Have you ever wondered why people start collecting art? At a glance, it may seem like an unprofitable and energy-draining hobby, but the reality is, in fact, more optimistic than you can imagine. Over the last decades, the art industry has become much more accessible to beginners, meaning that more people can now afford to buy art without breaking the bank. Moreover, collecting has become a fast-growing trend that continues to inspire art lovers around the globe.
However, there is a flip side of the coin. Collecting art is known for its complexity and pitfalls. If you do not do your homework properly, the chances are that you will lose plenty of your precious time and money. What makes art collecting so challenging? And how to start your own collection if you are a complete beginner?
Why collect fine art?
Before you jump into building your collection, you need to genuinely answer the fundamental question of why you do it in the first place. Depending on your answer, the collection strategies may significantly vary. Here are some of the most popular reasons.
Pleasure. Who isn’t excited about aesthetics? The beauty of artworks is hardly comparable to anything else. Art makes people feel elevated and complete.
Decorative purposes. Having a painting or two hanging in a room might well enhance the interior design and fill your space with a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Investment. Some people consider fine art a worthwhile investment option. Considering the rapid growth of the art market, including street art and digital art, the future of the industry looks promising.
Remedy. Fine art is a scientifically proven antidote to anxiety, boredom, and stress. Thanks to its healing abilities, you can literally clean your mind and soul. Of course, you shouldn’t expect it to rectify all your problems. In this case, you need professional help.
Now when you know what exactly thrills you, it’s time to make a crucial distinction between collecting and buying fine art.
The fine line between collecting and buying
This brief note will help you with confusion in terms. Some people consider themselves art collectors the very moment they start randomly purchasing art. The problem is that collecting is a bit more sophisticated process implying setting goals and finding the most convenient ways to achieve them. Therefore, collecting happens to be pretty daunting because you need to be extra selective and gradual, which will be mentioned a little bit later. If you chaotically buy what you find cool, then you buy art, not collect it.
How to start an art collection in 5 steps
Step 1. Think and start small
If you do not have any previous experience in art, it is highly recommended that you start collecting pieces by some emerging artists first. Even if you have a big budget, you have no idea what you want and need; hence the chances are that you will get off to a bad start. Try to enjoy the early stages as much as you can.
Step 2. Do research
The world of art brims with movements, styles, and mediums. These are tons of information. How can you handle it? That is why you need to educate yourself and do thorough research. First, explore the market and look at available options. It takes time to understand what you love, but it is a must-have for a successful start.
Step 3. Define your goals
There is one golden rule of goal setting every starting art collector should learn: only realistic goals are effective. If you set the bar too high, you will most likely get disappointed because your objectives are too far away. The best way to do it is to come up with a short-term plan that will help you plunge into the art business without overthinking.
Step 4. Start looking
It is time to choose your first-ever artwork. But where should you look for it? Well, this is another decision you should make. There are actually many places where you can buy art. However, not all of them are reliable sources. Whether you plan to visit a gallery, an art fair, or a local auction house, you should bear in mind that quality is always better than quantity, especially when it comes to art.
Step 5. Take care of your collection
The value of your collection depends on many factors, but integrity is probably one of the most vital ones. Taking care of the collection will be getting more and more difficult with each new piece. From day one, you need to develop several art caring habits that will save your artworks in the long run. For instance, you should transport your pieces with a professional art moving company only. Another good habit is the cleaning and protecting your artworks from dust and dirt. Nail it!
Conclusion
No matter how frightening and complex art collecting might seem, it is an exciting journey you should begin to feel how rewarding it can be. Hopefully, the information above will come in handy. All that is left is to take the first step toward your dreams!
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