You say you no longer paint professionally. How do you recommend I find a painter in my area?

You can contact the better interior design companies in your area. Many of them work with mural artists and faux finishers. You might also contact the art department of local community colleges or even high schools for names of talented students.

Do you make and sell stencils?

I do not sell stencils. I only make stencils for my painting. For an online source for stencils, try Stencil Ease.

Do you make stencils of your work?

I have made stencils for specific needs/projects, yes. Craft stores carry stencil "burners" - a tool that melts through the stiff plastic stencil material. There are also companies which will make laser cut stencils to your designs (not cheap, but top quality results). Stencils Online is one.

Would you combine stencils and other types of painting?

Yes -- I like stencils best when they are combined with freehand painting. You can add highlights, shadows, and details. It gives it depth and makes it less "stenciled" (flat) looking. Yet the stencil cuts down on time (especially if you have to do a lot of repeats or a pattern).

Where can I find do-it-yourself information and resources for faux finish painting?

Go to Faux Like a Pro, which offers tips, books, a chat room, and "Finish of the Month."

How did you get your business started, and how do you promote yourself?

I've been painting a long time, but getting it going as a steady income source (even part-time) was tough. What I've learned: word of mouth works. Also, find some interior designers and upscale furniture stores that provide designers in your area, and show them your work. Be sure to have a business card and hopefully a brochure to leave with them. I haven't found advertising to be worth it. Maybe the yellow pages would be a good idea.

If you're REALLY serious, you might look for an agent. Artist's agents do work in the interior painting area. He/She wouldn't have to be local, just in your portion of the country. Ask for referrals from interior designers ("Do you work with any agents? Who do you like?") Hopefully, one name will keep coming up.

Most painting work is either commercial (restaurants, offices, hospitals) or upscale residential. Another focus can be baby's/children's rooms. Specialty furniture stores can be helpful here. Some of them will even display a photo album portfolio with your business cards. You make the portfolio, including a blurb about yourself and your background/experience. Some stores ask for a 10% "finders fee" - some don't. Just increase your quote by whatever percent (this applies to agent's fees too).

There seems to be a market for painted furniture. Many nice shops and catalogs feature expensive pieces with trompe l'oeil, antiqued or whimsical finishes. You might try to tap into that. Even inexpensive second-hand furniture can be revitalized and resold. Unfinished furniture stores that also provide finishing services might want to commission you.

As of April 2002, there is a great way to promote your mural business online. Go to http://www.muralgalleries.com and sign up -- it's free! They only get a 10% finders fee if you get work through them. You can quote a price 10% higher than usual to cover that.

How do you determine your fees?

Fees -- a tough area for many of us. I contacted other artists in my area and asked what they charge. Fees vary widely depending on where you are. An artist in Manhattan can charge a lot more than one in small town, USA.

The easiest system seems to be to determine what you should be paid per day (6 hours), and how many days a given job will take. Most jobs take me a minimum of 2 days. Some clients want to cut costs, and are willing to do all the prep work, paint the base color, tape and drape the room. Others will want you to do it all. Some will provide the paint, others just want you to figure materials and supplies into your bill.

I recommend 50% upfront before you start, and the balance upon completion. A written contract is always wise, and good art stores carry stock ones for artists to use.

What kind of paint and brushes do you use?

For interior jobs, most of the paint I use is regular interior latex house paint. I use some artist's acrylic paints for small details and special colors or effects. But be careful, they are often shinier than latex wall paint. So unless you plan to finish with a clear protective coat (which will make a uniform shiny finish), you will see a difference. An inexpensive clear finish coat is Future Floor Polish. It is a colorless acrylic liquid that can be applied with a soft, lint-free cloth. The homeowner can re-apply every few years in higher traffic areas.

A nice line of inexpensive house paint in rich, vibrant colors is Ace Hardware's house brand. Fuller O'Brien makes a wonderful paint called "Ultra Bright." My larger brushes are Purdy angle brushes -- expensive but worth it!