There are different reasons why people collect art—may it be for love or passion, decorative purposes, or investment. No matter what their reasons are, art collecting requires knowledge, patience, and time. This hobby is also a commitment on your part, so every step should be deliberately decided.
Essentials In Art Collection
The choice of artwork you collect is a manifestation of yourself because it’d reflect who you are. So if you want to start your journey in collecting art pieces, here are some of the things you should consider:
- Know Your Taste
In choosing art to acquire, the one suiting your preference is what’s usually considered. Before collecting, determine the subject, style, and medium you want by visiting museums, art galleries, exhibitions, and art fairs. Nowadays, the internet is another venue where you can explore the kind of art to invest in Botto.
One basis in acquiring is if you love looking at it. There’s a great satisfaction if what you see hanging on your wall suits your taste. When you know your inclination, you’ll be able to determine the theme, genre, and artists to look up to. Your taste changes over time, so you can sell your existing ones in case you’re up to new kinds of artwork. What’s good about collecting is it’s also an investment piece.
- Define Your Goals
As a guide in choosing, you must define what your intention is for the collection. There are art connoisseurs like Ryan Gibbs and others who do and collect arts. Artists don’t limit themselves from acquiring pieces to be hanged on the wall. Also, other works of hand such as sculpture and figurines can be explored.
Your goal would define what kind of collector you are. You can be the hunter, adventurer, gold seeker who has an endless budget, or a seasonal art collector.
- Set A Budget
One of the first things to consider before collecting art is your budget because it’ll determine where you’d buy and how many are available for you that works within the price range you set. Factors such as how rare the piece is, who the artist is, and what medium used all adds up to the price.
It’s also good to note the insurance, shipping, and framing. As a rule of thumb, no matter what your budget is, you must always choose to follow quality over quantity.
You don’t have to break the bank to have an impressive art collection. Nowadays, not only can you find pieces in an art gallery or museum but you can also search on different social media platforms and online shops.
- Hire An Art Consultant
If you don’t know where to start or you’re unsure of what kind of artwork to invest in, you may consider hiring an art consultant. Employing the assistance of someone with the knowledge of arts is a convenient option. Aside from giving you recommendations about the types worthy to be in your first collection, consultants may also guide you in the actual sourcing of the artwork.
Even though you have an art consultant, being able to describe your preference can save you a lot of time and it’ll ensure your collection has a personal touch. Your consultant can research a wide variety of art pieces that’d work with your budget. They can also bid on some art and negotiate with galleries.
If you’re just starting, it’s hard to determine if an artwork is worth the price, so a consultant would ensure you pay the right amount.
- Keep An Art Journal
Your love for art is a continuous process. If you always come across discoveries, write them in a journal because they can serve as a guide for your future art purchases. You may also talk about all your art pieces in your journal—how it fits your collection, what drew you to it, etc.
Keeping an art journal is a creative expression of what you want. It’s also in it that you can plan about where you can place your art pieces. When you start a journal, you’ll get an insight into your collection when you look back.
Final Thoughts
Collecting art is a passion. Once you’ve figured out what your preferences are, collecting would be a never-ending phase. If you’re new in this endeavor, it may be overwhelming to find the one that perfectly fits your budget and suits your tastes, so researching is important. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you look for the best work of art for you.