Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Vic Lee?

Vic Lee is a London-based artist, muralist, storyteller, mapmaker, author and speaker. Projects have ranged from large-scale murals and installations to product collaborations, artist editions and speaking engagements. Known for his intricate hand-drawn artworks that combine typography, illustration and storytelling, Vic works across murals, brand collaborations, original artworks, books and speaking engagements. His work has been commissioned by brands and organisations including Pokémon, McLaren Racing, Virgin Voyages, BBC Studios and the Royal Shakespeare Company. You can read more here.

Where is Vic Lee based?

I am based in Peckham, South East London, but work internationally and regularly travel for commissions, speaking engagements and artist residencies.

Who has Vic Lee worked with?

Over the years I have worked with brands, organisations and institutions including Pokémon, McLaren Racing, Virgin Voyages, the Royal Shakespeare Company, BBC Studios, Bloomberg and Deloitte. Every project is approached individually, with storytelling and craftsmanship at its core. You can view some of my projects here.

What types of clients commission Vic Lee?

I work with a broad range of clients, from global brands and creative agencies to hotels, universities, cultural institutions and independent businesses. What they all have in common is a desire to tell a story in a memorable and engaging way.

Do you work with architects, interior designers and project managers?

On many projects I work very closely with architects, interior design firms and project managers. It’s important to form a relationship with all members of the team to have a successful outcome. As I may be painting on a working site, under construction or refurbishment, I am in close contact not only with planners and account handlers, but site managers and on-site teams too. I liaise with different departments and crews on materials, surface finishes and accessibility both prior to and during the painting stage.

What type of commissions do you take on?

All sorts. Commissions range from murals and public artworks to product collaborations, artist editions, branding projects and installations. I get asked to paint on various surfaces and for products. If you have a project in mind, be brave and let me know. Anything is possible. Have a look here.

What makes Vic Lee's artwork distinctive?

My work combines illustration, typography and storytelling. I use words as much as images. Drawing inspiration from traditional signwriting, Victorian scrollwork, tattoos, pattern and nature, the aim is always to create artwork that rewards curiosity. The longer you look, the more you discover. You can see the breadth of my art here.

Can you paint murals outdoors?

I do outdoor murals that are built for longevity. These are hand inked in the traditional way, scanned, digitised and artworked. They are then printed to a cladding material such as Di-bond panels and fixed on site. These have been created for hotels, local authorities and events. Browse my mural projects here.

Can you paint murals indoors?

These are my primary mural types. Created for brands, corporates and companies as permanent artworks inside their spaces, offices and studios. The materials are non-toxic, water-based and permanent, with added UV resistance.

Do you paint murals in colour?

Most of the murals I paint are in black and white, mainly because of the environment they are in. If you imagine the interior design aspects of a space , sofas, plants, flowers and furnishings , the mural becomes part of the environment rather than competing with it.

I do on occasion add colour to murals as a highlight, for instance incorporating brand colours.

How much does a Vic Lee mural cost?

I work on a licence basis for every project. This takes into account where the artwork is used and how it is used. It could be specifically for a mural inside a space, or artwork that will be used in advertising and marketing. The cost is based on the client, its uses and territories.

How long does a mural take?

As a guide, the actual painting of a mural measuring approximately 5m x 2.5m would take around five days. But there is also an incredible amount of research that goes into each project to develop the right language and story for the client. I can spend weeks gathering information and creating sketch work before a final design is agreed.

Do you work internationally?

Yes. I paint all over the world and have completed projects throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

How does the commission process work?

Firstly, costs are agreed and a contract is drawn up outlining the deliverables and licence agreement. A 25% deposit is invoiced to secure my time.

Then the planning starts. I will either meet in person or virtually to discuss the project with the client, explain how I work and what I need from them. Clients share information about who they are, what they do and where they want to position themselves.

I always look for the human side in every client. I ask for quirky stories and lesser-known moments that help create an artwork that feels personal and authentic.

Have you worked with major international brands?

Yes. Vic Lee has collaborated with global brands and organisations including Pokémon, McLaren Racing, Virgin Voyages, BBC Studios, The Famous Grouse, Bloomberg, Deloitte and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Projects have ranged from large-scale murals and special editions to speaking engagements, creative collaborations and product launches.

Do you sell original Vic Lee artworks?

Yes, I do. I have a selection available in the Art section of the website. For enquiries you can email me directly and join my newsletter for updates on new collections and releases.

What materials do you use?

It’s important for me as an artist to have as little impact on the environment as possible. The materials I use are water-based and environmentally friendly.

My average waste on a mural could probably fit inside a matchbox. I have used the same pens for over 15 years, simply refilling them when needed. The only waste tends to be the occasional nib that needs replacing.

The surfaces themselves can be canvas, paper, walls or physical objects.

Have you completed artist residencies?

Yes. I have been invited to undertake artist residencies in Italy, Malta, China and the UK. Residencies are an opportunity to focus entirely on making, observation and developing new ideas away from the distractions of everyday life.

What are your creative talks about?

I share how I started, not simply as an artist, but from childhood. I think it’s important to understand a person through their upbringing and the hurdles they overcome.

I share my thought processes and how I often think laterally rather than literally. For me, a talk should be a conversation. Simply showing work and talking about it is not a representation of who I am.

I speak honestly about the highs and lows of working as a creative, running a business and taking chances. You can watch a talk here.

Can you tailor your creative talks to us as a client?

Yes. I have delivered talks for organisations including Deloitte, Bloomberg, Pokémon, the BBC, creative studios, charities, schools and universities.

Every talk is adapted to the audience, ensuring it is relevant, inspiring and engaging for the people in the room.

How far in advance should people book you?

Every day is different. I receive enquiries every week for commissions, artwork, speaking events and collaborations.

If you have a project or event in mind, get in touch. Many times I can work around existing commitments. For mural commissions, I would generally recommend allowing a minimum of two to three months for research, planning and client liaison.

Do you do digital artwork for commissions?

Yes. While many commissions begin in pen and ink, I also work digitally.

Many clients require artwork that can be reproduced in print, so I may create illustrations digitally in Procreate before converting them into Photoshop or vector files for production.

Murals can also begin as traditional hand-drawn artworks before being scanned and reproduced digitally.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

To be honest, everywhere.

The street is an amazing place. We are surrounded by pattern, colour and design wherever we look. Much of my work uses elaborate patterns, typography and references to nature, so there is no better place than the outdoors for inspiration, whether that’s in the city or the countryside.