I just reached my first anniversary on this amazing Platform last month, and I thought I would share some things I’ve learned.
1.) Save your long weekends to mural hunt!
Less cars in front of murals and overall less people around.
Last long weekend I was able to take wonderful pics of one of the newest murals in Edmonton with no cars in front of it.
2.) Pokemon Go
I wouldn’t always trust all the info on it, but murals are used as Poke- stops and I’ve occasionally found some hidden gems.
3.) Wear good shoes
I’ve walked 10-20 km before mural hunting, as I do think it’s easier on feet. Going down alleys and peeking around buildings to find some amazing art
4.) Ask local businesses politely
Yesterday I went to a local flower shop that has a beautiful mural on the side of its building that is unfortunately locked behind a gate. I was able to at least ask the store who the artist was. She thanked me for taking an interest in it.
5.) take the mural tours
I do know a lot of the murals around my city, but mural tours do help verify info as these individuals also put a lot of research into them.
If you see anyone else taking an interest in the mural you’re looking at, have a chat with them! They might know about other murals in the area that you don’t know about, or can offer insight into the stories behind murals that can make the enjoyment so much greater!
If you see bridges around, go check them. If there is a hood with massive big appartment buildings, only 1 wall pinned on the map. Check all the buildings, usually these walls are a part of bigger projects:).
For murals in business areas, especially those with gates/shutters, I like to hunt on Sunday mornings. A lot less blocking by cars, and more painted gates are down because a lot of businesses are closed.
I always remind myself to look up and look down. Sometimes there are really great pieces up high on buildings, and there can also be some great stuff painted on sidewalks.
Finally, I follow a lot of the street artists who paint in my city on Instagram so that I see when they do something new. Often, when I go see their new art I will find other new art in the vicinity that I didn’t know about.
Congratz on the anniversary, glad you decided to share these tips.
Some extra tips from my side.
Follow your instincts and always look behind you, or around corners.
Do some extra research on the web or IG, you might find some new stuff.
About those mural tours, book with the real guides who give you an authentic experience. Stay away from those hyper commercial organizations who scrape their info from the web or SAC
Some really good advice. The truth is, wearing good shoes is important if you want to be able to go for another walk the next day.
And going out at the weekend is also a good idea, especially first thing on Sundays: you’ll find the city very quiet and slowly waking up, with lots of locals who’ll give you tips on the area.
Setting off early in Spain – especially in summer – is also good advice, because the midday sun is very intense later on.
Yes, it is a several day work, take photos on Sunday, and go back during week days for information in case you cannot find out who the artist is .
You also have to have to put other factors in the blender, wheather, day light , etc etc. In Southern Europe for instance you have right now more than 12 hours of direct Sunlight, which ruins every picture, so you have to go out at night, and there is a very short window for proper lighting, which makes it even more interesting to catch the right light for pictures
40°C. 35 km of walking in one day(Portomaggiore / Ravenna).
For some unknown reason , I was always convinced that you have to walk your entire hunt. Well… I almost fainted. I literally stumbled into a store, where they kindly gave me some water.
Never. Never. Never again.
Don’t be the hero. Take care of your health, folks.
Nowadays, I’m always looking out for shared bikes. And I’ve completely changed my mindset: I’m happy with what I’ve seen, rather than thinking about all the walls I might have missed.
When I’m tired, I’m tired. When I need a rest day, I need a rest day.
I’m becoming more and more into slow travel. This year: In July: 9 days in Zaragoza. In March: 9 days in London. In May: around 14 days in Patras and Athens.
It gives you the opportunity to really experience a place, go local, take your time… . Make some daytrips.
I use public transport when I visit places (I’m old and can’t walk as far as I used to! ). I have seen art looking out of the bus window, quickly noted where it was, then gone back later to take photos.
, I was always convinced that you have to walk your entire hunt. Well… I almost fainted. I literally stumbled into a store, where they kindly gave me some water.