“The Wall That Started It All.”
Sometimes, the beginning of a journey isn’t glamorous—it’s Craigslist. That’s where I found the posting that led to my first mural project: a school needed an educational mural about road safety for students aged 7 to 12. At the time, I had no experience painting murals, but I confidently assured the teacher—the project liaison—that I could deliver without a hitch. To be honest, I had no clue how to paint a mural. But that moment taught me an important lesson: sometimes, you just have to say yes and trust yourself to figure it out.
Craigslist: A popular online classified ads platform in the early 2000s
After the meeting, I walked straight into a nearby paint store and explained what I needed to do. The store owner generously shared his expertise, walking me through the materials: epoxy paint for the concrete floor, thinner, brushes, containers, and tools to stir and open cans. That conversation, combined with hours of online research, became my crash course in mural painting.
Credits : Chin Hoe Hup Kee Hardware @ Tampines Street 11, Singapore
Interestingly, my first “wall” wasn’t a wall at all—it was a floor.
I quickly assembled a small team of four, schoolmates from my fine arts program at LASALLE College of the Arts, to co-develop the design and paint the mural. Together, we drafted the concept, refined it with the client, and brought it to life over two weeks of hard, exhilarating work. Standing back and looking at the finished piece, I felt a surge of optimism—this could be the start of something bigger.
Educational floor mural on road safety at Griffiths Primary School Completed December 2013)
That first project exposed me to two new skills: negotiation and team management. I learned to navigate client expectations, motivate a small team, and problem-solve on the go. Most importantly, I realized that creative talent alone wasn’t enough.
Key Lessons From My First Mural
1. Say Yes Before You’re Ready
Confidence, even when you’re still learning, can open doors. Trust yourself to adapt and grow as you go.
2. Learn the B-Side of Arts
Creative talent isn’t enough. Understand negotiation, budgeting, team coordination, and fundamental business skills to thrive.
3. Every Project is a Crash Course
My first mural wasn’t just about painting. It taught me about materials, team dynamics, and the logistics of executing a vision.
Looking back, that first mural wasn’t just a project—it was a pivotal moment. It marked the start of my journey, not only as a muralist but as someone willing to bet on themselves and grow through every challenge. Those early lessons laid the foundation for everything Mural Lingo would become.
Next Post: The 8 Key Skills for a Creative Solopreneur
In the next post, I’ll share the 8 key skills—both creative and business—that I discovered were essential for anyone starting as a creative entrepreneur.
