Commission

LET'S GET STARTED!

How do you begin planning a mural with Cosmic Butterfly Design? There are three models to choose from and three basic steps to get started. Learn more about them below!

Three Project Models - 

• Community Mural Model - This is a powerful model for community transformation. Every community has a heart. We're all parts connected to a greater whole and want to participate as part of something bigger. Tia's role is to support the community, helping people acknowledge painful issues in a constructive way, through facilitating several community design workshops that include broad perspectives. The workshops offer people a chance to freely express their perspectives about their community. Her role is to create a symbol the community feels represents it. The project will include a number of community paint days for people to help fill in background areas 'paint by numbers' style, and finishing the mural with support from the community. The more hands involved the more a sense of community the art has! Tia will work with local volunteers to assist with the mural project as needed.  

• Teaching Model - Tia will teach a group of students how to design and paint a mural with community input by working with her on a real community mural (client would provide the wall/mural opportunity). She will teach her community model from start to finish, from collaborative design, community paint days to painting the finishing touches. Great for students with an interest in drawing or painting and community-building. An application and interview process is ideal. They will gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and learning a trade. Tia will help them develop their self-esteem, communication and collaboration skills every step of the way. To facilitate the process, talking circles will be used for listening and sharing. Group size is limited. Some adaptations can be made if needed. 

• Contractor Model - The client can work directly with Tia on design of the mural, with or without community design workshops and community painting. Great for if you want a legacy project. Cosmic Butterfly Design will decide internally how the mural will be finished so its the most efficient. There could be different ways depending on production schedule and other factors. Cosmic Butterfly Design has a number of assistants trained by Tia in her techniques to finish the painting based off her approved design. They may assist with finishing touches under her in-person or remote supervision.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need an adaptation.  "Creativity is a series of steps any human being can follow to let their raw potential shine!" ~Tia Richardson

"Nurturing Roots of Life Within the Community' - community mural teen program, Milwaukee Christian Center

STEPS 1-3

These steps are best practices that make Cosmic Butterfly Design's project effective and efficient. Please note the time required for each step. 

1. SITE VISIT
2. PROJECT PLANNING MEETING
3. CONTRACT SIGNING

1. SITE VISIT - (In-person) LOCATION OF WALL (30min - 1hr)
Who should attend: Primary client contact person, facilities person/engineer/janitor; artist

First, there needs to be a site picked for the mural. Ideally this is a physical wall or existing structure where the mural will be painted. Sites under construction or blueprints are not ideal unless drywall is in and a visit can be arranged. A photo is helpful but not in place of a visit.

 

A site visit takes 30min - 1hr. During this visit Tia will check the physical wall and the space around it for the conditions listed below. We'll need to see rooms for supply storage, water access, and workshop or classrooms. Note: Even if the client will provide some of the info below in advance of a site visit, it is still best practice for Tia to conduct an assessment and measurements in-person, in the field.

Agenda: 

• Check condition of the wall: cracks, leaks (ie roof leaks, cracks and other damage may need to be repaired first to prevent water damage or other factors shortening the life of the mural)
• Discuss method of installation (different options for painting directly on the wall or on a mounted surface (aluminum panels or polytab), permissions, get measurements
• Discuss materials storage - where is a secure location for supplies and equipment
• Show/find water access for paint brush cleanup (mop sink); find electrical outlets if outdoors
• Discuss with contractor/engineer how the mural will be mounted (brackets, frame, ferring strips, hardware, custom build, etc)
• Wall surface type, texture, permissions (for example if historic or structurally sound)
• Equipment type needed (scaffolding, lift)
• Storage/daily parking needs for truck (7'.5"-8' clearance); storage pod, port-a-potty, etc.
  

Think about what it will take to get permission from the owner (public, private, city, etc.) of the site and any applicable permits. Permits need to be in place before step #3. If the building is designated as historic this needs to be identified because there may be limitations on murals. Once a wall is chosen, it is found in good condition, and permission given by the property owner, then we are ready to proceed step #2.

2. PROJECT PLANNING MEETING & WRITTEN PROPOSAL

There needs to be a primary contact for Tia to works with who will be responsible for handling communications (email, phone, etc.) between the artist and organization. 

Who should attend: Primary project contact person, essential project decision-makers
Gather a project planning team together. These are core people willing to take on certain responsibilities of the project, making decisions throughout the phases or delegating different roles (listed below) to make the project happen. It's more efficient if only they as essential decision-makers come. (And not, for example, a committee or observers). 2-3 people is common, it just depends on the project and your organization. If someone is not available, anyone with the authority to discuss the following on their behalf works. We can always follow up with final decisions if those can't be made during the meeting.

A 1-2hr meeting is average. The project planning meeting gives everyone time to understand the purpose and intent behind the project, know what to expect and ask questions. They will help us get to know each other's organization, your community, what makes it special and why this project is important to you. A walking tour of your office or site would be great. This may even help an initial vision or design template start to form in Tia's imagination. This can be sketched if it aligns well.

