zero mural experience, zero clients, and zero momentum in 2026… what exactly would I do to rebuild my mural business back up to $50,000 in the first year?

In this episode of the Artist Academy Podcast, I break down the exact steps I’d take—numbers included—to go from day-one beginner to a fully booked muralist with steady income and growing confidence. Whether you’re brand new to murals or looking to reboot your art business, this is the roadmap I wish I had when I started.

To make $50,000/year, here’s what it actually looks like:

$136/day if you worked all 365 days

OR $200/day working 5 days a week

Which equals $1,000/week — or just two $500 jobs per week

Two small $500 projects each week is incredibly doable when you know where to look and how to market yourself.

Your first goal is simple: book consistent $500 projects. These usually include:

Kids’ rooms

Bathrooms

Interior accent walls

Small logos for businesses

Window art

Simple custom pieces

Anything custom you can complete in about two days

Why start here?
Experienced muralists rarely want $500 jobs.
These beginner-friendly projects help you build a portfolio, gain confidence, and learn to work efficiently.

Once you have one month of $500 jobs lined up, you’re done taking $500 jobs.

At that point, $500 naturally becomes: $700… then $850… then $1,000…

You don’t need a new year, a new portfolio, or a special reason. You can raise your prices mid-year, mid-month, or even mid-week. Your schedule will tell you when it’s time.

Social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn depending on your area)

Posting in local Facebook groups

Sending DMs to local businesses

Reaching out to interior designers

Public art calls

Thumbtack Pro (the fastest way to get ready-to-buy clients)

Website & SEO

Referrals

Separate art accounts

Fancy branding

Business cards

These things matter later—but beginners often hide behind them and slow themselves down.

Build a portfolio

Say “yes” to most things

Try out different styles

Work with a variety of people

Practice, gain speed, build confidence

Network everywhere

Niche down into your signature style

Choose your ideal customer

Create a targeted marketing plan

Specialize and scale

Shadowing—even for a single day—is one of the fastest ways to shorten your learning curve. You’ll learn:

The tools and supplies they actually use

How to scale artwork onto a wall

Which brushes and rollers make the job easier

How to paint efficiently

How to handle real client interactions

What a full mural workday actually looks like

One day of shadowing can save you months of trial and error.

My new coaching program begins January 1, designed specifically for artists who want to start or grow their mural business with clarity, confidence, and accountability. DM me to be notified with more info.