Building an art collection is a rewarding experience that can bring great satisfaction to its owner. But it is not a task that should be taken lightly. Collecting art requires careful research and expertise so that your investment could potentially form a valuable collection from multiple perspectives. If you’re thinking of becoming an art collector, the following advice may be of help.
Choose a medium, a style, or a concept
When conceiving a collection, acquire art from a defined medium, a style, or a concept. Think about museums for example — they organize their collections by time period, domain, or activity.
You can apply a similar approach to your art collection. You can choose to focus it on a specific medium such as painting, sculpture, photography, or NFT art.
Alternatively, you could start a collection that is defined by an artistic movement such as medieval, impressionist, modern, or contemporary. Going on this path ensures you acquire a rich collection of art in different mediums but within the same time frames.
Finally, you could focus your collecting efforts on a specific concept such as love or mythology. This collection would not be bound by a specific timeline and you can acquire works from Antiquity to contemporary art in contrasting artistic mediums approaching the same theme.
Set a budget
Set a budget so you can invest in art without over-stretching yourself financially. Establish a rough spending range and guide your purchasing decisions accordingly. This approach will help you make informed decisions on which works are worth the investment and help you narrow down your search.
Choose local artists
If you are new to the art world, are pressed for time or studying a plethora of artworks is simply not your preferred activity, start by looking at artists that are local to you. This is a great way to discover emerging local talent and invest in art while enjoying what you buy. You have the benefit of personally meeting them, following them on social networks and who knows, you might end up collecting works from the next Picasso.
Stay informed
For the savvy art collector, perusing publications and catalogs is key to discovering new talent. Read the newspapers, scan the libraries and search for online magazines that present exhibitions, artists, or art fairs. Keep an eye out for any new names and opportunities that could help you find the perfect piece.
Ask for advice
Visiting art galleries, fairs and auction houses is an inseparable part of being an art collector. Not only can galleries offer expert advice to fit your budget, but they can help create a long-term strategy for building a collection, as well as suggest emerging artists that are likely to have a bright future in the art world. Arvivid is a great space to fall in love with art and discover new up and coming artists. Our expert team is here to help with the sourcing and selection process
Last but not least, love what you buy. Although a return on investment in art is never guaranteed, it is never a loss. After all, your collection should be a reflection of your personality, and each piece will be a unique source of culture, education, and contemplation.