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how do i make large images for wall murals
That is a broad question.
To start with the basics: measure the wall where the printed mural will be installed. The design must be the same size as the wall. For example, if the wall measures 9 feet fall by 18 feet wide the Illustrator document needs to be the same size. Take note of any physical obstacles on the wall (power outlets, fire extinguisher, etc) or obstacles in front of the wall (furniture, desks, potted plants, etc).
IMPORTANT: choose a proper Document Raster Effects Settings le
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That is a broad question.
To start with the basics: measure the wall where the printed mural will be installed. The design must be the same size as the wall. For example, if the wall measures 9 feet fall by 18 feet wide the Illustrator document needs to be the same size. Take note of any physical obstacles on the wall (power outlets, fire extinguisher, etc) or obstacles in front of the wall (furniture, desks, potted plants, etc).
IMPORTANT: choose a proper Document Raster Effects Settings level for the large format design. You can change this setting by going to the Effect menu and choosing Document Raster Effects Settings. 300ppi may be good for a letter sized piece of paper, but it's bad for large format work. A movie poster "one sheet" can be 150ppi. A vehicle wrap can be 72ppi. A full size 48' X 14' billboard design can be 25ppi (in large canvas mode).
If the wall is really huge the design might need to be created at a reduced scale, be it 50% of actual size, 25%, 10% or the common 1" = 1' scale. If you work in scale the document raster effects setting will have to be adjusted proportionately. For example, a billboard design in 1" = 1' scale could have a 300ppi raster effects setting; when scaled 1200% to full size that would work out to 25ppi.
Talk to the people who will be doing the print work and installation and see if the artwork needs to meet any special requirements. They may want certain file types used (PDF, AI, etc). They may want the document produced using certain color settings. Or they may want all live type objects converted to outlines. They may want a certain amount of bleed incorporated around the design. Wall wraps, vehicle wraps, billboard faces, etc do not install perfectly. There has to be a little excess wiggle room for error. It's easier to take these issues into account before creating the design rather than trying to adjust the design after the fact.
All of that is just to get started.
When it comes to the actual design concept it's very important to consider the typical viewing distance from where people will typically see the mural. Is this an interior wall in an office or lobby? Is it an exterior wall on a building? If the design is on an outdoor wall will most people be viewing the design from passing vehicles? If so, they would only be able to look at the design for a couple seconds. These issues can help determine just how simple or complex the design concept should be.