Agenda will include:

• Mural wall location (Where)
  
• Review the mural wall. Why here?
• Project goals (Why this mural?)
  
• Based on those goals, discuss which project model will work the best
• Why do you think this mural is important? What do you hope it can do for your community (school, group, neighborhood, etc.)?
  
• Scope (Who)
  
• What is the target community we are trying to serve (if applicable)? 
• Who will be part of the project? How many? (ie. classroom; grades; community members)
• Discuss scope (how far do we reach out to); method of outreach especially for larger projects. Who will take on this responsibility for communications - flyers, press releases, etc. (For community models the artist/volunteers can help with this)
  
• Community Design workshops (if applicable)
• Workshops are a foundation to Cosmic Butterfly Design's community murals
• Discuss format 
• Read more about them below
  
• Design approval process
• Understand who will be responsible for giving final approval on the design? (for example, a single individual such as a school principal; a committee; city council, board, etc)
• What is the expected turnaround for the decision of final approval to be made?
• The way an org operates may not be what everyone expects. Make sure everyone on the team is in agreement with how this will work to avoid challenges and delays down the road
  

• Location, location, Location!
• Discuss and see areas where community engagement workshops or classroom meetings and painting will happen. This needs to be established before step #3. 
• Workshop room needs: Audio/Video for presentation - projector & screen/ TV/smartboard; tables and chairs to accommodate up to 21 people (except K-12)
  
• Some listening sessions may take place with bigger groups, tables not needed - this will be discussed if necessary
  
• Timeline
  
• Discuss client and community needs - ie best days of the week, dates, times for community members to participate, deadlines; special celebration, etc.
  
• These dates will go in the proposal to show each phase of the project, from beginning to end
  

Proposal/Cost estimate

• 1-2 weeks after the meeting Tia will write and submit a proposal outlining scope, objective and cost estimate
• Budget negotiations made and revised if needed
• The proposal is not binding - there's no commitment to do the project
  

3. SIGN CONTRACT

• Project funding must be secured by client before signing contract
• Client must have any needed permits secured. Permission from private property owner must be in writing
• Signing the contract means work can begin. Timelines may need to be revisited if needed.
  

STEPS 4-7: FINISHING THE PROJECT

Every project goes through several stages from design to completion. They are outlined here to give you a basic idea of what is needed and how long the process can take. Every project is different in size and scope so these can vary.

Watercolor design for 'Sherman Park Rising'

 4. MURAL DESIGN

• For community murals, Tia facilitates two in-person community design workshops for people to freely express their feelings about their community or on a topic. Tia uses their ideas to draw inspiration from for the design. She makes a watercolor sketch meant to give the overall concept for approval. The actual painting will look more polished. This normally takes 2-3 weeks 
• For the contracting model, design may be inspired through the initial meeting with the client. A color cartoon is submitted in 2-3 weeks
• Teaching model - the design usually happens in about 20hrs or less, depending on what works best for your organization

5. DESIGN APPROVAL

• Design is submitted electronically (.jpg or .pdf) to project contact person for approval. Contact person shares with appropriate internal parties for approval if applicable
  
• This stage depends on communication turnaround from decision-makers; usually less than a week. If revisions, Tia makes these and resubmits
• Upon approval, design is attached to contract.
  
• For community models, a 1hr public design reveal is scheduled. This is an important step for the community to see how their ideas were used, ask questions and share feedback. It is not a process for revision. It shows people what they can expect.
• Community painting dates and outreach is set and announced at the reveal

Community Painting at SecondFirst Church, Rockford, IL

6. PAINTING THE MURAL

• Community painting days are open to the target community. Adaptations are possible for different group sizes, age and ability needs
• This stage can vary from 1 day to a week or more depending on the size and scope of the mural
• After public painting Tia and local volunteers and assistants paint finishing touches to make it look professional. Tia's trains everyone in her painting techniques for blending colors to match the watercolor. This stage takes 4-6 weeks. 
• Several coats of varnish is applied to protect the mural from weathering, graffiti and UV protection
  
• If panels or polytab is used, installation is scheduled and coordinated nearing completion

'Beauty Opens the Door to Join Us' Mural ribbon cutting with Mayor Tom Barrett (Milwaukee, WI), project organizers, Milwaukee Christian Center

7. MURAL UNVEILING AND CELEBRATION - 1-2hrs

• This is a chance for all to see the completed mural and celebrate the contributions of many
• Celebrations usually scheduled for 1-2hrs and may include ribbon cutting
• Includes a section (usually around 30min) for remarks from select project stakeholders, the artist and select participants

Throughout the process you can expect:

~ Excellent communication during all phases of the project from planning to completion

~ Clear communication of goals and values for the group

~ Timeliness and project follow-through

~ Some flexibility with scheduling and planning

TYPES OF MURALS 

• 1. COMMUNITY MURAL MODEL
• 2. TEACHING MODEL
• 3. CONTRACTING MODEL

'Beauty Opens the Door to Join Us' - community mural for Muskego Way Building Neighborhood Capacity Program

1. COMMUNITY MURAL MODEL (All Ages)

COMMUNITY DESIGN WORKSHOPS

Cosmic Butterfly Design's community murals start with facilitating several 'community design workshops' for people to share what's important to them about their community through a step-by-step process. It offers people a chance to acknowledge the challenges they want to get better, think of choices they or others can make to help improve those, and imagine a brighter future as a result of those choices. Topics can be expanded on to work with themes such as race; social justice; mental health; literacy; what makes a healthy community, or veterinary care to name a few. 

