Scaling Up! Miguel Almeida Talks First Time Mural Work!
Scaling Up! is an ongoing blog series where GCPF artists reflect on their first large format murals and share what new projects are on the horizon!
Miguel Almeida was one of the first muralists commissioned to work on a project for GCPF. Prior to these projects, Miguel hadn’t produced a large format mural. Looking back, we wanted to share Miguels thoughts on the process and how the structure and support of GCPF helped make the work possible.
So I know this was your first time painting your work on a larger scale, how did you feel going into your first large format mural?
Miguel Almeida: Going into my first mural I was a bit nervous especially after I drove by the wall I was going to paint. I remember Matt hitting me up and asking if I wanted to jump on a last minute mural project and nervously/excitingly saying yes. I had maybe 2 weeks to create a concept and then start the execution. Before this project I was doing a lot of digital commissioned work with some painting here and there. I had never painted anything larger than a few 4’ x 2’ full color pieces. So seeing a 12’ x 15’ was a little intimidating. Luckily through my practice I’ve learned to utilize digital software tools in my commission work but also in my traditional practice. I broke it down into steps and once I started the process of doing it I found my rhythm.
You mentioned a few times that working with GCPF made the process feel more achievable. How did you feel supported and how did that influence or improve your experience as an artist?
MA: Yes, y’all definitely have helped a lot. I think the energy y’all brought and support really made a huge difference for me. I really appreciate it and for all the times everyone was down to help and provide equipment.
It was also super rad getting to work with Ashley, James, and Julia. I was able to chat with them and pick their brains about art stuff. I feel like I am normally just tucked away in my studio working away, so getting to hang with other artists was very inspiring/fun.
“The biggest change [since working with GCPF] has been that the doors to mural work have been opened. Since doing that first one I have been able to get more mural gigs and approached by those interested in working with me.”
What did you learn through the process of working on your first large mural? What personal lessons did you learn? How did you improve your workflow? What tools did you discover and use?
MA: The first mural I did on Zions art studio definitely was a challenging one. Aside from it being my first large scale work, the wall was super porous. I had to try different brushes and methods of applying paint. I ended up using small rollers like paint brushes and was stabbing the wall a lot with paint brushes haha. I love getting super crisp lines on my work and sometimes can drive myself mad when trying to achieve that. Overall the main thing that improved my workflow was finding the correct brushes that can achieve the line work and level of crispness I desire. Luckily Ashley recommended a shortcut brush and so far it is my favorite mural brush. One good lesson I learned was to not use chalk for sketching if you are in the middle of Spring in Idaho. I got lucky though and was pretty far ahead when the rain hit and washed away my sketch marks. From now on its paint markers or sharpies for sketching out murals.
What changed for you since doing your first mural with GCPF?
MA: The biggest change has been that the doors to mural work have been opened. Since doing that first one I have been able to get more mural gigs and approached by those interested in working with me. It's pretty wild to think that I went from having zero mural jobs to all of sudden a nice handful in less than a year. I think had I not gotten this great opportunity with the GCPF that I would not be in the place I am with mural work. I know I've said it before but thank y’all so much for believing and trusting me!
“It’s pretty insane to think that I’ll be painting something at Google. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet haha!”
What’s on the horizon? Do you have any new mural projects coming up you want to share?
MA: I have two mural installations coming up and I am also working on pitching a mural concept. At the end of August I am going out to Kirkland, WA to paint a mural in one of Google's buildings. It's pretty insane to think that I'll be painting something at Google. I don’t think it's fully sunk in yet haha but I just finalized the work in my Ipad and can’t wait to bring it to life.
After I get back in Boise from Washington I will start a mural at Tully skatepark in Meridian. That one is going to be lots of fun and very special to me. I’ve been skateboarding for about 17 years now and still love it as much as I did when I first started at age 12. I’ve loved all the artwork in skateboarding and it's gonna be super rad to have my artwork installed at a local skatepark. The biggest challenge is gonna be limiting my skate breaks while painting it haha.
What’s something you want to say or pass along to emerging artists and future first time muralists of Garden City Placemaking Fund?
MA: I would say for emerging artists don’t be afraid to ask other artists questions or for advice. I used to be afraid to reach out to other artists, but in reality we all are so down to help and pass on advice. A lot of us learn things the hard way so for me if I can save others from making the same mistakes I'm all for helping out. For future first time muralists, it's totally okay to be intimidated by a large scale work, I definitely was. Just remember it's all a process and break it down into smaller steps. Planning can help a lot when starting a mural. Knowing what to tackle first and then the following is a good thing to know. Going in with a plan can save you time while working.
