The Mitras are a family of 4 who are one of the most quirky, intelligent, creative, and humble clients I’ve had the pleasure to serve. The family already owns a collection of my Dream Bird paintings and prints, which then led to commissioning custom art for their home.
When they reached out to me for a Dream Bird Mural to brighten up the kid's playroom, I was both excited and nervous. Excited to make custom art for a client who already loves Dream Bird style. Nervous that it was the first mural I’d be doing in someone’s sacred space - their home.
This mural was completed Winter of 2021. When I had my 2nd child in May 2020, I stayed home, on lockdown, avoiding any and all germs and people, with my toddler and baby. It felt strange going back to work, interacting physically close with people, and being in someone else’s personal space.
Unexpected Feedback
It took me building several concepts to finally realize how to approach this project. My primary goal was to incorporate an element from their heritage, which ending up being flowers inspired by henna patterns from their wedding.
After the initial concept failed to spark joy in the client, Mama Mitra encouraged me to stick to my unique style which she felt was lacking. Fortunately, Mama Mitra is skilled in providing constructive feedback. Her expertise is in coaching, public speaking, and facilitation. This made having conversations about the final concept to be productive and empowering.
Sketch 1 - Dream Bird Henna Mural
Sketch 1: I recall the client saying it looked like wallpaper, which is correct. Wallpaper was what I was going for. But why was I going for wallpaper? And where is Dream Bird?
It’s not what Mama Mitra loves about her current Dream Bird art collection. I started from scratch and made a new concept.
Having a client point out that my own style is missing from my art was an eye opening. This has been the problem all long. The Mitras were exceptionally patient while I took time to get over my insecurities as an artist to put forth my best work.
Sketch 2 - Dream Bird Henna Mural
Sketch 2: Mama Mitra loves the chrysanthemum mural I did for Roostar Spring Branch, so in they went and we both love the direction it’s going.
Sketch 3 - Dream Bird Henna Mural
Sketch 3 / Final Concept: I added 2 Dream Birds that represent their 2 kids and more henna inspired patterns.
Takeaways Beyond the Art
Artistic Practice: I became aware of my shortcomings as an artist that I need to overcome if I want to keep going. In order to develop a unique artistic style, I have to keep painting what I want, in my own way. Trust my artistic instincts when it comes to design and have fun sketching. If I’m not having fun, then it’s not me. In this mural, I developed a new kind of flower pattern, which I still use today.
Mama Mitra and I in front of the completed mural.
Business: I learned a crucial lesson in customer service of inundating the client with too many options. A background color had to be chosen and I presented too many options making it overwhelming.
Personal: Mama Mitra has became a friend. She’s been a voice of empowerment throughout the creative process which is not at all typical. As the artist, I need to be the one leading the process and now I understand how to do it.
Thank you Mitra family for letting me into your home!
Progress Shots
The blank wall with a sample of background colors painted on for the client to choose.
After sketching the design, I painted the background first.
I worked on the most challenging part first, which is the bottom henna inspired pattern that required radial symmetry.
Completed Mural
Dream Bird Henna Flowers, 2021. 9ft tall x 14 ft wide.
Kid friendly playroom mural.