The workshop uses large and small group discussion and a creative activity (no art skills required!). It's a great way for team-building, getting to know your neighbors in an engaging, warm atmosphere.

 

Simple images can express so much more than words. That's why marker drawings are important. No matter what type of stick figure you may use, they help express so much more than words. They inspire feelings and that Tia uses to understand how best to work with the different parts of the community and integrate them into the art. 

Tia spends several weeks refining what was shared into a professional design. Once approved by the initial stakeholders, it is revealed during the 'design reveal', where people can see how their ideas were used, ask and answer questions. When people can see multiple perspectives at once like in a mural it opens the mind in new ways to what's possible and makes the collective intent stronger.  Then everyone can help bring it to life through a series of family-friendly community painting days, 'paint-by-numbers' style. The more hands involved the bigger sense of community the mural has! 

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2. TEACHING MODEL

TALKING CIRCLES (Ages 8+)

An important piece of collaboration is sharing and listening. For some programs involving a dedicated group of participants Tia facilitates talking circles for small groups as a way to practice and develop self-awareness. Traditionally the talking circle comes from indigenous practices used by many cultures around the world, including here in North America. 

The talking circle supports heartfelt listening and speaking. It is adapted here for introductions, ice-breakers, and reflection at the end of a session. The group max size is 10-12 people including the facilitator. (15-30min) 

Programs for K-12 students or other educational programs offer students the chance to work with their peers as part of a fun, age-appropriate community design workshop. Tia works with educators to tailor the process around specific topics (for example, bullying, social justice, cultural pride). Simple group sketches help develop collaboration. Many outcomes of past projects included improved self-esteem through making meaningful contributions to a larger group; increased listening and participation. 

Bradley Tech High School: "Forging New Horizons Together" funded by UWM Access grant

Tia will use the ideas shared during the community design workshop to draw inspiration from for the final design. Once approved by the appropriate stakeholder (identified in the initial meeting) students spend several weeks painting with basic technique. Tia can work one-on-one with smaller group sizes; if more students are involved this process typically would allow for only one or two painting sessions per students.

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3. CONTRACTING MODEL

'The Rebirthing of the Earth Mother' commissioned for Historic Garfield Campus

The contracting models allows the client and artist to work together on the mural design. This can be broadened to include a community design workshop or two plus community paint days, where only the basic colors are added to increase community pride and participation. The mural is finished to a professional touch by Cosmic Butterfly Design.

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PRESENTATIONS

Tia is available to present to audiences of all ages through film screenings, showing video clips and slideshow images of her work. This offers the audience a chance to experience the work for themselves through imagery, video and sound, and then engage in discussion about it.

 

Getting there can seem impossible especially when we're challenged with working with other people who may not share our same experiences, attitudes, habits or beliefs. That's where thinking creatively comes into play. By sharing her journey through different collaborative art efforts Tia hopes to shed some light for others that can help inspire people and discover new potentials within themselves that can impact others and the communities we live in

Some of the themes explored in the journey include:

• Overcoming self-doubt
  
• Breaking down walls of isolation through art
  
• working with diverse people and perspectives
• Working through challenges
  
• Helping us see that we can create something from nothing
• The process of large-scale collaborative public art
  
• Working with painful issues in a constructive way (a healing process through art)
  

1) Film screenings - a 1 or 2hr presentation which includes a virtual or in-person screening of one of two short films about her work with Q&A. ('Rockford Taking Flight' or 'Sherman Park Rising').

2) Slideshow and video - This virtual or in-person format can be worked into just about any format, including workshops. There will need to be a short meeting to discuss what direction, topics or areas of interest the client is interested in addressing with an audience. Tia may use the presentation to touch on those questions or interests.

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RATES

Cosmic Butterfly Design operates based on the needs and scope of the organization and purpose of each mural project. It is best practice for Tia to propose a budget after the first three planning steps. For general inquiries please contact Tia. Initial inquries can not reflect the actual cost of a wall due to the many factors mentioned in steps 1 & 2. 

Presentations rates are flexible. They may be done free of charge for groups that need it (for example, being invited into a teacher's K-12 classroom). For professional events, such as keynotes, youth organizations, business events, conferences, etc; a typical honorarium is $100-$300/hr. If your organization already has a standard honorarium then that would be honored.

 

Travel, food and lodging: These would need to be covered as part of an honorarium or reimbursed.

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