Cindy Guare Paint & Design

I usually use a more standard system for faux finishing, roughly by the square ft. Illustration and/or graphic design work is often done at an hourly rate for smaller jobs and a base and/or package price for larger projects or more complicated things. Murals and other decorative projects take into account many variables - substrate, degree of difficulty, detail, products desired, therefore pricing varies accordingly.

I like to personally meet with the client and hear their ideas., see what the project entails. Then, I would have information to go off of to work up a written estimate. If we agree to work together, I will then start working on drawings or samples. I send digital comps and I communicate with the client and revise as necessary until the preliminary work is agreed upon. If it's a long distance client with graphic design or illustration needs, we can speak by phone and everything can be handled over the internet, from concept to creation for digital or print.

I graduated at the top of my class in 2000 from the Art Center Design College in Tucson. I received a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising Art. I also studied in San Antonio, Texas and Italy for faux finishing and decorative painting - under the tutelage of 3 master decorative painters.

I have been an artist my entire life. I went back to school after my son grew up and received a degree in graphic design and advertising art. I worked as a graphic designer in a corporate setting for 2 years and decided I wanted to be out and about instead of sitting in a gray cubicle trying to be creative. I like the physical aspect of painting and texturing large spaces. I appreciate the challenges my clients present. I enjoy beautifying their spaces.

Corporate Homeowners Disabled individuals Children Pets

I just finished painting a Greek village on 2 walls in a client's back yard. Several years ago he'd tried to paint an island on his patio wall by himself (unsuccessfully). He hired me and I painted the walls surrounding his yard and pool; an island, ocean, cliffs and sky. He asked me back and I painted a village which visually expands his patio area. He feels like he's sitting in a piazza by the ocean. It took me 2 weeks because I was working around the sun and extreme heat.

Have an idea of what you're looking to accomplish. If you don't know, that's fine, but it helps to provide images of things you like or have in mind. Look online and/or get references from people you talk to. Set up a meeting. Get a feel for the person. How well can you communicate with them? Have you seen their work? Do you feel comfortable with this person?

How much is your budget? Do you have a clear idea of what you want or do you want them to help you figure it out? What are your likes or dislikes in regard to your project? Do you have a deadline? If so, give yourself and the professional plenty of time to work on it without having to rush or cut corners. Be realistic about costs. Remember, there's not just the actual work but many other factors the professional has to take into consideration, gas and travel time - research - time and materials to make samples, etc...time and materials for the physical work part of the project. Not to mention their expertise, skill level, and their ability to do what they say they're going to do in a timely manner.