original artwork for babies...children and grownups, too!
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Art4Babies, Inc. creating custom artwork or murals.
Please e-mail or call us with any additional questions
How do you price custom artwork requests?
Pricing for custom work varies widely depending on the size and complexity of the design, techniques and materials needed. We price based on the project, not by the hour or square foot. We are happy to meet with you during a Design Consultation to discuss the Idea Development. Also, you may answer the questionnaire and work with us through technology (faxes, scanners, e-mails, etc) to accomplish a plan for your custom creations. We provide a complete proposal, including drawings, samples, and prices after the consultation.
How long does it take to complete a project?
In most cases, projects can be completed in 2 weeks, but some items require more time. Rush requests are available, depending on previous commitments.
Time Estimates below:
Gift items, clothing, decorating accessories, wall hangings, pillows, and pottery can usually be delivered within 2 weeks.
Quilts and custom pillows: 3 to 4 weeks.
Boating, Floral, and Abstract Paintings on Canvas: 4 weeks.
Painted Furniture: 2 to 4 weeks.
Murals can take up to 6 weeks, depending on the intricacies and time scheduling. Murals are usually booked out two months ahead of time, so please contact us as early as possible.
Please provide us with as much notice as possible so that we can meet your deadlines for birthdays, holidays, and new baby arrival dates.
Regarding murals, do the walls need to be prepped for painting?
Yes. The areas should be freshly patched, primed, and painted prior to the beginning of the project. I recommend using a high quality latex paint, such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, in either an eggshell or a pearl finish. If using another brand, I recommend a satin finish. A "flat" paint finish is not recommended for best results and color. We have painting contacts in some areas that can help you prep your walls, if necessary. We can discuss color choices and faux finishing ideas during the design process.
Regarding murals, should we move the furniture prior to the work being started?
Yes. All furniture and appliances will need to be moved at least 4 feet away from the area being painted. Also, please remove any items on the walls, windows, or ceiling that will interfere with the painting process.
How far do you travel?
For our onsite Design Consultations, known as Room-Scaping, our primary focus is in NC: the Lake Norman area, Charlotte, Statesville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Boone, and surrounding areas. We also work in Greenville, SC. We will work in other areas with paid travel fees.
Our Canvas Wall Murals are custom made and shipped anywhere in the US.
We can ship all other artwork and design ideas to any location without any geographic limitations.
How does the design process work?
PHASE I: Initial Phone Conversation or Initial E-Mail
During our initial contact, we will discuss your ideas, the type and size of your project, and your time frame for completion. We will schedule an appointment if you are pursuing a Room-Scaping design or Mural. If you are interested in custom artwork, we can schedule a follow-up Design Consultation Phone Call with price quotes. I will ask you to complete the Questionnaire and either e-mail, fax, or mail back prior to our first meeting. I will also answer your initial questions.
PHASE II: Initial Meeting
During this onsite meeting, we will discuss your ideas in depth, referring to the Questionnaire and any additional items you have gathered for review. You will have an opportunity to review my portfolio and the Art4Babies Idea Notebook. I will take digital photos and room measurements, if necessary. I will take this information and create a Design for you. This meeting usually lasts one hour.
PHASE III: Design and Quote
We provide sketches, drawings, and/or color ideas for your approval. And we provide a quote for the project. This package is either mailed or delivered for your review. In order to move to the next phase, you approve or request changes in the design and you select the artwork items you want to incorporate in your Room-Scaping Plan.
PHASE IV: WORK BEGINS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Once you are happy with the design, we arrange mutually agreeable dates to begin.
REGARDING MURALS: To place you on our schedule for murals, we require a 50% deposit, with the remaining amount due upon completion. If the painting extends past three weeks, we may require an interim payment.
REGARDING PERSONALIZED AND CUSTOM ARTWORK: We require full payment up front and in return we provide a guarantee of turn around time from us.
THEN, we get started on your paintings, the sewing, the final touches....and you relax and enjoy periodic updates on the status of your masterpieces...we send photographs if we are working across the miles.
Once completed, we photograph your final designs, the rooms, and your artwork for inclusion in our portfolio. We have copies of the "Before and After" for you, too! We always want to reflect on our artistic journey!
What if I do not order any items or designs after receiving my Art4Babies' Room-Scaping Designs and Proposals?
Custom Design Proposals for Room-Scaping are free if you place an order with Art4Babies, Inc. We spend the time researching and developing the creative ideas at our expense...just because we enjoy this process...and then, hopefully, you will love our designs and want to buy it all!!!
Just in case you do not place an order, please understand that we charge a nominal $75 per Room Design Fee for our time.
The sketches and proposals are the property of Art4Babies, Inc. until the $75 Design Fee is paid. If you only want designs, please note that we offer Design Services, including Room Finishing with what you already own...so we charge the same fees for Room-Scaping Designs.
Regarding murals, do you offer custom Canvas Murals?
Yes. And this is actually our favorite way to complete a mural! The advantages: We can work on it during any spare time, in-between projects, etc. so no scheduling conflicts or delays. You will usually end up receiving it more quickly. So if you are in a rush...go this route! Another advantage: The surface is double primed, making the paints flow and adhere...so it ends up being a better quality art piece. One of the BEST advantages for you is that you can always keep the mural...you don't leave it behind when you move! After commissioning a Custom Mural in your taste and styles, many people lament over leaving it behind.... Keep your artwork with Canvas Murals!!!! Have a professional wallpaper hanger install it, remove it and reinstall. We can help with the details of this process. We charge an additional materials fee that is simply our cost of the custom sized canvas, plus shipping & priming.
