5 Tips for Starting Your Own Art Collection
A beginner's guide to how to start collecting art
Thinking of starting your own art collection but don’t know where to start? Here are five tips to keep in mind before you begin collecting art.
1. Figure Out What Type of Art You Like
Much like butterflies, no two art collections will look alike because everyone has their own individual taste. From pop art to sculpture art to impressionism, there are many kinds of art to consider.
The first step in collecting art is to narrow down your favorite type. From there, you can educate yourself on that particular category of art, learning about its history and the artists who have influenced the field. You can also visit museums featuring exhibitions with art of your liking, attend art fairs, stop by local galleries, and browse online to find pieces that resonate with you.
2. Set a Budget
You do not have to be a millionaire to collect art, but you do need to establish a budget. Rather than spending all your money on one piece of art, setting a budget will help you grow your collection.
Once you know how much you have to spend, you can begin searching for pieces to collect. Starting small will help you jumpstart your collection and dip your toes into the art world. Then, once you become more familiar with the art market, you can begin purchasing more valuable pieces.
If your budget is tight, look for emerging artists, who tend to offer more affordable pieces, and explore limited-edition prints, photography, and watercolors because they tend to be more accessible.
3. Research
Research is key when it comes to collecting art. Educate yourself on artists rumored to be on the rise and what is performing well in the art market.
If you have your heart set on a piece that you are ready to purchase, research the price to ensure you will not be overspending. It is also wise to check the value of the piece. Will its value increase or decrease with time?
Doing your research will be beneficial in the long run and will help you establish an art collection that aligns with your budget.
4. Ask for Advice
Starting your own art collection can be intimidating. The art world is huge, and there are new artists and pieces being talked about every day.
One thing that can help streamline your collection process is asking for advice. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who is a collector. Talk to them about their own collecting experiences and ask them any questions you may have.
Visiting galleries and attending art fairs is a great way to get in touch with art industry experts who can provide you with tips on what to collect based on your personal taste. They can offer advice on collecting art, such as how much you should be spending on a piece, other artworks that can complement your collection, and how to hang your pieces.
5. Keep It Up
Establishing an art collection doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and learning from your own experiences to build a collection you are proud of. You never know where you might find the next piece to your collection. Visiting galleries, attending art fairs, and browsing online will help you stay in touch with the art market.
Collecting art does not have to be stressful. By knowing the type of art you like, sticking to your budget, and doing your research, you are on the right track to establishing your own art collection.
Feeling inspired to start your collection? Browse the Redwood Art Group Online Art Marketplace—or work with our art advisors who can select works tailored to your needs, space, and style.
