Tip Page Try to narrow down a theme or concept...but stay open to innovation & inspiration at the same time. Do you want a more traditional mural, a Trompe L'oeil scene of Tuscany, for example...a certain plaster wall treatment you saw in a restaurant? Do you want a more contemporary or avante garde mural...more of an abstract concept? Are you open to a little whimsy in a mural...or do you want a more formal treatment? Is this project for a children's room? Ask your child what they would really like? Try to narrow down the things you really like or have seen in other works of art or faux projects.... Write  down, on paper, as many ideas and thoughts as you can think of no matter how far fetched...All thoughts are accepted.       This helps the mind feel free to let creativity flow. Look around the room and notice elements that you already have that might be incorporated into the designs. Use magazines, books and the Internet to find endless examples, inspirations. and ideas for your art or decorative art project. Consider:     a. color schemes     B. mural ideas, themes or embellishment styles or types.     ac. wall faux colors, techniques and color combinations. Magazines like Home and Garden and others have endless sources for inspiration. Also book stores and library's have home improvement or decorative and artistic sections. Sometimes it can be as simple as finding a FABRIC that is the basis for the color coordination ...and even the mural or decorative embellishments themselves. Try to have a common theme or element that ties together the entire room or project.  (Italian theme, for example) Have color swatches or color samples if need be...Fabrics help here. (i.e. Tuscan, Adobe, a certain color scheme...etc.) Many times you can find architectural elements, flourishes or designs within the  house itself to incorporate or base a concept on. Other times you may want a complete new and unique look. Don't forget that subtlety or muted colors go a long way to make a more livable and pleasant environment in the long term and it may not be necessary to include bold or vivid colors. If you have a budget in mind, let the artist know so he can work around this. Consider the time frames available and any possible obstacles to the project. If you have a specific question, just send it to me here and I'll try to answer it.     rik@muralsfantastic.com Murals Fantastic is the online portfolio for artist & muralist Rik Erickson. All images are © Copyright 2000 - 2001 by Rik Erickson, and may not be reproduced, copied, displayed, or used in any way without written permission. All rights reserved. Artist and muralist Rik Erickson serving the Southern California  & Chicago area. For the very best in high quality murals, faux, trompe l'oeil, fine art, design and much more.