The night sky is a fascination but difficult to see clearly in a modern community. Provide murals as a business venture and a way to reconnect clients to the wonder of the universe. This kind of business is based on the use of simple stenciling and template techniques and glow-in-the-dark paint.
Design the Product
Consider the different views of the night sky---Zodiac, Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere constellations---there are 88 in all. Begin by creating separate templates of each constellation using card stock. Save a copy of the original artwork on the computer to make new templates as they wear out from use and to enlarge the templates as needed. Punch each star point in the constellation by using the appropriate-size hole punch. The templates can be used separately or combined to create a new ceiling for each client. Use a spatter-paint technique to create the background for the constellations.
Price the Product
Design and price a series of six or more standard ceiling templates to offer clients. For example, offer a zodiac ceiling, a winter solstice sky (at Christmas), a summer solstice sky (for the Fourth of July), spring equinox sky (at Easter), fall equinox sky (for Harvest or Halloween time), or a single constellation from the southern hemisphere (Apus, Phoenix, Chamaeleon) or the northern hemisphere (Orion, Pegasus, Andromeda). Add a price for a custom ceiling option: the night sky on a special date, or a galaxy. Consider different ways to price the product---per square foot of ceiling space painted or per constellation, for example. Estimate the labor involved, the price of the materials used and any obstacles that might make the work more difficult like ceiling height (the purchase or rental of a ladder may be necessary).
Create a Portfolio
Paint a few ceilings to see how the process works before creating a glow-in-the-dark star mural business. Paint a family member's room, create a special custom star mural for a friend or volunteer to paint a mural for a local youth organization. Photograph the result and take a few pictures of the process so that clients can see how the job unfolds. Compile the photos into a portfolio to show potential customers. Design several portfolios: one in a binder format to carry, one for online and one in a DVD or CD format.
Market the Product
Search out local advertising opportunities that cater to a target audience---children, interior decorators and designers, adult sky-watchers. Locate local children's magazines and newspapers to advertise in or events that draw the target audience--including sky-watching groups, educational lectures, eclipses--and advertise in their flier or newsletter. Stimulate interest in glow in the dark murals by advertising at local fairs and festivals. Rent a booth, show photographs of the work, hand out business cards and offer a package deal; for example, one free mural for the purchase of two or two murals for the price of one.
Tags: Consider different, constellation using, glow-in-the-dark star