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MIKAELA KARTHIK DESIGN

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About
Hi Hello Hey! I’m Mikaela Bernhardt, the artist and designer behind Mikaela Karthik Design: a Berkeley-based studio specializing in San Francisco Bay Area, site specific murals for commercial and residential boutique destinations. Always designed to elevate atmosphere, strengthen brand identity, and celebrate community. As a lifelong artist with a background in the Architecture and Engineering industry, I approach murals and signage painting projects through both a strategic and artistic lens. I don’t simply paint walls. I design environments that are intentional, experiential, and rooted in context. Murals are tools for placemaking: reinforcing purpose, deepening connection, and transforming space into place. My work begins with site analysis: studying scale, circulation, lighting, architecture, brand identity, and how people actually experience a space, maintenance needs, and long-term visual impact. For businesses, this means aligning murals and signage with brand identity while creating immersive, user-driven moments that encourage interaction and organic marketing. For residential clients, this means responding thoughtfully to lifestyle, personality, and the emotional tone of the home. For civic and community projects, it means honoring local identity and reinforcing a sense of place. My visual language is bold, graphic and intentional: think layered color fields, bold organic shapes, intricate line work, and abstracted forms rooted in traditions of digital illustration rather than murals that try to look like realistic photographs.
Overview

Hired 1 time

Serves Berkeley, CA

Background checked

1 employee

2 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Instagram

Services offered

Type of property

Residential

Commercial

Mural size

Small (less than 25 sq ft)

Medium (25 - 50 sq ft)

Large (50 - 100 sq ft)

Very large (over 100 sq ft)

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and value.

5.0

3 reviews

5

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pro avatar
Mary M.

2 weeks ago

Hired on Thumbtack

There aren't enough good things to say about Mikaela. She created a true work of art in our office. She jumped right in and worked with us to make a vision (because we really didn't know what we wanted) then executed in a better way than we could even imagine! It's not just WHAT she does that is spectacular but HOW she does it. She has the best personality. I consider her a friend now after meeting her on Thumbtack. If you are on the fence, HIRE HER!! She is amazing.

Details: Indoor wall(s) • Commercial • Large (50 - 100 sq ft) • Renter, with owner’s permission to do this job

Muralist
pro avatar
Sravanti T.

2 weeks ago

Mikaela is a thoughtful collaborator and has strong artistic vision. We collaborated on a merch piece for my company, and loved how she was able to draw from both Indian and western influences! She's empathetic, communicative, and has strong professionalism. She's my first call for our home mural needs!
pro avatar
Giti M.

Nov 17, 2025

It’s rare to find someone who has such excellent artistry combined with high-quality administrative and business skills! I loved my experience with Mikaela. Everything from the design process through implementation was done with such care. Thank you for sharing your creativity and time with us, Mikaela!
Credentials
Background Check

Mikaela Bernhardt

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    A great working relationship starts with clarity to make the process smooth, respectful, and collaborative from the start. Pricing Basics Project pricing ranges from $4,000-$15,000+ depending on wall size, complexity, wall condition, and location. Mikaela has a $3,000 minimum. Initial Consultation Fees Projects typically begin with a paid on-site consultation that includes a walkthrough, creative conversation, and wall condition assessment (no design work provided yet). If the project moves forward, your consultation fee is credited toward the total. Design & Painting Fees Projects are charged between $28 and $50 per square foot. This number includes a custom concept tailored to your space during design development + painting labor, and materials. Additional fees include but are not limited to: travel and lodging, lift rental, UV / anti graffiti coating, extreme site or wall conditions, and additional rounds of revisions. Customized estimates are provided for each project, and rates may adjust over time.

  • What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

    Initial Consultation Mikaela visits the site to assess wall conditions, lighting, scale, and overall context. This meeting is focused on understanding the client, how the space is used, and the desired outcome. Following the consultation, a detailed proposal and contract outlining scope, timeline, and investment are provided for approval. Design Development (DD) During Design Development, Mikaela collaborates closely with the client to create a clear visual direction and color concept. This phase may include mood boards, virtual meetings, color studies, and schematic design options. Whether the client has a defined vision or needs full creative guidance, the process is structured, collaborative, and tailored to the project’s goals. Design revisions and deliverables are outlined in advance to ensure clarity and efficiency. Design Installation (DI) Once the design is approved, Mikaela executes the mural on-site within the agreed project timeline. She works thoughtfully within the space, coordinating scheduling to minimize disruption. Materials and equipment may remain on-site during installation as needed. This phase transforms the approved concept into a finished, hand-painted mural.

  • What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

    To get a better sense of the scope and process, you can start thinking about these things: Size of the Wall: Measure height × width for square footage to estimate painting costs. Complexity: Simple graphic or detailed layered? More intricate designs require more time and budget. Wall Texture & Condition: Textured surfaces need extra prep; dirty or greasy walls require cleaning before painting. Is the wall inside or outside? Accessibility: Is the wall easy to reach? High or tight spaces may need special equipment or extra setup time. Design Readiness: Do you know what you want, or are you looking to develop things from scratch?

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