27 Feb From Page to Wall: Adapting Illustrations into Wall Murals

As an illustrator, I’m always thinking about how an image lives beyond the page. Recently, I’ve been exploring how my work can translate into large-scale vinyl wall murals—bringing character-led, story-driven illustration into physical spaces. While my work often begins in sketchbooks or paper cut collage, the core of it—narrative, composition and atmosphere—naturally lends itself to larger environments. A mural offers the opportunity to immerse a viewer in a scene which does requires a shift in mindset when designing. Details that work beautifully in a book or editorial piece may need simplifying, while other elements—composition, colour blocks and character silhouettes—become even more important at a distance.

Thinking in Scale

• Building compositions that read clearly from across a room

• Using colour intentionally to guide the eye through a space
• Considering how different sections of the artwork reveal themselves as you move past them

Translating artwork into vinyl involves more than just enlarging a file. It’s about preparing artwork so it works practically and visually at scale. Some of the key considerations I work through when transforming an illustration to installation is about knowing the space. Allowing space for architectural features like doors, windows or fixtures is essential. Thinking about surface types (painted walls, glass, wood) and how colour may appear differently depending on the material is also critical to the final finish.

Once I have an initial idea and concept sketch I’m happy with I work on my iPad to create the final artwork in high resolution which ensures clarity at large sizes. Using grids I also plan for panel joins and bleed, so the design aligns seamlessly once installed and there aren’t any annoying joins through an important sections such as a characters face.

This was the inspiration for my first vinyl mural. My youngest son loves to create things with me and watches my paper cut collage process. Getting hands on he created this initial children’s sloth character on the left hand side. I scanned the paper design into my iPad and got to making a few tweaks whilst desperately trying not to erase all the joyful naivety of a 4 year olds art.

Designing for real spaces.

What excites me most about mural work is how illustration interacts with a specific environment. Whether it’s a calm, nature-inspired piece for a wellbeing space or a playful, character-led design for a children’s bedroom, the artwork becomes part of how a place feels. I’m particularly drawn to artwork that balances bold visual impact using my strong cut out shapes with textural colours. I always love making nature-inspired scenes that echo outdoor landscapes which can incorporate gentle, narrative details that reveal themselves over time

An Extension of Storytelling

At its heart, this feels like a natural extension of my illustration practice—just on a larger canvas. The same focus on storytelling, atmosphere and character remains, but with the added dimension of space and movement. I’m currently open to opportunities to develop mural projects and collaborate with clients looking to bring illustrated storytelling into interiors – welcome to get in touch