Frequently Asked Questions

  • AJA sounds like Ajay - abbreviation for Adrian Joseph Alexander, styled without periods (preferably not A.J.A. or AJ or Aja).

    Louden sounds like Loud-En - rhymes with cloud-men.

Murals

  • Good question. Each project is individual, and thus timelines are provided on a case-by-case basis. Spraypaint is quick, so a lot can get done even in a few short hours: A small mural can take as little as a week to paint, but there’s a lot of preparation involved before painting starts. From deposit to delivery, things like concept development, scheduling, approvals and ordering supplies take time.

    To book a project, anything less than 6-8 weeks in advance of even a minor commitment is considered a short timeline. Exceptions can be made, but do generally come with a rush fee. The studio can book up months in advance, especially in the spring and summer months, so scheduling is often the bigger challenge.

    That said, send a message anyways and we'll see what we can do!

  • Since the work is art-based, everything is custom, so there isn't a standardized system of pricing. Use our Get a Quote form for more information.

  • Most of our work is created on a commission basis. AJA does occasionally offer personal pieces for purchase, often in support of organizations.

  • AJA does research and consults with you to build a concept, then provides a concept sketch before painting gets started. This is the best opportunity for you to provide feedback.

    AJA asks for a fair share of artistic control which allows for his best work, but is happy to accommodate your input and a couple of rounds of revisions within reason. Additional revisions may incur extra costs.

    Artists work closely with clients while the piece is in progress to ensure that you are satisfied with the colour, balance, mood, and direction of the piece.

  • A deposit of between 30-50% of the project is required in order to start the concept development and order materials, with the rest paid upon completion.

  • In general, minimal maintenance is required. Outdoor murals can be clear-coated to protect against damage and make them easy to clean. Dust and debris can build up between seasons; a light wash with clean, warm water is appropriate.

    Indoor murals require little to no maintenance. If the mural needs cleaning, a light wash with clean warm water and a microfibre cloth is fine. Soap is not generally recommended.

  • Involving the community in the process can often create a sense of ownership over a new mural! AJA’s goal as an artist is focused on adding meaning and beauty, not preventing graffiti. That said, murals can be coated so they are protected from unsanctioned additions after they’ve been painted. This coating allows you to wash off any vandalism without damaging the original mural.

  • The individual or group that commissioned the mural owns the physical mural, but this should be made clear in a written contract with the wall owner.

  • The artist owns the copyright of the mural unless this is waived in a written contract. It is common for the group that commissions or manages a mural project to ask for permission to reproduce images of the mural for promotional purposes. If merchandise is created and sold, such as postcards, prints and posters, an arrangement should be made regarding payment of royalties for the use of the image.

Artist in Residence

  • This depends on the scope of what we'd like to work on together. The number of students who will receive instruction, the scale of art being made, the length of the collaboration, and the materials used are all factors. AJA is happy to chat through this together and see what an ideal collaboration might look like!

    Use our Get a Quote form for more information.

  • Definitely heard that one before! An important part of my workshops is the lecture component that touches on the unsanctioned or illegal nature of street art and graffiti and why that's always been important to the artform. The workshop is always taught in safe, legal locations and the risks and consequences (both for someone getting arrested for mischief and the property affected) of illegal street art and graffiti are a point of honest discussion and conversation.

    In absolutely no way shape or form is the Aerosol Academy an anti-graffiti or graffiti-abatement oriented program. Ensuring safety and understanding the moral and legal consequences of personal choices is still a key lesson. Extensive experiences with law enforcement have provided a wizened perspective and more maturity, foresight and responsibility to be shared by the lead artist.

Get in Touch

Contact us today with questions and inquiries. We’d love to talk through your creative project and learn how we can work together.