Mikaela Herrick

I’m a digitally informed muralist based in Idaho. I’m originally from Colorado but have made Idaho my home. My work is inspired by the nature of Idaho and the creation of impactful works. Whether I'm painting or doing graphic design, I enjoy discovering new ways to express myself while inspiring and assisting others. I often use my digital skills to inform and create my paintings and murals.

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I started painting at an early age and have found that my favorite subjects are landscapes, flowers, abstract, and still life. The mediums I use are oils and acrylics. I use both pallet knives and brushes throughout my painting process. The atmosphere of my paintings is intended to depict emotion through value and brushstroke techniques. I want my paintings to make a difference through emotional connection or inspiration. Painting on canvas has led me to the challenge of painting on a larger scale.

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I completed my first mural in the summer of 2023. I enjoy working on a larger scale and want my murals to encourage people to slow down and admire their surroundings. I often find myself using digital tools to help me build my murals. During my proposal process, I use Procreate and Illustrator to create the mural. Then, I use Photoshop to mock up the mural design on the building to see how it brings the building to life. The mockups communicate how my pieces will live in the environment and allow me to make changes before painting.

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My latest mural, “Here We Have Idaho,” is in downtown Moscow, Idaho. My goal with this mural is to bring this formerly uninspiring building to life, introduce more public art to the streets of Moscow, and express my love of Idaho. I first went on-site and walked around the area to see and visualize the environment around the wall. I then sketched out multiple appropriate designs for a proposal. Next, I digitally created the designs and photoshopped them onto the building. My canvas was a roughcast surface, which presented design and painting difficulties, yet every outdoor space, site, and building offers various challenges. I spent many hours drawing guides with chalk, placing tape stencils, and spray painting the final design.

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Every mural has many challenges, such as weather, texture, and size. However, I love conjuring the challenges they bring and feeling the excitement of the finished outcome. My painting and graphic design skills heavily influence my mural process. I can't wait to carry on and discover more about my mural journey. Making a difference and producing various kinds of art is something I like to do. Overall, I enjoy making art, and I do it to make other people happy.